Become a police officer

Choosing to become a police officer shows the responsibility to maintain law and order, prevent crime, investigate offences and preserve the country’s internal security.

To become a police officer you need to be 1,67 metres tall for men and 1,62 metres for women , between 18 to 35 years old, have a valid driver’s licence and matric, be able to speak English and at least one other language.

Captain Johannes Ramphora, Springs Police spokesman, explains that in order to be admitted to the police college you need to fill in the police application form at your nearest police station and that the application will be taken to the recruiting officers. After the application forms have been received by recruiters, different selection tests will be conducted to select the qualifying candidates to be trained to become police officers.

He says the most important selection tests include psychological, physical fitness and health condition tests.

After passing the tests then the police students will be sent to a training course in one of the South African police training colleges in Pretoria, Hammanskraal, Bishop Lavis and Wentworth.

The training for phase one consists of six months theoretical work and six months practical work in various police stations. Capt Ramphora says the full police course takes two years in order to fully qualify to become a police officer.

He says there are many departments within the police department that one can work, such as becoming a detective, forensic expert, joining the flying squad, working on the dog or mounted units.

He says another advantage is that while serving as a police officer, you can also develop yourself in the field of finance, human resources, supply chain and communications just to mention a few. Capt Ramphora encourages the youth to become police officers to maintain order and ensure safety within the communities.