South African Police Services Reservists

Presentation 21 July 2007 by Snr Supt A Saffer

Ernest Ullman Recreation Centre

WHAT IS A SAPS RESERVIST?

A reservist is a member of the community, who VOLUNTEERS his/her services to perform policing functions or activities for the South African Police Service without being remunerated for such services.

Under certain circumstances reservists are remunerated

WHO MAY BECOME RESERVISTS?

Any member of the community who has a passion to make a difference at community level in turning the tide against crime may become a police reservists on condition that you comply with the following; -

Are you a permanent resident in South Africa; not younger that 18 years or older than 70 years of age; free of any mental or physical defect free of visible tattoos when wearing uniform; in possession of a senior certificate or equivalent qualification (“A”

group only); in possession of a drivers licence although not a prerequisite; able to speak, read and write English and one other language; free of any criminal offence; prepared to undergo training; prepared to complete a psychometric test should you wish to

become an “A” group reservist; prepared to complete a medical questionnaire prepared to take the oath of office; and of a good character?

WHO CANNOT BE APPOINTED AS A RESERVIST a person who has been discharged as medically unfit from a previous

employer: Such a person may be appointed as a Category B reservist; a former member of the Service whose application for re-enlistment was

rejected due to negative considerations; a member of the Regular Force of the South African National Defence

Force referred to in section 52 of the Defence Act,2002 (Act No. 42 of 2002);

a person in a key position as determined by the Department of Labour; a person who holds any post or office in a political party, organisation,

movement or body; a person who is actively involved in politics or who is an outspoken

supporter of a political party and who may violate the non-partisan nature of the Service;

a full-time journalist; a person who does not have a fixed residential address; a scholar; a security officer or guard or a person attached to a private security

organisation (whether as director, partner or employee); a member of a municipal police service (including a local law enforcement

officer); a sheriff or deputy sheriff.

WHO MAY BE APPOINTED AS A RESERVIST (cont)

The following persons may, subject to the condition or conditions stated in each case be appointed as reservists:

an official or employee of Transnet, with the written approval of his/her head of department;

a member of the Department of Correctional Services - if the interests of the Department of Correctional Services will at all times be

served first; and may not be called-up in terms of regulation 5 of the Regulations without the permission of the Department of Correctional Services;

if his/her duties as reservist will not interfere with his/her normal work activities; Public Service Act personnel employed by the Service, if they perform their duties as

reservists outside their normal working hours; an employee of a municipality including a member of the emergency services —

if his/her duties as reservist will not interfere with his/her normal work activities; if the interests of the municipality will at all times be served first; and may not be

called up in terms of regulation 5 of the Regulations without the permission of the said municipality; and

a reserve member of the South African National Defence Force - if his/her duties as reservist will not interfere with his/her normal work activities; if the interests of the South African National Defence Force will at all times be

served first; and may not be called-up in terms of regulation 5 of the Regulations without the

permission of the South African National Defence Force.

WHAT ABOUT THE POLICE UNIFORM?

As a Student Police Reservist, you will receive a full police uniform only after having successfully completed the training.

It is important to note that there are no insignia to distinguish between a permanent member’s uniform and those of a reservist. Reservist should therefore at all times project a positive image of the South African Police Service.

Uniforms and equipment may only be worn by a reservist while on duty

If a reservist makes un-authorised use of the police uniform disciplinary steps will be taken immediately against the reservist.

The police uniforms are annually issued free of charge to reservists.

WHERE WILL YOU WORK?

When on duty a reservist also perform his/her duties as defined in Section 205 of the Constitution as permanent members, namely;

To prevent, combat and investigate crime To maintain public order To protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property; and To uphold and enforce the law

These duties include charge office duties, attending to complaints, manning patrol vehicles, foot and vehicle patrols, crime prevention operations and guarding key points.

Reservists can also be used in support of the detectives if qualified and properly trained.

