Safety and Security Training Centre expands its offerings
08 June 2023
Fifteen years since opening its doors, the Metro Police Safety and
Security Training Academy continues to grow in stature – requiring
increased investment and resourcing to meet the needs of the Safety and
Security Directorate. The training too has evolved over time beyond tactical
skills and general peace officer training to include computer skills, personal
fitness and, in the past two months, the introduction of soft skills training.
The Metro Police Safety and Security Training Academy provides training and development to the City's three enforcement services – both permanent staff and volunteers.
Thousands of staff members pass through the doors each year for basic training, as well as refresher training.
In this financial year, 16 additional facilitators were appointed, taking the overall total to 46 facilitators who focus on various training modules, including Peace Officer and Traffic Warden training, Crime Scene Management, By-Law training, firearm and tactical training.
'The training options have expanded even further over time, allowing staff the opportunity to increase their overall skills set, whether acquiring code 14 driving licences, sharpening their computer skills or making use of the personal trainers who are employed by the Training College. Most recently, we have also started introducing softer skills like conflict management, emotional intelligence and customer relations training. These are critical additions that will serve us well. Our staff members often find themselves knee deep in complex situations where handcuffs and confrontation are not necessarily the best approach.
'Just this week, some of our Metro Police officers found themselves having to deal with a very sensitive situation in Heideveld, involving a sexual assault. They exhibited the utmost care and professionalism for the victim, and arranged all of the necessary medical intervention at the time, before making several arrests in connection with the incident. Experiencing crime or trauma is harrowing to anyone, and it is important that enforcement services staff are equipped to manage different scenarios. Emotional intelligence is the key, and I'm very glad that our Training College is going down this road,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
The Training Academy started in 2008 in Observatory.
As the Safety and Security Directorate has expanded over time, so too has the need for additional space, with satellite campuses established in Lakeside, Tokai, Muizenberg (pictured), Ndabeni and the shooting range in Philippi.
Over the next three financial years, a budget of just under R70 million has been allocated for improvements at the training college.
The bulk of the spend is earmarked for renovations to turn the Muizenberg site into the central campus, comprising:
- Eight 60-seater lecture rooms
- Three 100-seater lecture rooms
- An auditorium to accommodate 200 people
- Office space to accommodate staff members
- A gymnasium as well as an indoor shooting range
- Sleeping quarters for 150 people and a cafeteria
- Archiving and Portfolio room capacity in line with the requirements of an accredited education institution
'We are incredibly excited about the future of our training college and the benefits for staff development and public safety. The college has consistently produced results since it first opened its doors 15 years ago, in spite of many obstacles along the way. These expansion plans have been in the making for a very long time, and to see it slowly turning into reality, is very satisfying,' said Alderman Smith.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
