Police showcase their skills
Learners at Laerskool Die Arend enjoyed a day with the police.
The ranks of the SAPS are likely to swell in a few years, judging by the success of a police day held at Laerskool Die Arend last Thursday.
The day aimed to introduce children to different careers in the SAPS, with the hope that some will consider joining the police service in future, as well as to address issues that affect youngsters such as bullying and drugs.
Despite the frosty temperature and rain, learners enjoyed a fun day before the start of the school holidays.
Various roleplayers joined hands to make the day a success.
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According to Brakpan SAPS spokesperson Captain Pearl van Staad, this included local police, SAPS Employee Health and Wellness Council (EHW), Social Crime Prevention, communication, PHO Career Management, the flying squad, Ekurhuleni Task Team, Ekurhuleni district social crime, MAXD, security, CPF, crime intelligence, waterwing unit, search and rescue unit, mounted unit, accident unit, stock theft unit and the K9 dog unit.
Learners visited various displays on the school’s sports grounds where they interacted with the role players and learned more about police units and careers.
The day started in the hall where learners listened intently to Sergeant Hendrik Potgieter from crime intelligence who spoke about bullying and the dangers of drugs.
Arie, the school’s mascot, also participated to the delight and amusement of learners.
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Potgieter interacted with the children and his presentation included a lot of humour which, despite the topics at hand being serious, made the talk fun and feel less like a lecture.
The children were engrossed in what he had to say and many were quick to ask questions or tell him something.
He also talked to learners about how police protect children and some of the different careers within the SAPS.
After the talk, learners made their way to the sports grounds where many enjoyed a ride around the fields in a SAPS armoured vehicle.
The highlight of the day was a crime simulation, which showed the police in action and how an arrest is effected.
The fanfare included coloured smoke grenades, deafening bangs, blaring sirens and flashing lights. Learners were also shown how police dogs assist law enforcement in apprehending criminals.
The event was also graced by Reverent Godfrey Booysens from the EHW who prayed for the learners’ well-being and protection during the school holidays.
The day ended with the announcement of the winners of a colouring-in competition.
Learners from the school previously participated in the competition, arranged by SAPS, and all entries were collected and adjudicated before the event.
The winners were awarded trophies and goodie bags. Laerskool Die Arend principal Gideon Lange applauded and thanked the SAPS and sponsors for a day well-spent.
