How to become a police reservist

If you want to perform policing activities for the South African Police Service (SAPS) on a voluntary basis, you must apply to become a police reservist.

 A police reservist is a member of the community who performs part-time policing functions or activities for SAPS on a voluntary basis without being paid.

You cannot be appointed as a reservist if you:

  • have been discharged as medically unfit from a previous employer
  • are a former member of the SAPS whose application for re-enlistment was rejected
  • hold any post or office in a political party
  • are a full-time journalist or media representative
  • are a scholar
  • are a security officer
  • are a member of a municipal police service.   

The full list of conditions is available on the SAPS website.

To become a reservist you must:

  • have permanent residence in the Republic of South Africa
  • be at least be 25 years old and under 40 years of age
  • have no any mental defect, disease or infirmity which may interfere with the proper execution of your duties
  • be of good character
  • successfully complete psychometric tests as may be determined by the national commissioner
  • have at least a senior certificate or equivalent qualification of which you must provide documentary proof
  • be able to speak, read and write at least two official languages, of which one must be English
  • allow your fingerprints to be taken
  • not have been found guilty of an offence or be under prosecution of an offence
  • be prepared to undergo training
  • take the oath of office
  • have no visible tattoos when wearing a uniform.

The full list of conditions is available on the SAPS website.

Possessing a driver’s licence is a recommendation but not a prerequisite for reservist.

Find out more about how to become a police reservist from the South African Police Service.

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