The new proposed regulations to govern the reservists within the SAPS reminds me of the apartheid era when I was a traffic officer in the City of Johannesburg. Police officers as well as traffic officers of colour wore a different colour uniform. We were not allowed to arrest or fine any white person even if they were committing an offence in our presence. What was worse to accept was the fact that law enforcement officers of colour, could not progress beyond the rank of Warrant Officer.
All officers of colour, irrespective of rank and years of experience, had to take orders from a white officer. We did the same work, were paid less, were barred from carrying firearms and we were subordinate to our white counterparts.
The proposed regulations will to a large extent impose similar restrictions on the reservists police, who on most occasions make up more than 65% of the contingent of any police station over weekends and, public holidays. In most instances it will be found that the crime stats are lower and the number of arrests higher at any police station during the time that reservists are on duty. They often do a better job and act more professionally than many permanent police officers, who believe that they are doing the public a favour.
These men and women volunteer their valuable time and put their lives at risk to be of service to the citizens of our beautiful country. Overall there is already a lack of respect and appreciation for our police, and these regulations propose that the insignia worn by the reservists will clearly identify them as such, which will in my opinion, hamper these volunteers in the execution of their duties as the public may not take them as seriously.
In fact it could put their lives at greater risk, because a perception could prevail that they (reservists) have less authority than permanent police officers. Presently these reservists cannot operate on their own unless they have a minimum of three years experience. Reservists with the rank of Sergeant and upward already take on the responsibility of Shift Commanders over the reservists working at any given time.
I understand the problem the SAPS has faced over the past few years when some unemployed reservists demanded that they be paid or taken up as permanent workers, and I recall that when a person applied to become a reservist, one of the criteria was that you had to be employed. This criteria was meant to avoid the possibility of volunteers demanding salaries or to be permanently employed.
Where reservist police are utilised in any country overseas, they are not discriminated against in any form. They wear the exact same uniform and insignia of their permanent counterparts. They have the same powers and authority vested in them, and they are greatly appreciated. Why change something that works?
John C Moodey MPL, is Leader of the Democratic Alliance in the Gauteng Legislature and Deputy Spokesperson on Community Safety in Gauteng, November 17 2010
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