Police investing in more investigators, forensic skills and new recruits
An additional 675 forensic science laboratory analysts and crime scene experts are undergoing workplace training at station level. Their mandate will be to improve and expedite evidence collected at crime scenes. Some will be deployed to capacitate the four forensic labs. ALLOWANCES
'As a way of retaining skills and talent within our high-risk environments, we are introducing a scarce skills allowance for the national intervention unit,' Masemola announced.
'We will also increase the scarce skills allowance for the counter assault team.'
The two units respond to high-risk crimes ranging from cash-in-transit armed robberies to ATM bombings.
The allowance will also be extended to hostage negotiators, police divers and airborne law enforcement officers who work in the air wing unit and are deployed to assist ground units during operations, and to coastal skippers and vessel handlers, who are responsible for conducting inspections on vessels that come into the country at all seaports.
Last year, the ranks of the special task force unit were adjusted to an entry level of warrant officer with an increase in their scarce skills allowance as a retention strategy. PROGRESSION
Masemola said during this financial year, police management is considering progressing 10,000 constables and sergeants who have been at their rank for more than 11 years. An additional 1,000 warrant officers will also be considered for progression to a higher salary band. CALL CENTRES
He said 575 call centre operators have been trained and deployed to serve as call takers at 10111 centres across the country. Masemola said this has greatly assisted the service to ensure a more rapid response to crime-related emergencies. STATION COMMANDERS
At local level, 150 station commanders' positions have been filled.
'We have also introduced a mandatory station commanders induction course over and above the station management learning programme for all newly appointed station commanders to assist in enhancing the much-needed skills and knowledge required to run a police station.' VEHICLES AND RECRUITMENT
Budget has been set aside to procure more vehicles for provinces. Priority will go to police stations and units to enhance police visibility and police response.
At the end of this month, the police service will, through an online recruitment process, advertise to recruit 5,500 trainees. Their training will commence between January and February 2026. Eligible candidates need to be under the age of 35.
Among the intake of 5,500 police trainees, some will graduate in August while the rest will graduate in December.
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