Police Ministry announces new police ranks, March 11 2010

"Change forms part of transformation of a new, effective and disciplined force"

The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa today announced that the new ranks of the members of the police will be implemented on 1 April 2010.

"Police forces around the world are referred to as the Force and their ranks are accordingly linked to such designations. We have taken a stance as this government of fighting crime and fighting it tough. The rank changes are therefore in line with our transformation of the force, not only in terms of a name-change but change in attitude, thinking and operational duties," he stated.

The ministry is neither naïve nor folly that a mere change in ranks will automatically lead to dramatic decline in crimes.

"We are cognisant of the fact that this is a process in progress, in other words, change will not come overnight. This should not be misinterpreted as merely the militarisation of the police but as part of our new approach of being fierce towards criminals, while lenient to citizens' safety and maintaining good discipline within the force.

"For us to achieve these and other objectives there are certain steps we have undertaken to ensure we win this war, which by the way has been waged by senseless criminals. This is a people's war against criminals. For any force to discharge its tasks effectively there needs to be a commander because wars are led by commanders.

"Our approach in the fight against crime which is anchored by and large in the intelligence work, partnerships with communities, review of the criminal justice systems and what we have done over the past few months and years," highlighted Minister Mthethwa.

It needs to be borne in mind that the issue of the ranks has always been a contentious issue; it has always been an operational matter. Society should therefore view this from a human resource perspective and as part of the leadership's response to addressing these issues. There is evidence of officers who have been in one position for a number of years, without promotion they so deserve. This must and will change.

"The first premise is around enforcing highest form of discipline within the police, be it from a point of view of retraining, re-skilling, police according respect to their peers, commanders and society in general. Even from a point of view of police parading before they start their work, like everywhere else in the world."

There are two aspects to these changes: the post and the rank. The posts as stipulated in the Constitution will remain unchanged. Between the ranks captain and inspector there is going to be a new rank introduced known as lieutenant. Between superintendent and captain another new rank known as Major will be introduced.

The criteria for both these new ranks, as part of the South African Police Service (SAPS) human resource policy which governs criteria are currently being finalised and will be announced at a later stage. This way we are beginning to factor in the upward mobility to ensure our members are accordingly and deservedly rewarded.

Below is an outline of the current and new police ranks:

* Current ranks

National commissioner
Deputy national commissioner
Divisional commissioner
Provincial commissioner
Assistant commissioner
Director
Senior superintendent
Superintendent

* New ranks

General
Lieutenant-general
Major-general
Brigadier
Colonel
Lieutenant-colonel

* Currently does not exist
Captain

* New ranks
Major
Captain

* Currently does not exist
Inspector
Sergeant
Constable

* New ranks
Constable
Lieutenant
Warrant Officer
Sergeant

In terms of whether these changes will have any legal in terms of the Constitution or significant financial implications on the department, the minister emphasised that the leadership carefully took into consideration this factor and to date all the feasibility checks indicate that it will not.

The leadership and management of police is intent on attracting quality not quantity in the force. From time to time we will continuously sharpen our ammunition and arsenals, both tactically and strategically. The change further talks to our change in mindsets and physique of our force, which includes amongst others the introduction of gymnasiums at our police stations across the country.

This is the new kind of force we are building and transforming; a force that will have no mercy on any criminal activity but one dedicated towards protecting the citizens of the country.

We further need to emphasise that change in ranks alone will not scare criminals to refrain from their wicked acts. To a large extent this is about instilling command and control within police. Practical operations by police who are dedicated in their duties, responding to crime scenes on time, working hard and smart and upholding the highest form of discipline.

To this end, the newly formed tactical response team model is currently underway and we have already begun to see swift responses to crime scenes, resulting in apprehending of dangerous criminals. The idea of a change in police ranks was first mooted in September last year during the first meeting between President Jacob Zuma and over 1 000 station commanders from around the country held in Thaba Tshwane, Pretoria.

Statement issued by South African Police Service, March 11 2010

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