Twenty new traffic officers will be watching the city’s streets with hawk eyes this festive season.
The new recruits received their certificates at a graduation ceremony on Friday 15 December after completing their studies and practical assessments.
These rookies are the latest group of recruits to have completed the programme, six months after 30 others graduated.
A selection process to whittle down the thousands of applications meant candidates had to complete written and physical assessments.
This was followed by a round of interviews, medical examinations, criminal checks and reference checks.
The group of 20 that was left standing after the rigours of the assessment then completed a 12-month Further Education and Training course in Road Traffic Law Enforcement, offered in partnership with the Metro Police Training Academy.
The course also included training in handling firearms, conducting roadblocks and point duty, and restraining techniques.
“The learnership programme has made it possible for us to replenish staff numbers where officers have retired or resigned, but it is also an opportunity to increase the number of traffic officers in Cape Town. Road safety continues to be one of our biggest headaches and so these new recruits will have their work cut out for them,” said JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security.
“I also caution the public not to underestimate the rookies. At our recent annual awards, one of the 2016 graduates was a nominee for officer of the year after generating nearly 6000 cases, confiscating 168 cellphones and making 49 arrests in his first year on the job.
“That is the calibre of officer who is donning the uniform and is indicative of the passion and enthusiasm that these graduates bring.”
