However, they do not investigate cases after arrests, as this is the function of the Detective Service of the South African Police Service (SAPS). They share traffic policing functions with the Provincial Traffic Service.

The CTCP can be distinguished from SAPS (who wear blue uniforms) and traffic officers (who wear light blue uniforms) by their black-and-white uniforms with black-and-white check detail. Their cars and motorcycles are also marked with the black-and-white check detail.

The CTCP was established on 1 December 2001 in terms of the South African Police Services Amendment Act 1998. In other cities, such as Durban and Johannesburg, the traffic services immediately became part of their city police services. In Cape Town, this is going to happen slowly and most traffic officers will become city police constables by 2010.

Everyone who joins the CTCP has to have special training at the Municipal Police Training College in Philippi before becoming a city police constable.

There is a committee called the Civilian Oversight Committee, which is responsible for making sure the CTCP operates properly. The Committee must advise the City Council, if the City asks them to, on any matter relating to the CTCP. They also advise the head of the CTCP about his/her duties, and evaluate the performance of the CTCP. The Committee is made up of seven City Councillors and seven ordinary civilians.

To contact the CTCP directly:

City of Cape Town City Police
Unity Building, Polka Square, Town Centre, Mitchell's Plain
Tel: 021 378 1500

City of Cape Town City Police
1 Adderley Street, Cape Town
Tel: 021 400 1405

PO Box 7586, Roggebaai, 8012