SAPS support measures for members amid Covid-19
THE South African Police Service (SAPS) is at the forefront of the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, urging community members to adhere to the lockdown restrictions and regulations and encouraging officers of the law to protect themselves at all times.
While their aim as an organisation is to ensure they prevent, combat and investigate crime, the good health, safety and wellbeing of members remain a responsibility that the management of the service does not take lightly.
SAPS has confirmed that more than 370 members have tested positive for Covid-19.
Through the service’s employee health and wellness (EHW) component, the service continuously provides psychological support to infected and affected members and their families through a number of interventions such as counselling, daily devotions and visits to SAPS stations and at roadblocks.
The establishment of a 24/7 Covid-19 hotline is another measure that has been put in place to ensure continuous support.
Manned by SAPS psychologists, occupational health experts, chaplains, legal experts, as well as members from operational environments, the hotline aims to assist front line members.
Regular lockdown compliance visits are also being conducted weekly at all SAPS premises to ensure that all members have the necessary personal protective equipment to protect themselves and visitors at all front line points.
The safety of visitors at community service centres remains one of SAPS’ priorities.