Police officers maintain law and order, prevent crime, investigate offences and preserve the country's internal security. Police officers have to be loyal to the Police Service and to the country and put the safety of the public above their own personal safety.
The South African Police Service consists of six divisions within which its members work:
Support Services: Some of the services this division renders to the police service are: logistical and language services, financial services, information services, administration services, legal services and so forth.
Crime Combating and Investigation Services: This division consists of various units such as the Diamond and Gold Unit, the Murder and Robbery Units and the Vehicle Theft Unit. Their main objective is to combat crime through: the effective management of information; investigation of offences or alleged offences; rendering of forensic science services; and the management of criminal records.
Human Resources Management: This division includes several subdivisions such as Personnel Maintenance, Training and Planning and Chaplain Services.
Internal Stability: The prime task of this division is the combating of violence within the Republic of South Africa. At present, members of this division wear camouflage uniforms. Emphasis is placed on preventive action such as patrols in areas of unrest. Members receive training in negotiating and conflict management techniques.
Visible Policing: This division specializes in less serious crimes and consists of various units such as the South African Reserve Police, Crime Prevention, the Special Guard Force and Emergency Services. They specialize in crime prevention, the investigation of less serious crimes, routine police services and administration.
Community Relations: This division is responsible for liaison services between the news media, police activities and the public. They must build a positive image of the South African Police Service. The division consists of, amongst others, Community Liaison, the Museum, the Video Unit and the various bands.
Satisfying Aspects
- helping community members in need
- variety of work and specialities
- good benefits
- investigating and solving crimes
- putting criminals behind bars
Demanding aspects
- some routine work
- working shifts
- possibility of injury on the job
- lack of recognition by the public
- generally poor remuneration, besides relatively good benefits
Requirements
A police officer should:
- be emotionally mature and stable;
- work well under stress;
- be responsible;
- be honest and have integrity;
- be calm and patient;
- able to give and execute orders;
- make appropriate decisions quickly;
- have the desire to help others;
- able to maintain the highest form of discipline;
- be physically fit;
- be willing to work irregular and long hours.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: None
Training
Degree: Policing BTech UNISA
Diploma: Policing NDip UNISA, VUT
College: Police students will be sent on a training course in June at one of the following South African police training colleges: Pretoria, Hammanskraal, Bishop Lavis, Wentworth.
The training consists of 6 months theoretical work and six months practical work in various police stations in the province.
Prospective police officers must:
- undergo a strict selection procedure
- be a South African citizen
- be between 18 - 35 years of age
- be a minimum of 1, 67 metres tall (men)
- be a minimum of 1, 62 metres tall (women)
- have no mental or physical handicap
- have no criminal record
- be in possession of an 08 driver's licence
- be able to peak English and at least one other language
- take the oath of office
Employer
- SA Police Service
- self-employment, eventually could open own business, such as a private investigator
Contact
Contact your local police station, or write to:
Recruitment Officer
South African Police Service
Private Bag X94
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: (012) 339-1000
Fax: (012) 324-3417/8