The South African Police Service (SAPS) is encouraging people from all population groups to consider careers in policing amid concerns on social media about the racial composition of its latest recruitment cohort.
SAPS says claims that the current group of recruits consists exclusively of African applicants are misleading, explaining that the composition of the cohort reflects the overall applicant pool and the outcome of its prescribed recruitment and selection processes.
The police service received nearly 1.05 million applications during the latest recruitment process. Of these, 1,079 applicants were White, 3,047 were Indian, 53,797 were Coloured and the majority were African.
SAPS says applicants with valid driver’s licences were prioritised because of the operational requirements of policing. Among those prioritised, 556 were White, 1,722 Indian, 11,743 Coloured and 291,591 African applicants.
Shortlisted candidates underwent psychometric and physical fitness assessments, as well as interviews, medical assessments, drug testing, fingerprint verification, criminal record and reference checks.
Provincial Recruitment Boards subsequently assessed candidates and made recommendations on the final recruitment lists. The boards include community representatives, including members of Community Policing Forums, and are chaired by provincial commissioners or their representatives.
SAPS says it remains committed to increasing participation from White, Indian and Coloured communities through targeted recruitment campaigns, roadshows and community engagements.
The police service is calling on young people from all communities to apply when future recruitment opportunities are advertised.
SAPS says the recruitment drive is aimed at attracting suitable, competent and diverse candidates while also contributing to efforts to address unemployment and strengthen policing capacity.
