The Metro Police Training Academy was opened in 2008, and has grown in stature ever since. After receiving full accreditation under the Local Government Sector Training Authority in 2010 and the Safety and Security SETA the following year, the academy delivered the first batch of new traffic officer graduates in 2012.

Other notable milestones included becoming the first municipality in 2016 to successfully apply and receive accreditation to deliver basic firearm training, which enabled the academy’s instructors to independently train officers in basic firearm competency.

In 2017, a satellite training venue was opened in Lakeside along with a night school programme for Law Enforcement volunteers and staff employed through the Expanded Public Works Programme.

Just this year, the academy received full accreditation for the new Basic Traffic Officer qualification which is a three-year course.

‘Our training academy is instrumental in ensuring that the staff we deploy are up to the task. It’s also had to accommodate a growing need for training as the various departments increase their numbers through permanent appointments, but also thanks to its complement of volunteers and contract staff.

‘However, the status of a staff member matters little. It’s what they’re able to do in the interest of public safety and enforcing the law once they hit the streets, and we rely on the academy trainers to ensure that happens,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security; and Social Services, Alderman JP Smith.

Some of the academy’s training achievements include:

• 410 peace officer training courses since inception
• 131 Traffic and Metro Policing qualifications since 2011
• 8 807 firearm refresher training slots since 2009
• 1 069 students trained as peace officers and traffic wardens since 2014

‘These are very important achievements, but I think the one that is closest to my heart is the Youth Cadet programme that the academy implemented in 2012 through a series of youth camps. It is the flagship Metro Police social crime prevention programme and has already achieved great results for a number of youth at risk who are part of the initiative,’ added Alderman Smith.

Since 2012, the training academy has conducted 50 youth camps with 2 058 learners from 93 schools across the metropole. Forty new cadets are recruited annually for the three-year curriculum.

In March 2018, a cadet exit strategy initiative was launched whereby cadets participate in an 18-month programme focusing on peace officer and traffic warden training, first aid and general workplace skills. There is also a practical work component that will include deployment with the Law Enforcement Department’s Neighbourhood Safety Teams, assisting as coaches for the Youth Cadet Programme, and working with instructors to implement the physical fitness base line assessment within the City’s Safety and Security Directorate.

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