Basic Police Development Learning Programme

Police recruits undergo a Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP) when they enlist in the South African Police Service. Upon recruitment, a Memorandum of Agreement is entered into between the South African Police Service and the police recruit for a contract period of 24 months. During this period, the recruit will be a police trainee and will undergo the Basic Police Development Learning Programme.

Purpose

The purpose of the Basic Police Development Learning Programme is to enable newly-appointed police officials to:

• Use a series of legal and policing skills to protect and serve members of communities in accordance with the Constitution of South Africa.
• Provide a more effective service that will improve community satisfaction and position them to fulfill their mission of creating a safe and secure environment for all who live in South Africa.

Academies

The course is presented at the accredited SAPS academies earmarked to present the Basic Police Development Learning Programme. The SAPS have the following academies:

• • SAPS ACADEMY ALL SAINTS – EASTERN CAPE
  • SAPS ACADEMY BHISHO – EASTERN CAPE

STRUCTURE OF THE BPDLP

The duration of the Learning Programme will be 24 months, consisting of:

1. Phase One: Academy (10 months) – Foundational phase and Practical application of knowledge and skills
2. Phase Two: Workplace experience (12 months) – Workplace exposure at a station
3. Phase Three: Academy (2 months) – Integrated assessments

When police trainees complete the training and are found competent, they are permanently enlisted in the South African Police Service as constables.

Payment and Benefits during the First 24 Months

A police trainee will receive the following payment and benefits during the first 24 months:

1. Phase 1: 10 months at the SAPS Academy – R3 175,00 per month, Free meals and accommodation, Polmed medical aid – lower plan membership, no pension fund
2. Phase 2 and 3: 12 months in the workplace at a station and two months integrated assessment at the Academy – R7 275,00 per month, Own meals and accommodation, Polmed medical aid – lower or higher plan membership, pension fund, and all other benefits (Leave, allowances, etc)
3. Permanent appointment after 24 months: R10 307,00 per month, All benefits applicable to SAPS Act members

The SAPS offers careers in various fields. If you join the SAPS you can either become a police official or a civilian employee. Police officials are employed in terms of the South African Police Service Act, 1995 (Act No 68 of 1995). Civilian employees are employed in terms of the Public Service Act, 1994 (Act No 103 of 1994). Most functional Police Officials are directly involved in preventing, combating or investigating crime. The other Police officials and civilian personnel carry out support functions.

Career Opportunities: