Police Trainee

VACANCIES FOR ENTRY LEVEL POLICE TRAINEES: 2026/2027

The South African Police Service is recruiting for entry level Police Trainees and invites applications from all races and gender, i.e. from young, energetic, intelligent, physically and mentally fit individuals, dedicated to serving their country by pursuing a career in Policing. The enlistment details are as follows:

Post title: Police Trainee Reference: TRA26/27 Act of Appointment: SAPS Act, 1995 (Act No 68 of 1995) Remuneration during training: Stipend of R5000 per month (with applicable benefits).

Note: Applicants in possession of a three (3) year National Diploma / Degree recorded on the National Learner Record Database (NLRD) on at least a NQF 6 or higher level in Law / Policing / Criminology / Law Enforcement / Forensic Investigation / IT, Computer Science, Natural Science, Accounting Science will be considered for placement in the following units: Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI)/ Detective and Forensic Service / Crime Intelligence (CI).

Period of Training

Induction Phase One (1) month at a designated police station.

Basic Police Development Learning Programme/ Introductory Police Development Learning Programme: Successful candidates will undergo such training as, where and when determined by the National Commissioner, at any SAPS Training Academy in South Africa.

Probation period: After successful completion the Basic Training Phase, the police trainee shall be appointed as a member of the Service under probation for a period of 12 months.

During the Basic Training Phase, the SAPS shall provide free training gear, meals and accommodation to the police trainee.

Trainees will receive medical aid benefits for the duration Basic Police Development Learning Programme/ Introductory Police Development Learning Programme.

Upon successful completion of the Basic Training, the trainees will be considered for permanent appointment as members of the SAPS on the rank of Constable.

Core Functions: Successful candidates will serve as functional police officials. As such, they will be deployed to carry out the following functions:

• Prevent, combat and investigate crime;
• Maintain public order;
• Protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property; and
• Uphold and enforce the law.

SELECTION PROCESS: Note that preference will be given to applicants with a valid driver’s license for at least a light motor vehicle, including the following qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

• Applicants in possession of a relevant three (3) years tertiary qualification (NQF 6 or higher) i.e. Criminal Law / Policing / Forensic investigation etc.;
• Applicants in possession of other three (3) years tertiary qualification (NQF 6 or higher);
• Applicants in possession of Grade 12 school certificate with the minimum requirements for admission to bachelor’s degree;
• All applicants will be subjected to a fitness, psychometric and integrity testing as well as medical evaluation and will be interviewed during the recruitment, selection and enlistment process. The SAPS will also verify the qualifications, drivers’ licence, where applicable, citizenship and residential address of each applicant.
• Applicants will be subjected to a vetting process which will include security screening, reference checking, social media presence and fingerprint verification to establish whether any illicit activity has been recorded or is pending against candidates.
• Applicants who previously served in a Government Department and who were dismissed because of misconduct will not be considered for appointment in the South African Police Service (SAPS).
• In view of the physical demands of the Basic Police Development Learning Programme, applicants with chronic diseases, physical impairments or any other health condition that may lead to interruption of the training programme, may be excluded from participation in the programme. Should applicants fail to disclose any health condition it may result in their withdrawal from the programme on the determination thereof.