Durban - The SAPS has cut training for recruits from 24 to eight months to meet operational needs at station, cluster and provincial levels in line with the back-to-basics approach to policing.
According Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the divisional commissioner for human resource development, the revised training programme is aimed at a more proactive policing qualification, which should result in a professional, client-centred service to the citizens of South Africa.
“The aim of this programme is to meet operational needs at station, cluster and provincial levels in line with the back-to-basics approach to policing. This has put an emphasis on having a committed, disciplined and professional police service that works in partnership with an active citizenry in the fight against crime,” he said.
A senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studie, Dr Johan Burger, said they were “cautiously optimistic so far about the restructuring taking place in the police... especially at the senior management level (horses for courses’ principle), and also the back-to-basics approach”.
“We hope that the new programme ties in neatly with these positive developments for the simple reason that no amount of training, on its own, without efficient management at the local level - where these inexperienced members are to be deployed - will adequately equip them for their policing responsibilities as professionals,” he said.
With Mkhwanazi being a solid operational police officer with his roots firmly in the special task force and operational response services, a lot of focus on improving discipline, fitness and the correct use of firearms and other weapons and equipment should be expected, said Burger.
“I think, at this stage, this is a necessary focus.”
Burger warned that at the same time, Mkhwanazi should be careful not to enhance the “perception of militarism”.
Mkhwanazi said the trainees would be exposed to academic and tactical training, including an experiential learning stage presented at community service centres at police stations within the proximity of SAPS academies nationally.
He added: “This revised programme will be comprised of an induction phase of one month, which is intended to familiarise the trainee with the police station and the basic activities of the community service centres.
“This will enhance trainees' understanding of police work and should also improve their learning abilities.”
Mkhwanazi said the trainees would also be introduced to the Human Resource Framework and the culture of the SAPS including the acceptable level of discipline required of SAPS members.
On Monday, 5 000 new recruits were welcomed at SAPS academies across the country under the new programme. However, 3 000 recruits are concluding 12 months of field training as part of the old programme that is being phased out.
The Mercury