SAPS Border Control Units: An evaluation of the new detached duties

This paper provides an evaluation of the new six- month detached duties programme and makes recommendations for its enhancement.

In July 2000, the Border Police Head Office received approval on a new format for the detached border police. Under the new system, police officers are recruited and appointed to border posts for a six-month duration. In addition to this, they would be given a financial incentive. Under the previous detached system, police officers were sent for border duties on a two to three month rotation system. This was not delivering the desired results of addressing cross-border crime anymore. This paper provides an evaluation of the new six- month detached duties programme and makes recommendations for its enhancement.  

About the authors

Ettienne Hennop joined the ISS in October 1998 as a researcher in AMP. A member of the SAPS for 13 years, he held the rank of Detective Inspector. During his career, he served with different sections in the SAPS. From 1993 until 1998, he served with the FIU Head Office and the Pretoria FIU as an investigating officer and firearms expert. He successfully completed several courses in ballistics, the identification of firearms and ammunition, the testing of firearms for court purposes, the identification and handling of explosives.

Clare Jefferson holds a Bachelor in Social Science from the University of Natal, Durban South Africa, majoring in Sociology and Human Geography. She specialised in the quantitative design, computation and analysis of developmental indicators, as well as qualitative participatory research methods. In September 1998, she joined the ISS, Arms Management Programme.