The South African Police Service (SAPS) says it received some 517 000 applications from youth between the ages of 18 and 30 years for the 2018/19 Basic Police Learning Development Programme (BLDP) intake.
In May this year, SAPS embarked on a vibrant recruitment drive across the country for the BLDP intake.
“The high number of applications received is encouraging for us to know that young people are ready to play their part in the fight against crime.
“Young people are ready to serve and protect the people of SA. We will, however, only select candidates based on merit following their success in all assessment processes.
“These young people will be seen as force multipliers and will assist greatly in the fight against crime,” said the Deputy National Commissioner for Human Resources Management in SAPS, Lt Gen Bonang Mgwenya.
Applications, which were accepted from the 1 146 police stations nationwide, closed on 15 June 2018. SAPS won’t be receiving any more applications until the recruitment process for 2019/20 commences.
Qualifying candidates, who fit the basic enlistment requirements, are currently being subjected to thorough screening processes to determine their eligibility to serve as men and women in blue.
At least 63 000 of the applicants have already undergone psychometric testing, an assessment which aims to measure an applicant’s attributes such as their intelligence, aptitude and personality.
Those who conform to the set requirements, as determined by SAPS, will also undergo physical fitness assessments and a final medical examination assessment.
“Recruiting and selecting the right candidates to serve as police officers is of paramount importance to the continued success of the work and mandate of SAPS.
“The recruitment process sets out to ensure that only deserving applicants are chosen based on merit and that this process is free from bias, nepotism and discrimination,” said SAPS in a statement.
To ensure transparency, the recruitment process is monitored by a board consisting of SAPS senior management, as well as external stakeholders, inclusive of community members.
Next step for candidates who pass psychometric test
Candidates that have undergone and were successful in their psychometric testing assessments will receive an automated short message service (SMS) from SAPS notifying them to contact their recruitment office.
These applicants are encouraged to visit their nearest police station and enquire about the nearest recruitment office. Those who applied and are still awaiting feedback are encouraged to exercise patience during this process.
Applicants who have not received any official communique from the Service in three months from the closing date of 15 June should consider their application as unsuccessful.
Successful candidates, who have undergone and were successful in all three assessments, will be notified in writing and telephonically by 1 December 2018.
Applicants are also encouraged to seek information pertaining to the process at their nearest police station. - SAnews.gov.za
