Previously a pilot project, civic education is now an integral part of basic training within the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate. A new batch of enforcement officers attended the course this week.
The Civic Education Training Programme for Learner Law Enforcement Officers, developed by the Civics Academy under the Hanns Seidel Foundation and the City’s Metropolitan Police Training Academy, is designed to provide law enforcement officers with a robust understanding of civic knowledge, democratic principles, and ethical responsibilities.
This comprehensive programme emphasises the importance of the South African Constitution, human rights, the rule of law, political tolerance, and participatory democracy.
Participants are taught about the role of law enforcement in fostering positive relationships with communities and promoting civil service. The training highlights real-world examples to illustrate the importance of law enforcement’s role in maintaining safety and addressing issues like crime, municipal inefficiencies and corruption.
‘One of the goals is to prepare law enforcement officers to effectively serve this diverse city. Civic education shows us what we can do to protect and support our democracy within our communities. It ensures we are training and deploying officers who understand their role as the custodians and protectors of our society, without compromising on law and order,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
This training was incorporated as a pilot in 2023 and will form part of basic training moving forward.
The course contents include the importance of civic education, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and equality and the rule of law.
The Metro Police Safety and Security Training Academy in Muizenberg 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.
‘Civic education will help make our officers and volunteers responsible and accountable as it will sensitise them to an array of incidents in which they can respond in more empathetic and culturally sensitive ways,’ added Alderman Smith.
