Careers

Maybe I would like to join the SAPS one day. How can I join and what career paths can I follow within the SAPS?

There are many different exciting careers in the SAPS! Here are the basic steps to join the SAPS and the different careers:

What qualifications do I need?

Application for Appointment in Terms of the South African Police Service Act, 1995 (Act No 68 of 1995)

Someone who applies to be appointed in terms of the SAPS Act, 1995 must -

• complete the official application form and affirm under oath that the information he/she supplied on the application is true and correct;
• have permanent residence in the Republic of South Africa (RSA), of which he/she must present documentary proof;
• be at least 18 years old and younger than 30 years, of which he/she must present documentary proof;
• undergo a physical and medical examination as determined by the SAPS, and must be found to be physically and mentally fit to be appointed in the post for which he/she applies;
• undergo a psychological assessment as determined by the National Commissioner of the SAPS, and must be found to have the profile of a police official;
• have Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification, of which he/she must present documentary proof;
• be proficient in at least English and one of the other official languages;
• have a valid driver’s license for at least a light motor vehicle;
• be prepared to undergo any training as determined by the National Commissioner of the SAPS;
• not have any visible tattoos that are contradictory to the objectives of the SAPS;
• not have any previous criminal convictions;
• let his/her fingerprints be taken and be prepared to have inquiries made into his/her background; and
• must be prepared to serve anywhere in South Africa.

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Training

• 3 months basic training at a police college
• 1 month practical training at a police college
• 2 months field training at a police station

If this training is passed, you have the rank of a Constable and can be placed at various units

Careers

The workforce of the SAPS comprises experts in various fields as well as staff who perform support duties. Police officials are appointed in terms of the South African Police Service Act, 1995 and perform functional duties.
Functional members are those policemen and policewoman who are directly involved in combating crime. Thus civilian personnel are appointed in terms of the Public Service Act, 1994 and perform administrative or support functions.

Functional police members can follow career paths in the following divisions:

• Crime Prevention
• Operational Response Services
• Detective Service
• Crime Intelligence Service
• Protection and Security Service

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