ATC130521: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Police on Budget Vote 25: Police (2013/14), dated 14 May 2013
Police
Report of the Portfolio
Committee on Police on Budget Vote 25: Police (2013/14), dated 14 May 2013
The Committee examined the Budget Vote of the Police (Vote 25) for the 2013/14
financial year, as well as the projections of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework
(MTEF) for 2014/15, which were included in the Estimates of National
Expenditure (ENE) 2013. The budget was examined in conjunction with
Departments Strategic Plan 2011-2015 and the Annual Performance Plan 2013/14.
The Committee reports as follows:
1.
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Structure
The Report provides an overview of the 2013/14 Budget Hearings of the
Department of Police and Civilian Secretariat for Police, and is divided into two
parts, the first consisting of the 2013/14 Budget hearings of the SAPS and the
second, consisting of the 2013/14 Budget hearings of the Civilian Secretariat
for Police.
PART A: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE
SERVICE SAPS
·
Section 1: Introduction. This
section provides an introduction to this report as well as a summary of
meetings held during the hearings.
·
Section 2: Summary of
stakeholder concerns. This section summarises the preparatory meetings held
with key stakeholders, including the South African Police Union (SAPU), the
Institute for Security Studies (ISS), and the Civilian Secretariat for Police.
·
Section 3: Strategic Priorities
of the Department of Police for the 2013/14 financial year. This section highlights
the strategic focus areas for the Department of Police for the year under
review.
·
Section 4: SAPS Budget and
Performance targets for 2013/14. This section provides an overall analysis of
the budget allocations, spending priorities, current and capital expenditure,
additional allocations and earmarked funding of the Department of Police for
the 2013/14 financial year. This section also provides a programme analysis of
the Department.
·
Section 5: Committee
observations: SAPS. This section provides selected observations made by the
Portfolio Committee on Police in general, on the annual performance targets and
programme specific issues during the 2013/14 budget hearings and subsequent
responses by the Department of Police;
·
Section 6: Recommendations and
additional information. This section summarises the recommendations made by the
Portfolio Committee on Police, as well as the additional information requested
from the Department of Police.
PART B: CIVILIAN SECRETARIAT FOR POLICE (CSP)
·
Section 7: Civilian Secretariat
for Police. This section provides an overall analysis of the strategic focus
areas and budget allocation for the Civilian Secretariat for Police for the 2013/14
financial year;
·
Section 8: Committee
Observations: Civilian Secretariat for Police. This section provides
observations made by the Committee on the budget, annual performance targets
and budget allocations of the Secretariat during the 2013/14 budget hearings.
·
Section 9: Recommendations and
additional information. This section summarises the recommendations made by the
Portfolio Committee on Police regarding the Civilian Secretariat for Police.
·
Section 10: Conclusion. This
section provides a conclusion to this report.
1.2
Meetings held
In preparation for meetings with the Department of Police, the Portfolio
Committee on Police held preparatory hearings on 26 March 2012 and the
following submissions were received:
·
The South African Police
·
Institute for Security Studies
(ISS); and
·
Civilian Secretariat for Police
The Committee also extended an invitation to the Police and Prisons Civil
Rights Union (POPCRU), but the invitation was not accepted, nor did the union
submit a written submission.
In addition, an overview of the budget for the 2013/14 financial year was
provided by the Research Unit of the Parliament of South Africa on 26 March 2012.
The Committee received the following briefings from the Department of
Police and the Civilian Secretariat of Police and a total of five meetings were
held in which the budgets and annual plans were discussed:
·
The Department of Police:
Briefing on the Strategic and Annual Performance Plan and 2013/14 Budget Vote
25 (16, 17, 18 and 19 April 2013).
·
The Civilian Secretariat of
Police (which receives a portion of the budget of the Department of Police):
Briefing on Annual Performance Plan for 2013/14 financial year on 24 April 2013.
PART A: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE
SERVICE (SAPS)
2.
SUMMARY OF STAKEHOLDER CONCERNS
The stakeholders involved in the policing environment raised the following
concerns in the preparatory meetings:
2.1
South African Police
The South African Police Union raised the following general issues
regarding policing in relation to the 2013/14 SAPS Budget:
National Development Plan (NDP)
SAPU welcomed the NDP as a guiding doc
ument for the vision of
Many police officers are suffering serious post
traumatic stress disorder as well as related psychological problems resulting
in suicides. SAPU also welcomed the recommendations made in the NDP regarding
the fight against corruption and stated that corruption has major consequences
for democracy.
Suspension without Pay
Suspension without pay continues to take place in
spite of an agreement reached between the union and police management to stop
this practice
and that the p
olice
, as
citizens are protected by labour laws of
Mostly junior ranking police officers are affected by
this practice, while senior ranking officers are suspended with full pay and benefits.
