G.P.-S.

002-0222 SAPS 21

SUID-AFRIKAANSE POLISIEDIENS SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE

SERVICE

Private Bag X241/Privaatsak X241,

PRETORIA, 0001

Verwysing THE DIVISIONAL COMMISSIONER

Reference 3/1/5/1/191
Navrae Div Comm Lamoer
VISIBLE POLICING
Enquiries Director Le Roux PRETORIA
Telefoon
Telephone
Faksnommer
Fax number 012 421 8473
Epos
Email
28 August 2009

A. ALL DIVISIONAL COMMISSIONERS

B. ALL PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONERS

C. All Heads
HEAD OFFICE

D. All Commanders
SAPS COLLEGES AND TRAINING CENTRES

E. All Section Heads

HEAD OFFICE

F. ALL DEPUTY NATIONAL COMMISSIONERS

G. The Chief of Staff

MINISTRY OF POLICE

H. The Secretary
NATIONAL SECRETARIAT FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY

REVIEW OF THE RESERVIST SYSTEM

A-E 1. As you are well aware, this Division is in a process of reviewing the existing
reservist system based on shortcomings that were identified during visits to
provinces and complaints that were received. These shortcomings were
reiterated during the recent Reservist Summit that was hosted by the Office of
the Minister for Police, where it was confirmed that the reservist environment
needs to be clarified to address conflicting views and shortcomings in respect
of the system.
2. Consultation work sessions with divisions and representatives from provincial
level have taken place to obtain input to inform the review of the reservist
system. During these discussions it was clear that the need for a reservist
system to strengthen the South African Police Service at operational level does
exists, especially in rural areas, but that existing factors impeding on the
effective implementation and management of the system must be addressed in
the review process.

3. The review process has been concluded based on the following:

3.1 International research and literature review

3.2 Threat and Gap analysis

3.3 Consultation with the divisions and provinces

4. The first draft was finalized taking cognisance of the above-mentioned process
that was adopted. It needs to be mentioned that extremely diverse views and
input were received. This office attempted to balance the input in finalizing the
first draft for further consultation and input from all role players before finalizing
the new proposed reservist dispensation for the South African Police Service.

5. One of the areas where role players were not in agreement at all, was the
allocation of ranks to reservists. Your critical comments in this regard and
proposals will be highly appreciated.
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6. The most significant amendments to the former reservist system entail the
following:

6.1 The system will be managed as a volunteer system in the true spirit of
volunteerism. In practice this means that the reservist system will be
voluntary without any payment for duties performed. (During the consultation
work sessions proposals were made to pay all reservists a fixed monthly
stipend. In practice this entails that reservists could firstly be viewed as
employees and could further demand all benefits applicable to permanent
members. Further to this, this option would not be cost effective, if one takes
into consideration that an additional budget of approximately R480 000
000.00 would be required if 20 000 reservists were to be paid a monthly
stipend of R 2000.00. It would be more cost effective to employ additional
permanent personnel that would be available on a full time basis).

6.2 There will only be one operational category that will perform general policing
duties at sector level to release permanent members to concentrate on
priority crimes.

6.3 The selection and recruitment requirements for reservists are similar to that of
permanent members, with the exception that they do not require drivers
license because they will predominantly be utilized to increase visibility
through patrols in the sector where they reside.

6.4 Only applicants that are employed will be considered for recruitment as
reservists. Community members that do not meet with this requirement will be
encouraged to get involved in other community volunteer initiatives within their
communities, such as the Community Police Forum, Neighborhood Watches,
street patrollers, etc. This is essential to protect the integrity of the South
African Police Service.
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6.5 Structured recruitment drives will be launched to ensure quality and not
quantity.

6.6 The recruitment of reservists will be aligned with the training capacity
available to train applicants immediately after recruitment. No reservist will
be allowed to report at his or her police station before training is successfully
attended.

6.7 Distinctive insignia to clearly identify and distinguish reservists from permanent
members.

6.8 All reservists will be on a two year probation period after training, during which
duties may only be performed under the supervision of a permanent member.

6.9 Reservists will not be allowed to report at a police station on own initiative
but will be called based on policing needs and priorities at police station
level.

6.10 Reservists function at operational level under the command and control of
the permanent structures and not independently. Reservist coordinators and
head reservists are appointed to ensure proper management and
administration of the reservists at provincial and station levels.

6.11 A specific Disciplinary Code, distinct from the Disciplinary Code for the South
African Police Service, should be developed.

7. Once the review is finalized and if the proposed new reservist dispensation is
approved, the following will have to be addressed:

7.1 Transitional arrangements will have to be finalized on how the former system
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will be phased out.

7.2 The regulatory environment will have to be unpacked and clarified in respect of
the South African Police Service Act and labour related legislation to ensure
that all legislative impediments are identified and addressed pro actively.

7.3 The Regulations for the South African Reserve Police Service will have to be
amended.

7.4 The PERSAP system will have to be upgraded to ensure that all required data
is captured and to ensure data integrity.

7.5 An audit will have to be conducted.

7.6 Distinctive insignia will have to be designed and agreed upon.

7.7 The training will have to be aligned.

7.8 An Implementation Toolkit, to support effective implementation will have to be

developed and communicated to provincial level.

7.9 The new dispensation should be launched at national level, supported by an

effective internal and external communication and marketing strategy.

8. Please find attached hereto the first draft for your critical interrogation,
comments and input for improvement.

9. Your comments and input must be forwarded to e-mail address:

lerouxjudy@saps.org.za or facsimile number: 012 421 8473 for the attention
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of Director J C le Roux before or on 30 September 2009.

10. Your support and assistance in this regard will be highly appreciated.

original signed
DIVISIONAL COMMISSIONER: VISIBLE POLICING
AH LAMOER