Wanted: revival of cop reservist system
WITH the festive season approaching and crime at a high, an alarming decline in the number of police reservists has sparked concern. A response to a question the DA posed to the parliamentary police on the national number of reservists, revealed an 82% decline in voluntary officers over the past eight years.
The number of reservists dropped sharply over eight years – from 63 592 in 2010 to 11 015 last month.
In 2010, KZN had 2 492 police reservists. Last month it had 964.
DA MP and spokesperson on police, Dianne Kohler Barnard, said it was alarming; considering that at the end of March this year, the ratio of South Africans to the police stood at 1:375.
“The under-resourced and under-capacitated SAPS is battling to contain the high rates of crime. Police reservists should be welcomed with open arms as they play a vital role as a force multiplier in providing support to the core contingent of our police service.”
Kohler-Barnard said a moratorium on reservists had affected the recruitment.
“In 2010, reservists were used to man stations as all the officers were out on the streets to protect the thousands of visitors during the Fifa World Cup. One year later, there was a moratorium on the taking on of reservists. The policy was changed, which excluded 70% of the experienced and dedicated members.”
She said that despite the growing population over the past five years, the number of police was the lowest over that period.
“Yet it is rare to find a station with more than a handful of active reservists, who put in long hours for the benefit of the country at no cost.”
Senior researcher at the Institute for THE LACK of benefits, promotion and remuneration are some of the contributing factors that have led to a decline in the number of police reservists.
A Chatsworth man, 52, who joined the reservist team in 1999, has been ranked a sergeant for 16 years.
“Many of us joined to keep our families and communities safe, despite not receiving a remuneration or benefits such as a pension fund. Our move to a higher rank remains stagnant,” said the man, who declined to be named.
He added that an acknowledgement over monetary gain would make them feel appreciated.
“There’s also too much red tape and politics within the service. As a result, many people lose interest.”
A constable, who became a reservist 10 months ago, said there were many challenges, among them not being issued bulletproof vests while working in the charge office.
“A person can walk in and shoot at us,” Security Studies, Johan Burger, said the inability at many police stations to efficiently manage the reservist applicants posed a problem.
“This can cause frustration among potential reservists. I have often come across individuals who said they submitted their applications and had no response; or when they call to find out, they are told it has been received but this is months later. This causes uncertainty. The police need more competent staff, who can manage applications.”
He said that with the crime situation and police under pressure, it was a shame management did not make better use of the reservist system.
“I urge the police to look into reviving said the 24-year-old.
He added that they were also looked down on by qualified officers “because we have not been to a police training academy but are able to work in the same positions as them”.
“We give off 16 hours a month of our time and dedicate more to voluntarily aid to protect the community.”
He said opportunities were not created to join the force.
“Many of us have applied and have met the criteria, but our applications are often declined without a reason. In a country that is rife with crime, there needs to be more employment opportunities.”
A former reservist, 46, at Montclair SAPS believed the decline could be government orchestrated. He worked for two years and left after a moratorium was implemented, allegedly resulting in “a severe hampering in the recruitment process”.
Added to this, he said, a policeman shot in the line of duty would get access to a pension fund.
“But not a reservist, who also endangers his life all in the name of fighting crime.” the police reservist system.”
Chatsworth Community Policing Forum chairperson Jakes Singh said the problem was that many people opted not to join as there was no remuneration while others joined in the hope of becoming permanently employed.
“But months down the line, they realise it is not happening quick enough and leave.”
A retired SAPS colonel, who declined to be named, said the strict criteria had influenced the decline.
Those applying have to undergo a selection process, which included a vigorous physical exercise programme.
The SAPS did not respond to questions at the time of going to publication.