It was also stated that
s
enior officers also have their legal expenses paid
for by the SAPS, while junior members have to pay their own legal costs.
Recruitment
Recruitment should be directly linked to
professionalising
the SAPS, which
means that the screening of candidates should be more
rigorous. The recruitment processes should compete with other sectors to ensure
the best available candidates.
T
he biggest challenge is
that the SAPS
recruits
already dissatisfied people and
subjects them to poor treatment.
The SAPS
cannot be re
spected as an organisation with
close to a thousand police officers facing a variety of charges for
offences ranging from murder, rape and other serious crimes.
There is a
n urgent need to invest
money into training and support to police officers in order to get to a stage
where all police officers can wear their uniforms with pride and honour to
serve.
Specialised Units
Specialised units are part of
professionalising
policing and there exists a need to invest in skills development and appointment
of the right people. In addition these units should be adequately resourced and
equipped.
Members employed in the
Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences
(FCS) units
are required to
attend rape crime scenes without crime kits to
collect evidence.
POLMED
POLMED is not serving the interests of SAPU members.
A
decision was taken to resolve
these issues in court.
The t
ipping point was an increase by 200
per cent
of the Chief Executive
Officers package
while the scheme is experiencing financial
difficulties. The union
has
requested for information from the scheme to support this expenditure without
any success.
POLMED is a monopoly and does not serve the interests
of
police officers as the scheme
fails to provide quality services
. The union
will challeng
e
this monopoly in terms
of the Competition Act and Consumer Act.
It was proposed that other medical aid
scheme
s
must be allowed to compete
in order
for
members
to
benefit from t
he competition that will ensue.
They should not be burdened by worrying about medical
aid that gets exhausted after a few visits and whether they have a place to
live. The majority of police officers do not qualify for bonds nor do they
qualify to access RDP houses.
2.2
Institute for Security Studies (ISS)
The ISS made the following general comments during the 2013/14 SAPS Budget
hearings:
·
Disciplinary processes:
There is evidence that the SAPS disciplinary system
allows criminally violent officers to remain within the SAPS.
·
Dangers of mass recruitment:
The
SAPS grew rapidly in size
from 2002/3 to 2011/12 by 51 per cent (67 035 employees)
.
Police
systems took strain (for example in recruitment, vetting, training,
supervision, discipline, performance management) and resulted in large numbers
of inadequately trained, poorly managed and supported police officials.
The
mass recruitment within the SAPS took place at a time of weakening
and
breakdown of internal accountability systems (such as SAPS Area offices
closure, disbandment of the SAPS Anti-Corruption Units, and weakening of the
SAPS National Inspectorate).
·
Assessing the performance of SAPS:
There is no correlation
between the number of formal SAPS operations recorded and personnel figures or
searches undertaken.
Cordon and search operations dropped from a high of
81 342 in 2005/06 to a low of 20 490 in 2008/09, this despite there being 29
575 more uniformed police officials available to the SAPS at this time.
·
Dangers of mass arrest
:
Over the past four years, the numbers of arrests increased
substantially (by 32 per cent) while the overall crime rate stabilised (showing
a marginal 1.4 per cent increase). It is clear that the strategy of mass arrests
is limited to the police and not part of a comprehensive approach towards crime
control.
This
is evidenced by the fact that in the past three years while arrests have
increased by 18.4 per cent, the total number of cases finalised by the National
Prosecuting Authority (NPA) have decreased by 10 per cent.
The ISS listed the following key concerns regarding the 2013/14 Annual
Performance Plan:
·
It
ignores any evidence and public perceptions of police abuses in the
Performance Delivery Environment that frames the plan;
·
There
is no mention of strengthening criminal and disciplinary investigations and
processes;
·
No
mention is made of improving training, appointments, promotions, rewards or
incentives;
·
There
is no recognition that crime has largely
stabilised
at a high rate and that current policing methods are
not yielding the results required; and
·
There
is neither engagement with the issues raised
in the
Ministers introduction nor engagement with the recommendations of the NDP.
The ISS made the following recommendations:
·
The
recommendations of the National Development Plan (NDP) to
professionalise
the SAPS must be developed into a clear plan of
action and implemented as a matter of priority.
·
This
should start with the establishment of a multi-disciplinary National Police
Board to set objective standards for appointing and promoting police officers.
·
Starting
at the top of the SAPS, all officers must be assessed against these criteria
where they fail to meet the standards they must be removed from positions of
authority.
·
These
posts should then be filled through a transparent and competitive process.
·
Once
a new SAPS senior leadership is in place then a clear five year plan of action
to
professionalise
the SAPS through the use of
the code of conduct and code of ethics.
·
All
systems for promoting ethical policing (such as training and promotions) and
those for enhancing accountability (such as disciplinary system and performance
management) must be strengthened based on a clear and measurable plan of
action.
