The South African Police Service has introduced a new Basic Training Learning Programme (BTLP) which shortens the current 24-month programme that new recruits undergo prior to being appointed as police officers to an intensive eight month training programme.
The revised training programme is aimed at a more proactive policing qualification, which should result in a professional, client-centred service to the citizens of South Africa.
“The aim of this new training programme is to meet operational needs at station, cluster and provincial levels in line with the Back-to-Basics approach to policing. This has put an emphasis on having a committed, disciplined and professional police service that works in partnership with an active citizenry in the fight against crime”, says Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi the Divisional Commissioner for Human Resource Development.
Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi further pointed out that trainees will be exposed to academic and tactical training, including an experiential learning stage presented at Community Service Centres (CSCs) at police stations within the proximity of SAPS Academies nationally.
This revised programme will be comprised of an induction phase of one month, which is intended to familiarise the trainee with the police station and the basic activities of the CSCs. This will enhance trainees’ understanding of police work and should also improve their learning abilities.
Trainees will also be introduced to the Human Resource Framework and the culture of the SAPS including the acceptable level of discipline required of SAPS members.
On Monday, 11 April 2016, 5 000 new recruits were welcomed at SAPS academies across the country under the new programme. Currently 3 000 recruits are concluding 12 months of field training as part of the old programme that is being phased out. This brings to 8 000 the number of trainees who will be ready for deployment by December 2016.
Enquiries:
Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi
Cell: 082 373 2408
Interview requests: Can be made with Rich Hlatshwayo on 083 880 1260 or Rich@tcf.co.za
