SENIOR COMMUNITY POLICE RELATIONS OFFICER

Working within the Provincial Secretariat of the Department of Community Safety, the Senior Community Police Relations Officer is responsible for strengthening the relationship between communities and law enforcement agencies at cluster level. Based in the Southern Corridor, the role supports multi-agency collaboration involving the SAPS, Metro Police, District Municipal Police, and Department of Correctional Services traffic officers. The officer will act as a key link between the department and community safety structures, helping to ensure that local safety initiatives are aligned with the Gauteng Safety Strategy and departmental reporting requirements. This is a hands-on role that requires both strategic understanding and the ability to work tactfully with diverse stakeholders.

Candidates must have a Grade 12 certificate and a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, preferably in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Agencies, Public Management, or Public Administration. At least two to three years of relevant experience in a provincial secretariat or police secretariat environment is essential. Applicants must also hold valid driving licences for both code A and code EC vehicles and must have no criminal record or any pending cases. The role requires sound knowledge of departmental policies, public service regulations, the Gauteng Safety Strategy, reporting procedures, information systems, the SAPS Act and its amendments, and the South African Constitution. In addition, the post demands strong skills in interpreting and evaluating information, verbal and written communication, organising and maintaining information, computer literacy, problem solving, conflict management, listening, negotiation, tact, diplomacy, teamwork, and discipline.

The main duties include facilitating the improvement of relations between communities and law enforcement agencies at cluster level, developing and supporting community safety structures, and capacitating those structures to function effectively. The officer must maintain a database of community patrollers for each cluster and monitor and report on the performance of patrollers deployed at hotspots. The role also involves facilitating departmental campaigns, including take-charge campaigns and community outreach programmes, ensuring that these initiatives reach the intended communities and achieve their safety objectives.

The department actively encourages youth, people with disabilities, and candidates from designated groups including coloured, Indian, and white applicants to apply. A confirmation of disability from a registered medical practitioner must be attached where applicable. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undertake two pre-entry assessments, one practical and one integrity-based, and may also undergo a personnel suitability check covering vetting, criminal record, citizenship, credit record, qualification verification, and employment verification. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a South African Qualifications Authority evaluation certificate. Appointment will depend on corridor coordination and departmental needs, and applicants who do not receive feedback within three months of the closing date should regard their application as unsuccessful.