The South African Police Service (SAPS) is South Africa’s primary law enforcement institution. Members of SAPS adhere to the code of conduct of protecting all South Africans by “participating in endeavours to address the root causes of crime in the community, preventing action which may threaten the safety and security of any community; and investigating criminal conduct which has endangered the safety and security of the community and bringing the perpetrators thereof to justice.” SAPS members are expected to conduct their duties with integrity, responsibility, and accountability (South African Police Service, 2014).
Those interested in applying for the SAPS training college must follow the following steps:
Step 1: Apply.
The first step to applying for the SAPS training college is to visit www.saps.gov.za/careers. Here you can view the available job posts. Click on the job post you are interested in to see the requirements and key performances of the post as well as the procedures to follow, the address to which the application must be delivered as well as the closing date for applications. Download the application form, fill out your personal details then proceed to deliver the application to the specified delivery address. Ensure that you deliver it by the stipulated closing date. Late applications will not be accepted.
Beware of bogus website advertisements on SAPS traineeships and vacancies.
Step 2: Screening process.
The screening process is to determine the eligibility of applicants. In this stage, the application forms are scrutinized to determine if the applicants have the basic requirements (listed below). Successful candidates can move onto the next stage.
Step 3: Psychometric testing assessment.
The psychometric testing assessment tests the applicant’s intelligence, aptitude, and personality. Applicants must be mentally and emotionally fit to become police officers (Akwasi, 2020). Applicants who are successful in the psychometric testing will receive a short automated message (SMS) from SAPS, notifying them to contact the recruitment office. The applicant can visit the nearest police station and enquire about the nearest recruitment office to them
Step 4: Physical fitness assessment.
SAPS members are expected to be physically fit. Applicants are encouraged to exercise and build up physical endurance while awaiting their physical fitness assessment.
Step 5: Medical examination.
Applicants will undergo medical examinations. The applicant must be determined to be physically well for the post they apply for.
Step 6: Selection and recruitment.
Once an applicant successfully completes the above steps, the trainee is appointed to the service on probation for 24 months. SAPS recruits must undergo Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP) once they enlist to join the force (Akwasi, 2020). During this time, trainees will go through the academy for 12 months and spend the other 12 months at their workplace. Once training is successfully completed, the trainees qualify as ready officers and are released as constables.
SAPS Training College applicants must comply with the following:
- Must have permanent residency in Republic of South Africa (Must have a valid SA ID).
- Must be between the ages of 18-30 years old.
- Must be ready to undergo psychometric, physical, and medical assessments.
- Must have a Matric Certificate (Grade 12) or equivalent.
- Must be fluent in English and one extra official language.
- Must not have any visible tattoos that contradict with the objectives of SAPS.
- Must not have no criminal record (Akwasi, 2020).
To ensure transparency in the recruitment process, a board of senior managers of SAPS as well as eternal stakeholders consisting of community members oversees the whole process (Indapaper, 2021).
Applicants who have not received any correspondence within 3 months should consider their application unsuccessful.