South African Police Service | |
---|---|
![]() South African Police Service badge | |
![]() South African Police Service flag | |
Abbreviation | SAPS |
Agency overview | |
Formed | 1995 |
Preceding agencies |
|
Employees | 171,692 (2021/22) |
Jurisdictional structure | |
National agency | South Africa |
Operations jurisdiction | South Africa |
Size | 1,219,090 km2 |
Population | 62,091,133 (2022 census) |
Constituting instruments |
|
General nature | |
Operational structure | |
Officers | 117,950 (2022/23) |
Civilians | 52,792 (2019/20) |
Minister of Police responsible | |
Agency executive |
|
Divisions | 6
|
Provincials | 9
|
Facilities | |
Stations | 1,138 (2014/15) |
Website | |
www | |
[1] |
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is the national police force of the Republic of South Africa. Its 1,154 police stations[2] in South Africa are divided according to the provincial borders, and a Provincial Commissioner is appointed in each province. The nine Provincial Commissioners report directly to the National Commissioner. The head office is in the Wachthuis Building in Pretoria.[3]
The Constitution of South Africa lays down that the South African Police Service has a responsibility to prevent, combat and investigate crime, maintain public order, protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property, uphold and enforce the law, create a safe and secure environment for all people in South Africa, prevent anything that may threaten the safety or security of any community, investigate any crimes that threaten the safety or security of any community, ensure criminals are brought to justice and participate in efforts to address the causes of crime.[4]
Amnesty International and others have expressed serious concerns about South African police brutality, including torture and extrajudicial killings.[5][6][7]