EMPD equipped with new water cannons
The water cannon enables officers to tackle riot situations in a non-lethal manner in dispersing unruly crowds as well as putting out fires.
THE EMPD chief of police took delivery of the first of three water cannon vehicles ordered to enable trained officers to tackle volatile protest situations.
The water cannon enables officers to tackle riot situations, which invariably turn out violent, in a non-lethal manner in dispersing unruly crowds as well as putting out fires. The riots place both innocent citizens’ lives and property at risk.
The water cannon truck offers a comfortable, reliable and efficient solution for crowd control, rioting and preservation of peace and order. It provides ballistic protection and is capable of operating in high-temperature and dusty environments. Installed in the truck are integrated surveillance cameras, night vision capabilities, a PA system and roof monitors.
On the day of taking delivery, several Public Order Policing Unit members underwent training on how to operate the water cannon truck.
Officers charged with the responsibility of manning the water cannon trucks will be trained by the Future of Motion (TFM) company situated in Olifantsfontein.
Training will be held regularly to ensure honing of officers’ skills in handling the water cannon trucks deftly. Once the third truck is delivered, the trucks will be deployed in each of the EMPD operational regions, namely north, south and east.
