SAPS: Basic Police Development Learning Programme 2024

The South African Police Service invites applications from all races and gender for Enlistment in the Basic Police Development Learning Programme from young, energetic, intelligent, physically and mentally fit individuals, dedicated to serving their country by pursuing a career in policing.
Basic enlistment requirements: Young South African men and women who apply to be appointed as a member in terms of the South African Police Service Act, 1995 (Act no 68 of 1995) must:

• Apply on the form determined by the National Commissioner and affirm under oath or by way of a solemn declaration that the particulars furnished in the application, are the truth and correct;
• Be a South African citizen of which documentary proof must be furnished;
• Be at least eighteen (18) and under thirty (30) years of age of which documentary proof must be furnished;
• Be in possession of a Grade 12 school certificate or National Certificate (Vocational) Safety in Society of which documentary proof must be furnished (2024 matriculates are welcome to apply and before enlistment proof of successful completion of Grade 12 (Senior Certificate) must be submitted. As an interim arrangement kindly submit proof of last school report); Preference will be given to applicants who are in possession of at least a light vehicle driver’s licence;
• Submit himself or herself to a physical medical examination as determined by the National
• Commissioner and must be found to be physically and mentally fit for appointment in the post for which he or she applies;
• Undergo a psychological assessment as determined by the National Commissioner and be found to comply with the profile of a police official;
• Proficient in at least two of the official languages, of which one must be English;
• Be prepared to take the oath of office;
• Be prepared to undergo such training as determined by the National Commissioner;
• Not have any tattoo marks of which will be visible when wearing the SAPS summer uniform;
• Have no previous criminal convictions and  /  or pending criminal, civil, disciplinary cases
• and such person shall allow his or her fingerprints to be taken and allow background enquiries to be made; Not have been declared unfit to possess a firearm and
• Be prepared to serve anywhere in the Republic.
• Body Mass Index of less than 30  /  Waist circumference ≤ 102 cm (males) and ≤ 88 cm (females)

All applicants will be subjected to a fitness, psychometric and integrity testing as well as medical evaluation and will be interviewed during the recruitment, selection and enlistment process. The SAPS will also verify the criminal record, qualifications, driver’s license, citizenship and residential address of each applicant.
Applicants in possession of valid driver’s license for at least a light motor vehicle will have an added advantage.
Applicants who previously served in a Government Department and who were dismissed as a result of misconduct are excluded.
In view of the physical demands of the Basic Police Development Learning Programme, applicants with chronic diseases, physical impairments or any other health condition that may lead to interruption of the training programme, will be excluded from participation in the programme. Such applicants’ failure to disclose the conditions will result in their withdrawal from the programme on the determination thereof.
The criminal law (Forensic Procedure) Amendment Act, Act 37 of 2013 requires that all new appointments in the SAPS from 31 January 2024 provide a buccal (inside cheek) sample in order to determine their forensic DNA profile. The  forensic DNA profile derived from the sample will be loaded on to the elimination index of the National Forensic DNA Database.
Basic Police Development Learning Programme
Selected applicants shall participate in a Basic Police Development Learning Programme (hereafter referred to as the PROGRAMME) for a period of 21 (twenty four) months.
The contract period of twenty-one (21) months comprises of the following phases:

• Induction Phase: One month training at a designated SAPS station;
• Basic Training Phase: Eight months training at a designated SAPS Academy (with practical training at a designated police station);
• Probation Phase: 

After successful completioin of the Induction and Basic Training Phases, the police trainee will will be appointed as a member of the service under probation.

The police trainee will undergo an on-the-job training for a a period of 12 (twelve) months at a workplace dtermined by the service. During the probation phase, the police trainee will be designated as a constable.
During the probation phase, the police trainee will be assessed to determine their suitability to be appointed as a permanent member of the SAPS. A prescribe assessment instrument will be used for this purpose.
The service will pay a stipend of R4500.00 per month during the Induction and Basic Training Phases of the contract period. No other benefits  and / or allowances are payable during these phases.
The service will pay a stipend equivalent to a Band A, notch 1 (currentl R152 943 per annum) during the probation period. The police trainee will receive all benefits and / or allowances (subject to the qualifying criteria) that are applicable to a permanent member of the service.
Core Functions: Successful candidates will serve as functional police officials. As such, they will be deployed to carry out one or more of the following functions:

• Prevent, combat and investigate crime,
• Maintain public order,
• Protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property,
• Uphold and enforce the law

How To Apply

Complete an application form in your own handwriting. These application forms can be obtained from your nearest SAPS Recruitment office or the Human Resource Official at local Police Stations as well as the SAPS Website.
Applicants must take note of the fact that application forms and employment are not for sale and any payment offered by an applicant or promises provided in this regard will be investigated and may lead to criminal prosecution. Applicants may report such incidents to the National Anti Corruption Line at telephone number: 0800 701 701.
Specify the post which you are applying for.
Make sure you have signed your application form in front of a commissioner of oath.
Attach certified copies of your: * ID Document, * Driver’s licence, * Matric  /  Senior Certificate (Grade 12 certificate), * Additional qualifications, * Proof of residence.
Applicants who were subjected to the psychometric assessment and fit the profile will be requested, when undergoing the fitness assessment, to submit four (4) colour ID photographs, of which one will be utilized for the application form, one for the fitness assessment form, one for the interview form and one for the medical assessment form.
Application forms can be hand delivered to the following offices: