What training does SAPS provide for new police recruits?

New SAPS recruits undergo a two-year learnership programme (Basic Police Development Learning Programme, BPDLP) at a SAPS training college. It combines academic study, physical training, and practical police work before the member is deployed to a station.

SAPS Vacancies 2026 | South African Police Service Jobs

Q: How do I apply for SAPS vacancies?

Download the SAPS application form (SAPS 1(Rev)) from the official SAPS website and submit it, together with certified copies of your ID, matric certificate, and other qualifications, to your nearest police station or the advertised recruitment centre before the closing date. SAPS never charges a fee to apply.

Q: What are the requirements to join SAPS as a police officer?

You must be a South African citizen, aged between 18 and 30 (or up to 40 for civilians), hold a Grade 12 certificate, have no criminal record, be medically and physically fit, and hold a valid South African driver's licence for most entry posts. Candidates are fingerprinted and undergo a background check.

Q: Are there civilian jobs at SAPS without police training?

Yes. SAPS hires civilians in administrative, ICT, finance, human resources, and forensic roles. Civilian posts do not require the police training college and are open to qualified South Africans who meet the relevant professional or academic requirements.

SAPS vacancies are among the most applied-for government jobs in South Africa. To apply, you download the official SAPS application form, attach certified copies of your documents, and submit before the closing date to the advertised recruitment centre or your nearest police station. This guide explains what posts are available, the entry requirements, how training works, and how to make your application stand out.

SAPS as an employer

The South African Police Service is one of the country's largest employers, with more than 180 000 members across police stations, specialised units, and support functions. It recruits in two broad categories: uniformed police officers who undergo the full training college programme, and civilian staff who support operations in administration, ICT, finance, and forensics.

Intake sizes vary by year and provincial need, but SAPS typically runs a national recruitment drive when the budget allows for new constable appointments. These drives are advertised in national newspapers, on the official SAPS website, and through the DPSA vacancy circular.

Posts SAPS recruits for

Uniformed members:

Constable (entry level for the Basic Police Development Learning Programme)
Detectives and investigators (post-college appointments)
Visible policing, crime prevention, and public order posts
Specialised units: K9, Flying Squad, family violence, child protection

Civilian posts:

Administrative clerks and office support
ICT analysts and systems support
Forensic and fingerprint analysts
Finance and supply chain clerks
Human resources practitioners

Requirements to join SAPS as a constable

To be considered for the uniformed entry route, you must:

Be a South African citizen with a green barcoded ID or smart card
Be between 18 and 30 years of age at the closing date of the advertisement
Hold a Senior Certificate (matric) with at least a pass in English
Have no criminal or pending criminal record
Be medically and physically fit, as tested during selection
Hold a valid Code B (light motor vehicle) driver's licence
Not be bound by a contract to another employer that prevents deployment

SAPS does fingerprint verification and a background check on all candidates. Any misrepresentation disqualifies you permanently.

How the application process works

Find the official vacancy advertisement on the SAPS website, the DPSA circular, or a national newspaper
Download the SAPS 1(Rev) application form from the official site
Complete the form clearly and honestly; incomplete forms are disqualified
Attach certified copies of your ID, matric certificate, driver's licence, and any other required documents
Submit the package to the advertised address or recruitment venue before the closing date
If shortlisted, attend a selection process that includes fitness tests, psychometric screening, and a medical exam
Successful candidates receive a training college allocation

SAPS charges no fee at any stage. Any demand for payment is a scam.

SAPS training: the Basic Police Development Learning Programme

New constable appointments are enrolled in the two-year BPDLP at one of SAPS's residential training colleges. The programme covers:

Law and procedure (criminal law, Evidence Act, Criminal Procedure Act)
Physical training, self defence, and firearm handling
Community policing and crime prevention techniques
Practical station attachment and field exposure

On successful completion, the learner is deployed to a station as a probationary constable and earns a full police salary.

Stand out with a short video introduction

Because SAPS applications rely on a paper form, most candidates look identical at the screening stage. A short 30 to 60 second video profile on CazVid lets you demonstrate your communication, composure, and professional manner before the panel even reads your form. Mention your motivation for public service, your fitness commitment, and your readiness to work any shift in any location.

Browse government and public sector vacancies on the CazVid jobs page, or upload your video resume so employers in the sector can find you directly.

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for SAPS vacancies? Download the SAPS 1(Rev) form from the official SAPS website, attach certified copies of your ID, matric certificate, and driver's licence, and submit to the advertised recruitment address before the closing date. SAPS never charges an application fee.

What are the requirements to join SAPS as a police officer? You must be a South African citizen aged 18 to 30, hold a matric certificate, have no criminal record, be medically and physically fit, and hold a valid Code B driver's licence.

What training does SAPS provide for new recruits? New constables complete the two-year Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP) at a SAPS training college, covering law, physical training, firearms, and practical station work.

Are there civilian jobs at SAPS without police training? Yes. SAPS hires civilians in administration, ICT, finance, human resources, and forensic roles. Civilian posts are open to qualified South Africans and do not require the training college.