The core functions of a South African Police Service (SAPS) officer are to prevent, combat and investigate crime, maintain public order, uphold and enforce the law, and protect and secure the inhabitants of the country and their property.

As per the latest recruitment advertisement, to pursue a career as an entry-level police trainee, applicants must enlist in the Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP).

Selected applicants usually participate in the programme for 21 months.

Upon successful completion of the programme trainees will be considered for permanent appointment as members of the SAPS at the rank of Constable. Successful candidates will be trained at any SAPS Academy in South Africa and will be placed at any police station/ unit in South Africa after completion of the Institution Phase.

Applicants must:

• Have permanent residence in the Republic of South Africa of which documentary proof must be furnished.
• Be in possession of a grade 12 school certificate or equivalent qualification of which documentary proof must be furnished.
• A valid driving license for at least a light motor vehicle will serve as an advantage.
• Be proficient in at least English and one other official language.
• Be at least eighteen and under thirty-five years of age of which documentary proof must be furnished.
• Have no previous criminal convictions and shall allow his or her fingerprints to be taken and background enquiries to be made.
• Not have any tattoo marks of which will be visible when wearing any uniform of the service.
• Be prepared to take the oath of office.
• Submit himself or herself to a physical medical examination as determined by the National Commissioner.
• Must be found to be physically and mentally fit for appointment in the post for which he or she applies.
• Undergo and pass a psychological assessment as determined by the National Commissioner and be found to comply with the profile of a police official.
• Be prepared to successfully undergo such training as determined by the National Commissioner
• Be prepared to serve anywhere in the Republic of South Africa.

During the selection process:

• Applicants will be subjected to fitness, psychometric and integrity testing as well as medical evaluation and will be interviewed during the recruitment, selection and enlistment process.
• The SAPS will also verify the qualifications, drivers’ licence, where applicable, citizenship and residential address of each applicant.
• Applicants will be subjected to a vetting process which will include security screening, reference checking, and fingerprint verification to establish whether any illicit activity has been recorded or is pending against candidates.
• Applicants who previously served in a government department and who were dismissed as a result of misconduct will not be considered for appointment in the South African Police Service (SAPS).
• In view of the physical demands of the Basic Police Development Learning Programme, applicants with chronic diseases, physical impairments or any other health condition that may lead to interruption of the training programme, may be excluded from participation in the programme. Should applicants fail to disclose any health condition it may result in their withdrawal from the programme on the determination thereof.

For more information visit www.saps.gov.za