How Many Months Does Police Training Take in South Africa?

Becoming a police officer in South Africa is a significant commitment, and one of the first questions aspiring candidates ask is, "How many months does police training take?" 

This blog post breaks down the full timeline of police training under the South African Police Service (SAPS), including the phases, training modules, and what trainees can expect during the process. 

Overview: The SAPS Training Duration And Structure  

The police training programme in South Africa is split into two main phases:

Institution Phase (Basic Training)

Probation Phase (Field Training)

The police training in South Africa take about 20 to 24 Months.

Phase 1: Basic Police Training (Institution Phase – 8 to 12 Months)

Duration: 8 to 12 months

Location: SAPS Academies across the country (e.g., Pretoria West, Bhisho, Chatsworth, etc.)

During this first part of the programme, selected police trainees report to a designated SAPS training academy. This is often referred to as the Basic Training Phase. Here’s what happens during these 8 months:

What Trainees Learn:

• Law and Legal Procedures: Understanding criminal law, the Constitution, police powers, and court processes.
• Community Policing: How to work with communities, conflict resolution, and human rights awareness.
• Firearm Training: Handling, safety, and use of firearms.
• Crime Scene Management: Techniques for preserving evidence and managing crime scenes.
• Physical Training: Daily fitness drills and exercises to prepare recruits for the demands of the job.
• Discipline and Conduct: Military-style drilling and professional conduct expectations.

During this period, police trainees are not permanent SAPS members, but they do receive a monthly stipend of R4,500. They live within the academy premises and follow a structured daily timetable, much like military-style boot camps.

Phase 2: Probation Phase (Workplace Exposure – 12 Months)

Duration: 12 months

Location: Assigned police station or crime prevention unit

After successfully completing the academy phase, trainees are deployed to various police stations across South Africa. This second phase is also known as the Workplace Exposure Phase or Field Training Phase.

This is where they put classroom knowledge into action in real-world situations under the guidance of experienced police officers.

Key Focus Areas:

• Patrolling and law enforcement procedures
• Handling public complaints
• Arrest procedures
• Writing statements and reports
• Attending court proceedings
• Dealing with domestic violence and other sensitive cases
• Learning teamwork within a policing environment

This phase helps trainees understand what day-to-day police work is really like. They are continuously assessed during this period to determine if they are ready to become full-time police officers.

Trainees may rotate through different departments including:

• Crime Prevention
• Community Service Centres
• Detective Units
• Roadblocks and Checkpoints

Final Stage: Permanent Appointment (Probation Period – 4 Months)

Duration: 4 months

Location: Continued station placement

After completing the academy phase and 12 months of field training, trainees enter a 4-month probation period before being fully absorbed as permanent SAPS members.

During this time:

• They continue working at the station.
• They are closely monitored and evaluated.
• Their ability to perform duties independently is assessed.

Once the probation phase is completed successfully, the trainee is appointed as a Constable and officially becomes a permanent member of the SAPS with full benefits, including a basic annual salary of around R216,033 and access to police medical aid and pension schemes.

Where Does Training Take Place?

SAPS has multiple training academies located in different provinces. Some of the main ones include:

Pretoria West Police Academy – Gauteng

Bhisho SAPS Academy – Eastern Cape

Chatsworth SAPS Academy – KwaZulu-Natal

Tshwane SAPS Academy – Gauteng

All Saints Academy – Eastern Cape

Your academy placement is usually based on your location, language preference, and where you applied from.

Tips for Surviving the SAPS Training Programme

Be physically fit: Training is intense and includes daily physical activities.

Stay focused: There’s a lot of studying involved—laws, policies, and procedures.

Follow instructions: The environment is highly disciplined. Disobedience or misconduct can get you dismissed.

Use your mentors: Field officers during the workplace exposure phase can offer priceless practical knowledge.

Final Thoughts

The South African Police training journey takes approximately 20 -24 months, broken into academic training, practical field work, and probation. This thorough approach ensures that police officers are well-prepared for the complex, demanding work of serving and protecting South Africa’s communities.

If you are considering applying, remember that it’s more than a job—it’s a commitment to justice, safety, and public service. Start preparing today, stay informed, and bring your best to the process.