Cape Town volunteer officers log nearly 77,000 Hours in standout year

The City’s Law Enforcement Auxiliary cohort has closed yet another impactful year, with volunteers logging an impressive 76,834.55 hours of patrols in a dedicated effort to support full-time law enforcement officers, ***Cape {town} Etc ***reports.

This volunteer initiative, now in its 13th year, has almost 380 active members committed to enhancing public safety across the Cape Metropole.

Mayco for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith expressed his pride in the auxiliary service, highlighting the dedication of its members.

‘The hours reflect the commitment of our volunteers, and I couldn’t be more proud of the work that they do to support our public safety efforts. We had high hopes when we first started this programme in 2013, and while not without its challenges along the way, it really has proven to be a worthwhile initiative,’ Smith stated.

Volunteers in the Auxiliary Law Enforcement programme are obliged to complete a minimum of 16 hours of service monthly, translating to at least 192 hours per year. Yet, the average for the 2025/26 financial year exceeded expectations at 230 hours per officer.

The current group includes 379 Law Enforcement Auxiliary officers, with 334 uniformed and 45 serving in non-uniformed roles, demonstrating the diverse functions these volunteers fulfil.

More than 300 uniformed officers are actively deployed across four geographical areas within the metropole, while 23 others assist in specialised units such as Animal Control, Marine and Rural Safety.

Over the past financial year, their efforts culminated in 148 arrests, the recovery of three firearms and two imitation firearms, 104 dangerous weapons, as well as the issuance of 7,577 traffic fines. Offenses varied from possession of contraband and dangerous weapons to stock theft and possession of suspected stolen vehicles.

Notably, recent operations showcased the auxiliary team’s effectiveness. On August 15, the Area North 1 Auxiliary Team collaborated with SAPS, leading to the arrest of two individuals involved in illegal liquor trading, resulting in the confiscation of over 800 units of alcohol.

Similarly, the Area South Auxiliary Team apprehended a suspect in Heideveld on August 28 for illegal firearm possession, while another operation on August 29 saw the arrest of a suspect in Green Point in possession of multiple cell phones and bank cards that could not be accounted for.

The Auxiliary programme has also evolved, creating opportunities for administrative roles. Currently, 45 non-uniformed volunteers provide essential support services, including IT assistance and community engagement initiatives.

‘The volunteer programme extends our public safety arsenal, but it also provides opportunities for registered Neighbourhood Watch Members to step into a role – under supervision of qualified Law Enforcement Officers – to gain valuable experience and skills,’ Alderman Smith elaborated.

This progression encourages capable individuals to pursue potential employment opportunities within law enforcement, thereby enhancing community safety with knowledgeable personnel.

Becoming a part of the Auxiliary Law Enforcement

For those interested in joining this rewarding initiative, the requirements vary for uniformed and non-uniformed roles:

• Uniformed Staff:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Possess a Senior Certificate or accepted equivalent.
  • Be in good health, able bodied, and pass the prescribed physical assessment.
  • Have no criminal record.
  • Not be an accused in any serious ongoing or pending criminal case.
  • Undergo an internal vetting process.
  • Hold a valid driving licence and pass a compulsory internal driving assessment.
  • Successfully complete the prescribed entry-level cognitive assessment.
  • Comply with the City’s drug test policy.

• Non-Uniformed Staff:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Have a Grade 10 qualification.
  • Have no criminal record.
  • Not be an accused in any serious ongoing or pending criminal case.
  • Undergo an internal vetting process.
  • Successfully complete the prescribed entry-level cognitive assessment.
  • Comply with the City’s drug test policy.

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Picture: City of Cape Town

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