reservist Captain Seferino Lategan, a former police reservist, encourages the community to apply to become a reservist.
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A former police reservist’s passion drove him to uphold law and order for 37 years and he encouraged the community to join the reservists' fraternity because an “extra uniform on duty makes a big difference” in fighting crime.
Lieutenant Colonel Delmore Manuel, Steenberg Saps station commander, commended former reservist Captain Seferino Lategan while Steenberg Saps are currently busy with a recruitment drive for reservists who are willing to work on a voluntary basis.
Reservists2 Steenberg Police Station
Image: Picture: Supplied
Colonel Manuel said reservists are in demand as they will “complement our members in addressing crime. When you have members from the same community where they will police, they will have an advantage as they know the needs of that community as well as the dynamics of that community.”
Captain Lategan, 62, a Steenberg resident, said he would have continued serving the police force but had to retire at the cut-off age of 60.
“I served 10 years at Steenberg Saps and 27 years at Wynberg Saps and the two areas have different types of crime. People also have different backgrounds. Steenberg has gang and drug-related crime while Wynberg has robberies but also an increase in drug trade.”
Reservists3 The Steenberg South African Police Service station.
Image: Picture: Supplied
Captain Lategan said the requirements for a reservist are that you have to have a permanent job and you have to go on police training that could take up to a year to complete.
“The reservist gets full training in the Police Act and once a reservist is booked on duty he has the same powers as the permanent officer but the only difference is we have to wear a police reservist badge.”
Reservists4 Lieutenant Colonel Delmore Manuel, station commander of Steenberg Saps.
Image: Picture: Supplied
Captain Lategan said joining the reservists will increase visibility as it plays a big role in reducing crime. “The person who volunteers to be a reservist must be passionate about it as you must be prepared to be on duty for several hours. However, the reward is at the end of the day, safety in your community.”
Captain Lategan said he is willing to assist Steenberg Saps with the reservist recruitment drive.
Nicola Small, chairperson of Steenberg Community Police Forum, said "I don't think the shortage of reservists is isolated to Steenberg. Many other precincts are faced with the same challenge. I think there's a lack of awareness and understanding in the community about reservists. This drive will hopefully educate the community and result in adults choosing to serve in this capacity. The CPF partners with SAPS and the community so we'll definitely support the initiative and assist where we can."
When asked what the role of the CPF was Ms Small said: "The CPF serves as a vital link between the community and SAPS, ensuring collaboration in the fight against crime. Community Policing means that safety is a shared responsibility - everyone plays a role. If you see something, report it. If you know something, share it. Crime prevention is a collective effort, and the CPF is at the heart of fostering this partnership."
Marvin Lombard, chairperson of Boundaries Neighbourhood Watch, in Retreat, said the reason why Saps need reservists is "I would say that our police stations are severely understaffed and reservists will help alleviate a lot of the police officers that are overworked and demotivated, especially in the charge office."
When asked if neighbourhood watch members could be interested in becoming reservists, Mr Lombard said, "Yes and no".
"The disadvantage is that a lot of us have seen what our officers go through so, this has turned them away from wanting to join."
"The advantage is that members joining the reservists may have some type of authority or arresting powers, whereas if you are a normal community member you can only observe and report.
Reservist recruitment requirements:
• The applicant must be a South African citizen by birth.
• Must be between 18 and 35 years old, of which documentary proof must be furnished.
• Complete a health questionnaire at his/her own cost, which is confirmed by a registered medical practitioner.
• Be medically, mentally and physically fit to perform duties.
• Be of good and sound character.
• Fit the psychometric profile and complete any other test that may be determined by the National Commissioner.
• Have at least a senior certificate (Grade 12) or must have completed a SAQA accreditation NQF level 4 qualification, of which documentary proof must be provided.
• Be able to speak, read, and write at least two official languages, of which one must be English.
• Allow his/her fingerprints and a DNA sample to be taken.
• Be prepared to undergo such training as may be determined by the National Commissioner.
• Be prepared to take the prescribed oath of office.
• Understand that his/her services may be terminated at the age of 60.
• Complete an assessment questionnaire.
• Be vetted or screened.
• Be employed and provide proof of employment.
• Provide proof of his/her residential address.
• Not have a criminal record or any criminal or departmental cases pending against him/her (all criminal or departmental cases must be declared).
• Not have a tattoo which will be visible if the person wears a uniform.
• An appointment can be made to collect application forms at the police station with Captain Richard Marcus at 071 604 8381 or 021 702 9005.