Lieutenant Colonel Kock takes over support services at Alberton SAPS, promises action
Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Kock, the newly appointed support head at Alberton SAPS, is prioritising staff morale, equipment readiness and tackling absenteeism to improve service delivery.
After nearly four decades in uniform, Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Andreas Kock is still rolling up his sleeves – and not from behind a desk.
Now stationed at Alberton SAPS, the seasoned officer has taken charge of the support services division, overseeing key functions that keep daily operations running smoothly.
Having started at the station on June 2, Kock brings not just experience but a hands-on, compassionate leadership style focused on results.
“I joined the police in 1987. This is my 38th year in the service,” he said. “I’ve worked in various departments – documents, administration, archives, SAP 6 stores, and human resources. I’ve always been someone who steps in where needed.”
From passion to purpose
His decision to join the police was driven by a desire to serve and the need for a stable income during a time when jobs were scarce.
“At that time, I wanted to help people. That’s what I’m good at, and I needed a job where I could earn and receive training. But my heart was always with the police,” he said.
Now based in Alberton, Kock leads a team responsible for administration, finance, supply chain management and other critical support roles.
“My role is to ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, so frontline officers can focus on keeping the community safe,” he explained.
Although familiar with many of the responsibilities from previous posts, Kock acknowledges challenges within Alberton’s support services, particularly in the supply chain section, which is currently short-staffed.
“We’re understaffed in supply chain, so I’ve stepped in to assist personally. I can’t sit by while others are overwhelmed. We’re identifying gaps and working to fix them,” he said.
Supporting officers to serve the community
One of Kock’s top priorities is ensuring service delivery is not affected by internal issues.
This includes maintaining police vehicles, equipping officers with necessary tools, and creating a work environment where members feel supported and motivated.
“If vehicles aren’t maintained or equipment is missing, service delivery suffers. I want to make sure our officers are ready and able to serve the public,” he said.
He also aims to address absenteeism among staff, not through discipline alone, but by understanding the root causes and offering support.
A message to the community
In his new role, Kock says the public can count on his commitment to accountability and service.
“We’re here to serve the community, and we want to see Alberton Police Station rise again,” he said.
“If there’s a problem, residents must not hesitate to raise it. Nothing is perfect. If they speak up, we can address it together.”
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