New scheme of service for police to cost over R30 million |22 October 2014

A new scheme of service for the police is expected to cost the government over R30 million and if all goes as planned it will come into effect early next year.

The Minister for Home Affairs and Transport Joel Morgan gave these details during Question Time in the National Assembly yesterday morning.

He was answering a question put to him by elected member for Mont Buxton Sheryl Vengadasamy.

She had asked Minister Morgan about his ministry’s plan to review the scheme of service for police officers.

Minister Morgan informed the Assembly that the police have drafted a new scheme of service with more incentives for its officers as well as the possibility to better improve their working conditions.

He explained that this will apply to all officers in the force, from cadet, constables on training as well as other ranks from the different sections and specialised units of the force.

It will also provide for career development, training, promotion, allowances, pensions, gratuity and compensation payments.

“It will also take into consideration the long working hours of police officers, their working environment, as well as the different risks related to the profession as well as define a career structure in the force to ensure career development and progression so as to encourage new cadres as well as retain officers with qualification, experience and potential who have been in the force for many years,” added Minister Morgan.

He noted that he has already approved the new scheme of service which is presently being considered by the Department of Public Administration before being submitted to the Ministry of Finance for funding.

Minister Morgan informed Assembly members that part of the scheme has already been approved and is already being applied since August this year and this covers night shift allowances for police officers.

While the rest of the scheme is still being considered, Minister Morgan said it is expected to cost the government over R30 million to put into effect.

Furthermore Minister Morgan pointed out that discussions regarding funding of the scheme is also ongoing and if all goes according to plan it could come into effect early next year.

Meanwhile Minister Morgan also informed the Assembly that with regard to the quality of service offered, the police force is moving towards a performance-based budgeting structure which will also cover the evaluation of the performances of its officers.

“It is no longer acceptable that the level and quality of service being provided by the police is below what the public is expecting. We are working hard to address the issue and ensure that all police officers are made accountable for their performances and the quality of their work,” Minister Morgan said.