In this article you will learn more on how to become a reservist at the South African Police Service (SAPS).
How to become a reservist at SAPS
Recruitment for appointment
The recruitment of new reservists must be based on the operational needs and priorities of the SAPS and the need to acquire specialised skills and competencies to ensure that suitable community members are recruited.
Emphasis should be put on recruiting suitable former members of the SAPS. Such members should be encouraged to join as reservists to share their knowledge and experience.
The attention of prospective reservists must be drawn to the fact that their services are voluntary duties, without any remuneration, and that their position as a reservist does not ensure that they will be appointed if they should apply for a permanent position in the SAPS.
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What are the requirements for appointment?
A candidate must comply with the following, basic enlistment requirements:
- Be a South African citizen by birth
- Be at least 25, but under 40 years of age, of which documentary proof must be furnished
- Complete a health questionnaire, at his or her own cost, which is confirmed by a registered medical practitioner
- Be medically, mentally and physically fit to perform duties
- Be of good and sound character
- Fit the psychometric profile and must successfully complete any other test that may be determined by the National Commissioner
- Be in possession of at least a senior certificate (Grade 12) or must have successfully completed a SAQA accredited NQF level 4 qualification, of which documentary proof must be provided
- Be able to speak, read and write at least two official languages, of which one must be English
- Allow his or her fingerprints and a DNA sample to be taken
- Be prepared to undergo such training as may be determined by the National Commissioner
- Be prepared to take the prescribed oath of office
- Understand that his or her services may be terminated at the age of 60
- Complete an assessment questionnaire
- Be vetted or screened
- Be employed and provide proof of employment
- Provide proof of his or her residential address
- Not have a criminal record or any criminal or departmental cases pending against him or her (all criminal or departmental cases must be declared)
- Not have a tattoo which will be visible if the person wears a uniform
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A person may not be appointed under the following circumstances
- If he/she was discharged as being medically unfit by a previous employer
- Is a former member of the SAPS whose application for re-enlistment was rejected due to negative considerations
- Is a member of the Regular Force of the National Defence Force referred to in section 52 of the Defence Act, 2002 (Act No 42 of 2002)
- Holds a key position as determined by the Department of Labour
- Holds any post or office in a political party, organisation, movement or body
- 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 SAPS
- Is a full-time or part-time journalist
- Does not have a fixed residential address
- Is not in full-time employment
- Is a scholar
- Is a bouncer or chucker-out
- Is a member of a municipal police service (including a local law enforcement officer)
- Is a sheriff or deputy sheriff
How to apply:
Reservists will in future be appointed as police reservists without ranks. Existing reservists will however retain their current ranks until resignation or termination of their appointment.