This follows the fraud allegations implicating several top cops.
Phiyega has approved changes to the recruitment strategy of entry level constables, to ensure that only the best suited candidates are allowed into the SAPS.
National police spokesman Lieut Solomon Makgale said that, from now on, there will be a community consultation process, publishing of names and a grooming camp for would-be police officers.
A community-orientated recruitment and selection process is intended to eliminate risks in terms of corruption, nepotism, discrimination, applicants with previous convictions/cases pending, fraudulent qualifications and promises of employment made in return for favours.
Makgale said local community-based organisations, such as Community Policing Forums, schools and churches, will be consulted with regard to applicants who are to be enlisted, before a final decision is taken as to their eligibility.
Candidates’ names will also be published in the local media for scrutiny.
This, Makgale said, would afford the community the opportunity to comment on the enlistment of applicants who are provisionally recommended for possible enlistment.
Makgale added that, as part of the final selection process, prospective applicants complying with all criteria will undergo a final selection by means of a “Grooming Camp”, where the cream of the crop will be selected.
“Activities at the grooming camp will include, but are not limited to, driving proficiency, vetting, integrity testing, fitness assessments, verbal communication and written assessments,” he said.
Successful candidates will be presented to the community in the form of a parade, before reporting to the SAPS Training Academies.
This will be done to afford the community an opportunity to give input.
