Careers in the South African Police Service

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has a very important role to play in fighting crime across the country. Are you interested in preventing, combating or investigating crime to create safe and secure communities in South Africa? Then joining the South African Police Service can be the career of choice for you. There are various career opportunities available in SAPS.
 

What is the role of the SAPS?

The SAPS is a division of the national Department of Police. Its constitutional mandate is to:

• Prevent, combat and investigate crime.
• Maintain public order.
• Protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property.
• Uphold and enforce the law.

One of the police department's priorities is to recruit more personnel into various sectors of the SAPS.

Are you interested in upholding law and order and maintaining a safe and secure South Africa? Find out how you can join the SAPS.

What various career fields are available in the SAPS?

• Logistics
• National Evaluation Service
• Career Management
• Personnel Services
• Training
• Legal Services
• Financial Services
• Efficiency Services
• Strategic Management
• Forensic services
• Information and Systems Management
• Communication and Liaison Services

How can I join SAPS or become a reservist?

New positions and vacancies in the SAPS are advertised in regional and national newspapers.

If appointed, you’re obliged by the constitution to serve anywhere in South Africa where your services are needed.

The job description in an advertisement will show how and where you could be employed. It will also show the unit or section and area where you could be stationed and what your duties would be.

A job advertisement also gives the following information:

• The requirements and key performance areas of the advertised post
• The procedure that should be followed to apply for the post
• The address or fax number to which applications must be sent
• The closing date for applications

South African Police Service Reservists?

If you’d like to perform law enforcement duties but don’t want to join the SAPS as a permanent member, you could consider becoming a reservist. A reservist is a member of the community who performs policing duties or activities for the SAPS on a voluntary basis without being paid for those services.

A person can become a reservist in one of the following categories as determined for police reservists:

• Category 1 Reservists: Functional Policing. They perform general policing functions.
• Category 2 Reservists: Specialised Operational Support. They are people with a special skill or expertise that can be used by SAPS.

What are the requirements for becoming a reservist?

• You must be a South African citizen by birth.
• You must be at least 25 and under 40 years of age - documentary proof must be given.
• You must complete a health questionnaire at your own cost. This must be confirmed by a registered medical practitioner.
• You must be physically, mentally and medically fit to perform your duties.
• You must be of good character.
• You must successfully complete the psychometric tests or assessments determined by the National Commissioner
• You must have at least a Senior Certificate or a SAQA accredited level 4 qualification. Documentary proof must be provided.
• You must be able to speak, read and write at least 2 official languages of which English must be one.
• You must allow your fingerprints and a DNA sample to be taken.
• Your services may be terminated when you’re 60.
• You mustn’t have been found guilty of an offence or be under prosecution for an offence.
• You must have no visible tattoos.
• You must be prepared to undergo such training as may be determined.
• You must be prepared to take the oath of office.

For more information on SAPS recruitment contact a police station in your area or phone the Western Cape Recruitment Centre on 021 467 8684