36/1/4/1/201100166
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO 316
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 AUGUST 2011
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 24- 2011)
Date reply submitted: 06 September 2011
316. Mr M W Makhubela (COPE-Limpopo) to ask the Minister of Police:
(1) Whether it is the SA Police Serviceâs policy for police officers to
be on duty for 24 hours a day and 7 days a week; if not, what is the
position in this regard; if so,
(2) whether all police officers are afforded the necessary (a) training,
(b) equipment/fire arms and (c) safety equipment to be on duty for 24
hours every day; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant
details?
CW405E
REPLY:
(1) No, it is not the policy of the South African Police Service for
police officers to be on duty for 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Whilst the SAPS renders a 24 hour service 7 days a week, police
officers are not required to do so.
The prescribed working hours of police officers is governed by the
following:
⢠Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 (Act No 75 of 1997)
⢠Safety and Security Sectoral Bargaining Council Agreement: 2/2000
⢠Safety and Security Sectoral Bargaining Council Agreement: 5/2002
However, operational demands and emergency situations may require
police officers to perform overtime duties from time to time. These
duties will be performed within the perimeters of the above governance
and members will be compensated, either by paying overtime, or unless
an agreement is reached between the police officer and the South
African Police Service to grant time-off in lieu of payment for
overtime worked.
(2)(a) Yes, all police officers are afforded the necessary training to
do their work.
All police members are trained in the specifications with regard to
all duties, and working hours and are clearly explained to them, as
prescribed by the Labour Law of the Republic of South Africa.
All Police Trainees are trained and equipped with the following
equipment on completion of their training before leaving the SAPS
Academies in order to perform duties in a Policing environment:
- Tonfa baton,
- Bullet proof jacket
- Handcuffs
- Torch
- Reflector jacket
(2)(b)&(c) Police officers are allocated the necessary equipment, safety
equipment and firearms to be on duty as required in terms of
prescribed working hours and shifts.
In terms of SAPS Regulation 18(13), the SAPS may issue
equipment, safety equipment and an official firearm to a member
of the Service on personal inventory for the execution of
his/her official duties.
The equipment includes inter alia the following items:
⢠Tonfa baton
⢠Handcuffs with two keys
⢠Reflective Jacket
⢠Flashlight, Maglite
⢠Bullet Resistant Vest
⢠Pistol 9 x 19mm
⢠Magazines, Pistol
⢠Riot Shield
⢠Riot Helmet
⢠Rounds 9 x 19mm
⢠Gun safe
The fact that the equipment is issued on personal inventory means
that the member may, under prescribed conditions, have the equipment
in his/her possession after working hours and will allow the member
to be deployed immediately in emergency cases. The type of equipment
issued to a member on personal inventory may vary in terms of the
type of functions that are performed by the unit or station where
such member is stationed.
Reply to question 316 approved by the Minister