TimesLive reports that quantity not quality appears to be the driver of the new SA Police Service (SAPS) training schedule.  With practical training set to remain at its current 12 months, what has raised concerns is the drop in the theoretical training time from a year to eight months.  

Police unions raised concerns earlier this week after new recruits' training was dropped from two years to just eight months.  The SAPS has since pointed out that the total training period for new recruits has only been cut by three months - from 24 to 21.  Thabo Matsose, SA Police Union (Sapu) deputy general secretary, said the union was worried about the decrease in theoretical training, stating:  "For us any decrease in training is bad, especially theoretical training.”

• Read this report by Graeme Hosken in full at TimesLive
• Read too, We'll never lower standard of police training, says national commissioner, at News24

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page