Officer uses degree to train constables
LIEUTENANT-Colonel Vini Naidoo has used her degree in teaching to help shape and train a future generation of police officers.
She was recently honoured for her work at the SAPS National Excellence Awards at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg.
Naidoo, from Merebank, is employed at the Detective and Forensic Services at the provincial police headquarters in Durban.
Her focus is on criminal records, crime scene management and decentralised development which focuses on the training of police officers.
The mother-of-two was the second runner-up for the national commissioners’ awards for employee of the year – crime records and crime scene management.
Naidoo said she felt blessed to receive the award.
“Being recognised for my work keeps me motivated. I enjoy what I do and I know it is making a difference,” she said.
While Naidoo loves her police work, her first passion is teaching.
In 1988, after matriculating from Merebank Secondary School, Naidoo wanted to pursue a career in teaching but was unable to do so because of financial constraints.
“My parents could not afford to send me to university, so I worked at a racecourse and a supermarket to earn an income.”
In 1993, she was employed as an administration clerk by the SAPS and she was based at the CR Swart Radio Control.
“I studied teaching part-time through Unisa and graduated with a BA degree, majoring in education.
“I went on to get a post-graduate higher education diploma and registered with the South African Council of Educators as an accredited moderator or assessor.”
In 2000, she was promoted to courier management, and in 2003 to the Durban area: training.
“In 2005, my teaching qualification was put to good use when I was appointed sergeant at the police training academy in Chatsworth. Here I did basic police
training with new constables.
“Four years later, I was promoted to warrant officer and was involved in crime intelligence.
“In 2011, I became a captain in the Hawks.
“In 2016, I was placed in my current position.”
Naidoo said one of her main duties was to teach police officers about how to manage a crime scene, from doing the finger prints to managing criminal records.
Over the years, Naidoo has received awards for long service.
In January, she received the provincial award for employee of the year, and team of the year for the Local Criminal Records Centre.
“I have 30 years of service and the journey has not been easy. I have had to juggle working, studying, being married and being a mother.
“But I knew I could never give up on my dreams. My message to the youth is: ‘Do not give up, no matter how many obstacles are placed in your path. Believe in yourself and you will find the path to success’.”
Naidoo also advised communities to work with the police to eradicate crime.
When she is not on duty Naidoo enjoys spending time with her husband, Deena, who is self-employed, and daughters Thiasha, who is studying for a PhD in finance, and Thiara, a third-year law student and part-time DJ.