Introduction to Reservists
Reservist is a supplementary element that is a contingency and supportive influence in a Policing area. Reservists are individuals from diverse back grounds and experiences that wanted to actively contribute to the safety and security of their immediate areas and perhaps make a difference to the fight against crime in the country. These individuals had to go through an application, selection and training process prior to being enabled and empowered to perform and fulfil the necessary duties and activities required of them Furthermore reservist have to make sacrifices in their personal life’s to maintain and meet all the requirements to remain active reservists and this shows the level of commitment of these individuals.
SAPS Kameeldrift Reservists
 The reservists play a vital role against crime in the community and in the police area. However the type of duties or assistance they provide in their specific policing areas is in many cases determined by the environment, CPF and the relationship with the Station Commissioner and other officers In Kameeldrift the reservists are a department that is under the supervision of the crime prevention unit. This means that the reservists are involved in almost all aspects of policing. The reservists in this area have proven over the years that they are very valuable and needed in the effective implementation and management of Sector Policing. (See definition below)
Definition of sector policing:
The successful pro-active and re-active policing in smaller, controllable parts of diversified communities in one precinct. Reservists are a real link between community and policing actions in one precinct. They represent the diversity of the community.
 Station management and Reservists
The Station management is comprised by the following;
- The Station Commissioner
- Commissioned Officers working at the Station
- Representatives of the CPF
- Representative of the Reservists
- Heads of Department and other Key Personnel
Trained reservists are t valuable in any policing precinct, but members with a positive attitude are vital to the operations of the station/unit and the maintenance of positive relationships with the Station Management.
When reserve members report for duty, they are committed to work and must do so with professionalism and confidence, fully trained reservists with experience of day-to-day functional policing can be employed at all levels of station operations or needs as determined by the Station Management.
Management therefore has the choice to either use reservists or ignore the free, positive, trained, capable police members at the station/unit. By utilising and recognising the abilities of members and deploying them as part of the stations operations, will result in keeping reservists positive
Additionally at times it may even be considered by the Station Management only to use Reservists in an operation due to the fact that Reservists are not easily bribed and will not be part of hallway politics. They operate independently and are self sufficient and normally provide their own logistics.
Community structures and Reservists
 (CPF, Disaster Management, SCF, Tax Payers Ass, Business Chamber)
Reservists are not aloud to become part of management in Community structures within the precinct other than that of the requests from the Station Management.
Reservists will always represent the police and present a positive image of the service as far as possible. The aim is to commune the two Parties to work towards the same goal – against crime.
The reservist will be able to communicate at a level that is understood by both private and police persons if this need arises, or to assist in the solving policing enquiries. They can be co-opted to management meetings, to provide focused information on crime matters. The reservist will not take sides in any dispute and is trained to solve matters, not aggravate it. The police knowledge experience in the police environment can be communicated with the proper angle, to the community to assist in their comprehension of Police methodologies and approach.
 Functional policing and Station/Unit activities
(A-Reservists, Complaints & Patrols, Station relieve and Logistics)
The trained A-Reservist can be utilised at station/unit level in Client Service Centre, Administration, Logistical, Crime Investigation and Crime Prevention duties. Specially trained members will be involved in SIAC, Liquor Officer, CAS / BI Systems, Functional/Firearm Training and Logistics. The reservist is not a substitute member to replace anyone. They are complementary to the operation of the station. Reservist must be used at all levels, regularly and not as replacements from time to time. The reservists understand the importance of service delivery, because of their involvement in the private sector and business world.
Pro-active Policing
 (D-Reservists, Sector policing, CBA)
Crime prevention duties are the main objective of the reservist on station level. The member wants to become an integral part of the crime prevention team. To be able to work with permanent officers in information driven crime prevention operations. The reservist work and live in the community and therefore has multiple informers. He has the knowledge to refine and prioritise information from resources.
After the termination of the commando system the D-Reservist were proposed to replace the pro-active policing function. This service is vital in semi-rural/rural areas, to control the access and escape routs. Crime prevention information and visible patrols in crime based areas.
Re-active Policing
 (Complaints and Sector policing, CSC)
When posted to do the complaints in the precinct this is interesting and is always a challenge for the reserve member to put into practices his/her human relation and conflict management skills. To provide the kind of service that he/she would appreciate to receive. Applying education, knowledge and experience to assure the best solution to the complainant’s problem.
When required to be the presence of authority to ensure crime scene management the reservist is trained to understand the requirements and intricacies of this to accomplish it successfully.
To correctly complete and compile a case docket, completing all required steps such as; determining elements of crime, statements and official forms. Register the CAS and appear in court as a state witness is all part of the service the reservists is required to be involved in.
In-services Training and Exercise
(Firearm exercise, Street Survival and Community Training CBA)
Members are required to attend yearly firearm training to recondition their skills. Specialised training is also available for reserve members. (SWAT and Field Training Officer)
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