Do you have a passion for justice? Do you watch superhero movies and dream of saving lives—but perhaps in better outfits? If you answered yes, then joining the South African Police Service (SAPS) may be for you.
Ready to find out how to become a police officer? Here is the low-down on what it takes to join the South African Police Service (SAPS).
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What Does a South African Police Officer Do?
A South African police officer plays an important role in keeping communities safe and secure. They are part of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and their main job is to protect people, uphold the law and maintain order.
Protecting people and upholding the law aren’t the only things South African police officers do. As an officer of the law, you may also be tasked with any one of the below responsibilities:
- Keeping neighborhoods safe: As a police officer, you’ll be expected to patrol the streets and neighborhoods to prevent crime and make people feel secure. Your main task will be to lookout for anything suspicious and work to prevent criminal activities from happening.
- Helping people: Whether it’s an emergency situation, a traffic accident or a problem in their community, police officers are the ones that people turn to for assistance. You’ll be trained to respond quickly and provide the necessary support.
- Being a friendly presence: Police officers are often the friendly face in the community and build positive relationships with people.
- Solving crimes: When a crime occurs, you’ll be responsible for investigating and finding the people responsible. As a police officer, you’ll gather evidence, talk to witnesses and work diligently to bring justice to the victims.
- Helping with traffic: Police officers play a vital role in keeping our roads safe. You’ll regulate traffic, ensure that drivers follow the rules and respond to accidents. Your presence helps prevent traffic problems and keep things running smoothly.
- Engaging with the community: Police officers actively engage with the community to build trust and understanding. Therefore, you may participate in events, visit schools and work closely with community members.
- Keeping public events safe: When there are big events or gatherings, you’ll need to be there to make sure everyone stays safe. This is because police officers are expected to manage crowds, ensure orderliness and handle any potential security issues. Your goal is to create a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Overall, as a South African police officer, your main job is to serve and protect. You’ll be working hard every day to make your community safer and a better place to live.
How to Join the South African Police Service (SAPS)
SAPS advertise trials in the newspaper throughout the year and online. Luckily, this job doesn’t require a diploma or degree, but you do need to have passed the Matric standard.
Compulsory subjects you’ll need include:
- English and Afrikaans, isiZulu or isiXhosa
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Life Orientation
There are a few other requirements you’ll need to meet in order to join the South African Police Service (SAPS):
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have a valid drivers license
- You must not have a criminal record
South African Police Service (SAPS) Expectations and Qualifications
As a South African Police officer, you will be expected to exhibit good communication skills and be even-tempered, as you’re going to have to act decisively and without hesitation. Being physically fit is also important—and this is where the trials come in.
In terms of trials, you will have to undergo psychometric testing, which determines intelligence, aptitude and personality. You’ll also be required to take a standard medical exam to ensure you’re healthy as well as in your best physical form and shape.
South African Police Service (SAPS) Training and Career
Once you’re accepted, you’ll go to a SAPS academy for 12 months. Training is a combination of theory and practical, which includes fire-arm training, legal principles and fitness assessments. You will have to visit police stations after practical sessions, where you will observe things such as registering case dockets and completion of official registers.
Once you’ve successfully completed the SAPS academy programme, you will be placed at a police station or public order police unit for 12 months of probation to gain further practical experience and training.
Your hours may vary but can add up to 12 hours, pending on your shift, how your day is going, and what the day’s demands are.
Get Funding for Your SAPS Training With Fundi
Looking to further your education as a South African police officer in training, but lack the funds due to the high cost of education? Allow Fundi to help! Fundi offers funding to government employees, which covers a range of costs—including tuition fees, books, study devices and more!
Eager to find out if you qualify for a Fundi loan? Then be sure to use the Fundi Loan Calculator and achieve your dream of joining SAPS today!
