Police training academy turns 10
THE City’s Metro Police Training Academy celebrated its 10th anniversary, having offered 410 peace officer training courses since its inception.
After receiving full accreditation under the Local Government Sector Training Authority in 2010, the academy delivered the first batch of new traffic officer graduates in 2012.
Over the past six years the academy has conducted 50 youth camps with 2058 pupils from 93 schools across the metropole.
Forty new cadets are recruited annually for the three-year curriculum.
Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith said a notable milestone included the academy becoming the first in the municipality in 2016 to successfully apply and receive accreditation to deliver basic firearm training.
This year the academy received full accreditation for the new Basic Traffic Officer qualification, which is a three-year course.
“Our training academy is instrumental in ensuring that the staff we deploy are up to the task. It has also had to accommodate a growing need for training as the various departments increase their numbers through permanent appointments, but also thanks to volunteers and contract staff.
“However, the status of a staff member matters little. It’s what they’re able to do in the interest of public safety and enforcing the law once they hit the streets, and we rely on the academy trainers to ensure that happens,” Smith said.
The academy’s training achievements include:
410 peace officer training courses since inception.
131 Traffic and Metro Policing qualifications since 2011.
8 807 firearm refresher training slots since 2009.
1 069 students trained as peace officers and traffic wardens since 2014.
In March a cadet exit strategy initiative was launched whereby cadets participate in an 18-month programme focusing on peace officer and traffic warden training, first aid and general workplace skills.