6.3.6 The request for the devolution of capital budgets and functions from DPW to the SAPS was on request of the SAPS as early as 2005/2006. It was clear that the DPW had agreed to this request based on assurances given to it that the SAPS 'would develop the necessary capacity and expertise' and were given in addition the assurance that the SAPS already had core expertise in this regard. Members raised concerns that, in fact, the SAPS did not have this capacity and expertise as could be seen by the myriad of functions (ranging from technical functions such as engineering and quantity surveying to basic building functions) that were outsourced to consultants and contractors. 6.3.7 Members highlighted that the extremely poor track record of SAPS Building Services to date (including high cost escalations in building projects completed and the fact that it can take between four to six years, or longer, for the SAPS to complete construction of a police station) raised very serious questions as to whether it was desirable for this function to be devolved from DPW. While DPW's track record in this regard was far from perfect, it was clear that both in terms of costs and timeframes, its record was better than that of the SAPS. Members questioned whether the building of police stations was in line with the core function of the police, which is to fight crime.