JMPD completes trainee recruitment drive
There were many applications received, but only 500 spots were available for the recruits to fill.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has concluded its trainee physical assessment recruitment drive after long days of activity at the Ruimsig Athletics Stadium.
The City of Johannesburg received 186 250 applications for 500 trainee positions. From this pool, 37 795 applicants were shortlisted for assessments. The fitness tests began in late August and were scheduled to finish on September 15, but had to be extended until September 26 due to the large number of applications received.
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At the stadium, applicants were required to complete a 5km timed run, wall climbs, push-ups, and sit-ups to prove their physical readiness. Those who met the standards carried on to further stages, including aptitude testing, medical examinations, interviews, and vetting processes.
Applications for the 2025 intake were accepted online between June 25 and July 8, with tight eligibility requirements. These included being South African residents aged 18 to 35, having a Senior Certificate, a valid driver’s license, proof of residence in Johannesburg, and a clean criminal record. A medical certificate proving physical and mental fitness was also required. Of the shortlisted pool, 17 846 were women.
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The 500 successful candidates are expected to begin an 18-month training programme at the JMPD Academy on January 1. During the training, the candidates will take on theoretical and practical modules like legal topics, first aid, handgun handling, traffic laws, and crime prevention. There will also be sessions on mental health awareness, and trauma debriefing will be offered as extra support.
The candidates, who are expected to graduate in mid-2026, will take the Oath of Office before they can be considered for permanent positions as metro police officers. This recruitment has been confirmed by the department to form part of efforts to enhance public safety and strengthen law enforcement within the City of Johannesburg.
