Information provided by Captain M Koorsen
Compiled by Mariëtte van Jaarsveld
Photographer: Coreen Mitchell

SEEKING AN INTERESTING CAREER FILLED WITH CHALLENGES IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE? THEN THE SPECIAL TASK FORCE IS YOUR NEXT STOP ...

While 29 policewomen and 30 policemen are still busy with the last phases of their training before they become Special Task Force (STF) members in October this year, the time has again come to recruit new STF members.

If the STF looks like a challenging career, don’t waste any time, because the closing date for applications is 30 September 2004. Late applications will not be accepted.

The STF, an elite unit under the Division: Operational Response Services, South African Police Service, is open to male and female SAPS members.The Special Task Force is responsible for carrying out high-risk operations, such as hostage situations on land, sea and air, as well as rescue-related operations.

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act No 108 of 1996) makes the National Commissioner of the SAPS responsible for the establishment of a Special Task Force to undertake high-risk operations which require specialized skills (with reference to section 218 (1) (m) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1993 (Act No 200 of 1993) retained by section 24, schedule 6 of the new Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.

Members who apply for an exciting and rewarding career in the STF must be -

• willing to undergo and pass psychometric evaluations;
• medically fit, that is, free from injuries and diseases, (doctor’s recommendations);
• able to swim unassisted;
• prepared to undergo training for nine months, (basic & advanced training);
• voluntary applicants;
• permanent members of the SAPS with the rank of constable, sergeant or inspector; and
• comply with the specific physical requirements for male or female candidates respectively.
• prepared to do advanced courses for three years, to become a fully-fledged Special Task Force operational member.

There are certain qualities the STF looks for in candidates, namely: physical strength and ability; mental endurance; a sense of responsibility; maturity; perseverance; rational and methodical thinking; the ability to handle stress; observation and orientation ability; leadership skills; and a sense of adventure with the right (responsible) mind set.

The STF is interested in applicants who do not suffer from any phobias (claustrophobia etcetera). Applicants must be willing to perform duties of an extraordinary nature and, after basic training, to be stationed at one of the STF operational units in Pretoria, Durban or Cape Town.

A provincial selection programme will be held in November 2004 to test and select applicants.

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going” - Beverly Sills.

For more information and application documents, contact Captain M Koorsen or Mrs H du Toit at tel: (012) 329 6879/(012) 329 5868