OUDTSHOORN NEWS - Friday 21 November was a special day for local police trainees when 445 constables took part in their official passing out parade, which took place at the De Jager Sport Complex in Oudtshoorn, with dignitaries and special guests attending.
This initiative forms part of the police's broader efforts to bolster crime-combating efforts at the ground level of policing; therefore, a large scale passing-out parade took place simultaneously at various academies for the 3 558 trained constables to focus on policing ahead of the festive season.
The young men and women who pass out on Friday formed part of the 2025 intake and successfully completed the nine-month Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP).
The graduates have undergone rigorous training, including street survival, law, physical training and drill, equipping them with the necessary skills to handle the challenges of modern policing.
The constables will be deployed to various police stations across the country, to capacitate ground level and bolster crime-fighting efforts leading up to the busy festive season. Deputy Minister of Police, Mathale Cassel, had a strong message for the students: "We urge you to exercise the powers conferred upon you in a responsible and controlled manner.
"Use power to take care of communities that you will be deployed to and collaborate with them to prevent and combat crime, and to bring perpetrators of crime to justice. Do not abuse your power as a member of the polisie by colluding with criminals or participating in any kind of corrupt activities."
During the ceremony, the Code of Conduct was read to the constables to remind them that the police serve with integrity. Integrity is not what they display when they are watched, but uphold when no one else is looking.
It is the quiet discipline of choosing right over wrong, even when the wrong choice seems easier, quicker and more convenient. Each constable should adhere to this conduct strictly in their daily tasks as police officers.
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