Would you tackle criminals only after 2 weeks of training?
In a reply to a DA parliamentary question, it was revealed that SAPS reservist training now consists of only 113 hours or 14 eight-hour days.
Yes, after two weeks of training you can now face the world’s most dangerous criminals head-on!
Of course you will be given a gun, which I am sure will come in handy, after just two days of firearms training.
Are you kidding me??
Well, it seems that the SAPS is determined to boost the numbers of reservists they have, however, they are definitely compromising the quality of training, and thus putting all these women and men at risk.
According to DA spokesperson on safety and security Dianne Kohler Barnard police reservists are supposed to receive six months of institution-based theoretical training and six months of field training.
“We cannot accept that six months of theoretical training can be condensed into 14 days, and yet reservists have the same powers of arrest, and carry the same weapons as permanent members. Current reservist training is a drastic reduction from previous reservist training regime that - according to experienced reservists - consisted of over 140 hours spread over a period of four to five months.”
“The DA sincerely supports and applauds those who donate their time to keep us safe, and we are pleased that so many of our citizens are coming forward to serve in this way, however, we are concerned that these brave men and women are not being given the level of training required to take on South Africa’s violent criminals. Can we really believe that an ordinary member of the public - after just two days of weapons training - can be trusted to make an experienced judgment call about when and how to use potentially lethal force? Is it fair to place ordinary citizens that kind of position, without extensive training? “ she said.
Well, I certainly couldn’t agree more.
What do you think?
Comments
Recent blog posts
Recent comments
- emergancy response...
36 weeks 4 days ago - There is hope ...
37 weeks 5 days ago - When in a potentially dangerous situation who would you turn to?
37 weeks 5 days ago - We live in a country full of
37 weeks 5 days ago - Unless there is proper
37 weeks 5 days ago
Anonymous:
Well i can certainly tell you that i am part of the SAPS training in the East Rand area and i know that the training given to my members is the best of the best. Our station has held the highest record for many many years on our training. We are all reservist members who do the training too
Our training is done twice a week during the week each day consisting of 4 hours over approximately 4 months. along with that we meet on weekends to learn paperwork, arrests, firearms etc. only once my members have passed all the exams do i send them to the firearms course which is two full weekends of training by the top permanent force members in our area. After that they work on the road with only the trainers for 3 months until the portfolio's are completed and signed off. then we let them work along with other SAPS members. It has worked well and we've had no major problems with any of our members... I'm proud of them, they are dedicated and willing to make a difference. Most of us generalize about the police but mark my words, most of the reservist members are 100% dedicated and will not be corrupted like others have been. YES I'M PROUD OF ALL MY SAPS RESERVISTS..... BRAVO LADIES AND GENTS!!!
Administrator:
I am delighted to get this post. I no doubt believe that there are many saps members and reservists that are receiving the best training. My concern is purely about those that aren't.
I think your message is both positive and reassuring to many who perceive most cops as corrupt.
East Rand residents are lucky to have such dedicated members as yours.
There are other like yours out there. And this must be highlighted!
Kind Regards
Eye on Crime
Anonymous:
In reply, those who do not receive the correct training would certainly be in danger of getting seriously injured if not killed, that is why it is the responsibility of the state to ensure that each area or station that gives training is monitored correctly. If the trainers are up to standard then i personally think the training course will be a great success. For those who are not up to standard get rid of them. This is not a game, this is your life, as well as lives of the community.
My Reservist Group is of the highest standard and all are very positive, dedicated and hard working people. We are one big happy family, and look after each other like our own. We do NOT get paid for what we do, our only "reward" is given to us by thanks and by filling our hearts with warmth and joy. I wish i could change the thoughts and perceptions of the SAPS but we are only a minority of members who pride ourselves on serving the community the best way possible. Our aim to to make a difference somehow, someway, sometime and to just be there for "our" community when time allows us.
Our lectures are at any given time open to the community and they will help with all sorts of everyday issues we face. We welcome anyone who is interested in joining an "ELITE" group of members with open arms...
WE FIGHT FOR WHAT IS RIGHT THE LAW ABIDING WAY, THATS WHO WE ARE.... SAPS RESERVISTS, FOREVER!
Anonymous:
The training is spread over a number of months, and reservists attending the training are also required to do some actual police work during that time.
Once they have completed the course they are usually assigned to work with more experienced officers until they are deemed to be competent. A lot of the training is therefore on the job training, but there does not seem to be any structures that actually enforces this at station level.
Regardless however, there is a significant lack of further training in the SAPS, not only for reservists. It is shocking how many permanent police officers are out there who have not handled their firearms since qualifying from the policy college years ago.
It all however boils down to the lack of logistical support. There is usually no ammunition available to do firearms training, and if there is, it is so little that it is almost not worth making use it.
Anonymous:
Absolutely ridiculous - you cant have young kids get into situtaions with criminals and not know how to defend themselves!
Anonymous:
It is very sad that our nations you5th are being put on the streets to fight criem for us, and yet they have not received the proper training. This seems so pointless.
Anonymous:
How come this did not make headlines. The state is supposed tio protect us and now they are protecting us with people that have barely been trained. How can you learn all the laws, how to handle crime situations and shoot all in 2 weeks. It is not possible.
Anonymous:
This is disgraceful. I cant believe they would lead these young kids out to the slaughter like this without proper training. It reminds me of that movie Stalingrad with Jude Law.
Something needs to be done. Training is essential in a policemans career.
Tracey
Gordons Bay
Anonymous:
This is disgraceful. I cant believe they would lead these young kids out to the slaughter like this without proper training. It reminds me of that movie Stalingrad with Jude Law.
Something needs to be done. Training is essential in a policemans career.
Tracey
Gordons Bay
Anonymous:
AAbsolutely ridiculous, are they trying to just get these kids shot?
Anonymous:
I certainly would not be comfortable fighting crime in a professional manner after such little training. Some of these criminals are ex army militants who have been trained with guns and explosives and then there is little old me with two days in a gun range. No way!
It is not fair on these new recruits to send them to the slaughter like that!
Janine
Cape Town
Anonymous:
I have a friend who is a police reservist. She has been one for a few years and wants to become a police officer. A permanant member of the SAPS. However, she has been unable to get a permanant position despite a good record at being a reservist.
I just cant understand this given the fact that we want more oficers on the street and recruiting permanent ones, if definitley better then having temp reservists come and go. If it is a money issue - come on! Thery have enough in their coffers.
Anonymous:
Typical. Can they not get anything right. It slike sending off troops into Iraq with only 2 weeks training. Crazy.