Cape Town is currently providing training to 1 000 aspiring metro police officers through a comprehensive 18-month full-time learnership. This programme encompasses rigorous physical training alongside instruction on legislation, theory, and hands-on experience.
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Dubbed as Project 1,000, this initiative aims to expand upon the successes of the Law Enforcement Advancement Programme (Leap), which has already stationed 1 300 fresh officers in key crime areas within the city, according to Times Live.
‘I was impressed to see Leap and metro police candidates taking on their intense physical fitness training this morning [Monday],’ Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said.
‘More than 28 000 arrests have been made by our Leap officers since the province and city teamed up in 2019 to invest in more policing resources.’
This year, the City of Cape Town has earmarked R35 million for the project.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis emphasised the City’s commitment to continually expanding its policing resources to support the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the fight against crime. He highlighted the positive outcomes of their investments, particularly in aiding SAPS’ efforts against gang, gun, and drug-related crimes.
‘City policing operations confiscated 447 illegal firearms in the past two financial years. Firearm-related arrests went up 35% in 2022/23, with law enforcement also doubling annual drug arrests from 4 000 to 8 000 in the same period,’ Hill-Lewis said.
After an exhaustive recruitment process, the programme commenced in December 2023.
‘I wish all our candidates well and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in our communities,’ JP Smith said.
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Picture: @SAPoliceService