South Africa – July 2025 – Alright, here we go again. The SAPS just cracked open applications for its 2025/2026 Police Trainee Programme. So if you’re a young South African thinking, “Hey, maybe I could wear the blue and actually make a difference,” this is your shot. Plus, you score some solid life skills and a taste of the wild world of law enforcement. Not too shabby.
They do this every year, by the way. It’s basically SAPS’ way of saying, “Hey, we need more good people in uniform, and we’re not just looking for the same old faces.” The goal? Build a police force that actually gets what’s happening in communities today, not one stuck in the past.
So, what’s the deal with this Police Trainee Programme? Well, it’s got two main parts. First up, you’ve got the Basic Police Development Learning Programme (or BPDLP if you’re into acronyms). That bit runs for 21 months. It’s a mix of classic academy training (think: drills, lectures, the whole nine yards) plus some hands-on work so you don’t just live in a classroom.
After that, you’re off to a real police station somewhere in the country. You’re still on probation, but you’re in the thick of it—getting your hands dirty, learning the ropes, and hopefully not screwing up too badly. Oh, and yeah, you get paid a stipend the whole time. When you finish? Congrats, you’re a proper constable.
Now, what’s new this year? They’re putting the spotlight on a few things:
– Community Policing – Big push to fix that whole “us vs. them” vibe between cops and locals. About time, right?
– Tech & Crime Prevention – Gotta keep up with the hackers and TikTok scammers, so there’s more training on digital stuff and forensics.
– Inclusivity – They’re serious about bringing in folks from rural areas and places that don’t usually get a foot in the door. Not just city kids with connections.
Minister Bheki Cele even chimed in, saying they don’t just want to hit recruitment targets. They want people with heart, guts, and a real sense of justice. So if you’re just here for the paycheck, maybe think twice. But if you want to lead (and maybe even change a few minds about the SAPS), well, your move.
Location: Nationwide, South Africa
Reference: TRAINEE2025/2026
Programme Overview
The SAPS Police Trainee Programme is a contract-based development opportunity that includes both academic training and practical field experience.
Training Phases and Remuneration
| Phase | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution Phase | Basic Training at SAPS Academies |
| Stipend | R4 500 per month |
| Probation Phase | After training in the Academies |
| Salary Notch | R238 629 per annum (plus applicable benefits) |
Who Can Apply?
- South African citizens between 18 and 35 years old
- Physically and mentally fit individuals
- Must be committed to a career in policing
- No criminal record
Applicants with a 3-year National Diploma/Degree (NQF level 6 or higher) in Law, Policing, Criminology, Law Enforcement, Forensics, or IT will be considered for placement in the following specialised units:
- Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI)
- Detective and Forensic Services
- Crime Intelligence (CI)
Core Functions of a Police Trainee
- Prevent, combat, and investigate crime
- Maintain public order
- Protect and secure citizens and property
- Uphold and enforce the law
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted online via the SAPS Careers Website.
Note: You may submit only one application. The system allows just one submission per applicant.
I would like to apply