Support For S.A. Police Reserve

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31320, 16 March 1967, Page 27

Support For S.A. Police Reserve

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter) PRETORIA. South Africa’s police reserve has been “tremendously well supported” since its inception five years ago, according to a headquarters police spokesman here. He said that when consideration was first given in 1961 to the establishment of a “second police force” of civilian reserves, it was estimated that at least 7000 men would immediately come forward to join. For the last three years, he added, the total number of police reservists in South Africa had been over 17,000. The Reserve Police Force, which has four sections, provides a training similar to that given to members of the regular force.

After completing a course in theory, the reservists are sent out on patrols to gain experience in the field. Wherever possible, the volunteers, who are given arms, are accompanied by regular policemen on their beats. There is no standard uniform for reservists, and certain districts in the country have a uniform of their own choice.

Now it is planned to standardise the uniform in the future.

After joining the police, a reservist is given a certificate of appointment similar to those issued to members of the regular force. The certificate, used as a police identity card, carries a photograph of the reservist and his number.