Peace Officers find further opportunities with various stakeholders

Between 2022 to date, the Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety has created 206 Peace Officer (PO) opportunities across 13 municipalities in the province. Of these, 61 (30%) have found permanent or extended contract positions from various safety and other stakeholders, which include opportunities within their local municipalities.

These municipalities and further opportunities are:

MUNICIPALITY EXTERNAL PERMANENT/EXTENDED CONTRACT SAFETY POSITIONS ATTAINED

Swartland 18

Overstrand 15

Mossel Bay 13

Stellenbosch 6

Bergrivier 3

Witzenberg 2

Hessequa 1

Bitou 1

Knysna 1

Swellendam 1

In addition to this, the Bergrivier municipality also ensured 3 placings in “Other Non-Safety permanent positions.” 

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen said: “The PO programme is truly empowering and the recognition of these officers in this manner, shows the value others are seeing in them. My gratitude goes to our municipalities and the other stakeholders for assisting our PO’s further. As the Western Cape Government, we invest in our residents, particularly our young people, so that when further job opportunities arise, they are ready to capatilise on it. Jobs and safety are the two elements that brings about greater dignity, and these remain our priorities.” 

This PO-programme forms part of the Western Cape Safety Plan (WCSP), which prioritises the strengthening of Municipal Law Enforcement capacity across the Western Cape, particularly to enhance urban/rural safety and combat crime within communities. 

The training afforded to the individuals, provided them with the capability to demonstrate and understand the role and function of a Peace Officer and Traffic Warden. The following criteria is covered:

• Law Enforcement and the Constitution;

• The Constitution of South Africa 108 of 1995;

• Principles of criminal law and rules of interpretation of law;

• Outline of the law of criminal procedure;

• Legislation and the national road traffic act pertaining to traffic wardens;

• Schedule 1 and 3 offences;

• Law of Evidence and Criminal courts;

• Practical: 56 & 341 administrative notices and

• Adherence to professional conduct and organisational ethics.

Along with the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) Certificate, graduates also received a 12-month Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) contract/internship within the respective municipality.

“The job experience offered to Peace Officers through the EPWP contracts and internships assists in preparing them for the job market and setting them up as ideal candidates. I would like to encourage our municipalities and various other public and private stakeholders to consider our PO’s seriously for any jobs and further upskilling opportunity. These officers are equipped and ready for any prospect that is presented to them,” concluded Minister Reagen Allen.