Police officers are tough

Not everyone can become a police officer as the job demands certain physical and mental qualities.

That was the message conveyed by Randburg Police Station commander Brigadier Lettie Hugo.

“Joining the police is not a job,” she said. “It is a calling. If someone wants money this is not for them.”

For Hugo police work is all about serving the community, and officers have to be brave and self-disciplined.

“People must be brave enough to know that each day could be their last. We also need disciplined officers and if you do not have integrity do not join.”

Officers must also have the personality required to deal with angry or upset people. A matric, drivers licence and not having a criminal record are also prerequisites.

The process of recruitment is a rigorous one. Applicants are first screened to determine if they are physically and mentally suitable.

Those who are accepted must go through two years of training. They attend college to learn law and are then sent to police stations to do field training.

After this they are sent back to college for further evaluation.

After these two years, the recruits deemed competent become constables and can be placed within different police divisions.

Divisions include visible policing, detective services, forensics and support services which includes human resources, logistics and finances among others.

The work of a police officer is demanding and the mandatory retirement age is 60, though Hugo said people older than 60 can volunteer for the police in “less physical” work.

Details: Randburg police 011 449 9000.