A reservist is expected to render at least 16 hours physical service per month, to attend the necessary training courses and to attend station meetings once per month.

It will also be expected that reservist comply with all regulations and instructions which apply to police officials and members of the South African Reserve Police Service.

TRAINING

Reservists attend Introduction, Orientation and Basic Training for South African Police Service members during periods as determined.

Training is presented over a period of between three to six month depending on the category of appointment, including the practical phase which is usually presented by means of in-service training.

During the training period reservists work in the Community Service Centre as part of their in-service training. At the end of the training period reservists will be posted to vehicles or conduct patrols within their specific community, or other duties as determined by the commander.

Firearm training is included in the training programme and no reservists will be allowed to perform functions with a firearm if this module was not successfully completed.

Additional training such as training in Domestic Violence, Victim Support, Sector Policing, Tactical Policing, etc could also be presented, depending on the area of utilization.

RESERVIST CATAGORIES

A Group reservists, fully trained, must wear a uniform when on duty, can perform all the functions of a full time member of the South African Police Service. They are entitled to work without supervision. They are normally stationed in the area that they reside in, but may be deployed anywhere they are needed.

B Group reservists are utilized mainly within the Crime Service Centre, do not wear a uniform and are used as auxiliary helpers. They undergo a shortened training course and are stationed in the area in which they reside.

C Group reservists are members who have specialist skills and are used by the SAPS on an occasional basis i.e. doctors, pilots, lawyers, forensic accountants etc. They are not obliged to wear a uniform and are stationed wherever they are needed.

D Group reservists, when fully trained, may or may not wear a uniform and must at all times work under the supervision of an A group reservist or permanent member. These members ONLY work in the area they reside in.

STEPS TO FOLLOW TO BECOME A RESERVIST

Go to your nearest police station. Request to speak to the Head Reservist / SAPS Reservist Coordinator / Client

Service Centre Commander responsible for reservists at the specific police station

Complete the forms provided by the Reservist Coordinator.

Familiarize yourself with the forms needed to apply:- Application for appointment as member of the Reserve Police Service (Selection report), SAPS

93; Health questionnaire, (SAPS 93(a)); Personal Particulars of member of the Reserve Police Service, (SAPS 93(c)); Undertaking at appointment in the South African Reserve Police Service, (SAPS 93(e)); Fingerprint enquiry form, (SAPS 91(a)); Security questionnaire, Z204: Where an applicant is not a South African citizen; and Letter of consent from the parent or guardian if the you are below the age of 21 years If you wish to become a Reserve Air Wing or Mounted Unit Reserve an additional indemnity

form (SAPS 93(f)) and SAPS 93(g)) must also be completed.

STEPS TO FOLLOW TO BECOME A RESERVIST (Cont)

You should then attach certified copies of your identity document, drivers licence and academic qualifications to the application form and submit the documentation to the Reservist Coordinator.

The additional forms will be completed by the Head Reservist or SAPS coordinator that assist you in completing the application forms

Discuss your joining with you spouse, parents & other interested parties, as without their consent, you will not make it as a reservist, as you are sacrificing time away from them.

Can you make a difference?

Every reservist that we recruit makes a difference in the fight against crime.

The SAPS have manpower/skill shortages and by being a concerned member of your community who joins the reservists you will help your community to become a safer place

Starfish? What Starfish??

CONCLUSION

Becoming a reservist is not difficult, all that it requires is dedication and some studying during the training period.

Remaining on as a reservist is more difficult as it is not the glamorous profession as seen in NYPD Blue, The Bill etc.

Its hard work, sometimes boring, sometimes exciting, but more than that, its rewarding, as you are doing something to rid this beautiful country of ours of the scourge of crime.

You can make a difference – join up For more information contact me, Snr Supt Saffer at 011 483 0911 office hours or

by email asaffer@charter.co.za or leave your details at the desk and someone will contact you.

Thank you for your interest in the reservists