SAPS On A Benchmarking Exercise
A delegation of eight officers from the South African Police
Service(SAPS) was in Botswana on a benchmarking mission from 6th to 7th December, 2022. The team is conducting a research pertaining to Reservist models adopted by many Police Agencies across the globe to augment the regular Police.
When welcoming the delegation yesterday (06/12/2022) at Botswana Police College in Otse, the Director of Training, Senior Assistant Commissioner Godfrey Phonchi, informed the team that Botswana Police Service(BPS) employs the Special Constable cadre on contract basis, to complement Police operations. He said most of the successful applicants possess high academic qualifications and some of them are ultimately absorbed in to regular police officers.
The head of delegation, Major General Susan Pienaar explained that their visit is part of a research sanctioned by SAPS on effective enrolment, management and sustainability of Reservists within the SAPS. She added that the task included performance assessment and best practice, hence the choice of benchmarking with Botswana Police Service, as an icon of Community Policing.
The delegates had an opportunity to visit some Police Stations around Gaborone and interacted with Police Commanders to appreciate services offered by regular Police officers and Special Constables.