2.3
Civilian Secretariat for Police
The Civilian Secretariat for Police made the
following general comments regarding the 2013/14 SAPS Budget:
·
The
Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan are fairly aligned to the policy
priorities of the Department of Police, NDP and JCPS Cluster Refined Delivery
Agreement;
·
The
SAPS workforce will increase to reach 199 936 by end March 2014 to enable the
SAPS to achieve the set targets;
·
The
allocation of increased budget to capital projects, CJS and IJS is appreciated
and indications are that the SAPS has put measured in place to improve spending
and delivery on the outputs; and
·
The
overall incremental trends of performance targets will ensure that SAPS strives
for improvements year-on-year.
The Civilian Secretariat for Police raised the
following specific concerns on the different programmes of the SAPS:
Programme 1: Administration
·
The omission of the target
measuring the distribution of firearms and bullet proof vests;
·
Maintaining the ratio of
personnel to vehicles at 4.51:1;
·
The inconsistent capital project
plans contained in the Strategic Plan and APP of 2013/14. Infrastructure
projects are not clearly articulated, and it is not clear how many new police
stations are going to be built. The APP refers to 24 buildings at planning and
design stages and 13 under construction by DPW. It also refers to 6 buildings
at planning and design stages while only one is under construction by SAPS.
Clear indicators and targets need to be reflected with regard to
infrastructure projects in the APP throughout
the MTEF period; and
·
The SDIP seems to focus solely
on the Community Service Centre. The police are commended for developing the
four quadrant of frontline service delivery with key service delivery
objectives. However, clear performance indicators and standards need to be
developed.
Programme 2: Visible Policing
·
The 10 per cent remainder within
the performance indicator related to the processing of firearm applications and
uncertainty with regard to the Turn-around Strategy for the Central Firearm
Register;
·
The audited figures on serious
crimes for the 2009/10 and 2010/11 have changed; and
·
The performance target for
measuring escapes in police custody is confusing.
Programme 3: Detective Service
·
There is under targeting and maintenance
of existing performance targets; and
·
The sudden high increase in the
performance targets for trial ready dockets is a concern.
Programme 4: Crime Intelligence
·
Most of the performance
indicators are classified (why include them in the APP?); and
·
There are inconsistencies in the
use of percentage in the APP, with no actual numbers presented.
The Civilian Secretariat for Police made the following recommendations:
·
The
SAPS must ensure that the Civilian Secretariat is involved in their planning
processes in order to provide inputs related to the policy direction of the
Minister; and
·
The
SAPS must ensure that all concerns raised by the Civilian Secretariat including
those
raised
by other oversight structures and civil
society are properly addressed.
3.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES OF THE SAPS FOR 2013/14
The Department of Police is constitutionally mandated to prevent, combat
and investigate crime, maintain public order, protect and secure the
inhabitants of
3.1
Focus areas for 2013/14
The National Planning Commission of South Africa identified twelve
measurable performance outcomes in 2010 to assess achievements made by the
Department in terms of
accountable
service delivery.
The twelve outcomes span all governmental departments and are based on the
premise of ensuring value for money. Outcome 3 forms the basis for the Justice,
Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster, which stipulates
that all people in
|
Strategic
Outcome Orientated Goal 1
|
Ensuring
that all people in
|
|
Goal Statement
|
To provide police services that will ensure safer communities by:
·
Reducing the number of all serious crime, contact crime and trio-crime
·
Increasing activities to prevent and combat border crime
·
Increasing the percentage of court ready case dockets for all serious
crime, contact crime and trio-crime
·
Increasing the detection rate for all serious crime, contact crime and
trio-crime, including organised crime and the crimes against women and
children
·
Increasing the conviction rates for all serious crime, contact crime and
trio-crime
|
|
Strategic
Outcome Orientated Goal 2
|
Ensuring
adequate availability of, and access to SAPS service points
|
|
Goal Statement
|
Improve the levels of service delivery and accountability to services by
bringing SAPS service points closer to the communities.
|
Source:
SAPS Strategic Plan 2010-14
The Department identified the following priorities for 2010-2014:
1)
Crime prevention: reducing levels of contact crimes, trio-crimes (house
robbery, business robbery and carjacking) and crimes against women and
children;
2)
Increasing the visibility of the police, especially at station level;
3)
Partnership policing and mobilising the community in fighting crime;
4)
Policing of public order incidents;
5)
The effective investigation of crime by improving detection and court
ready case docket rates on serious crimes, increasing the capacity and
professionalism of detectives, and improving forensic services; and
6)
Improving crime intelligence for serious crime, drug and people smuggling
syndicates, and human trafficking.
In order to ensure success in the above priorities, three further operational
support priorities were identified. These are:
1)
Human Capital Development, through skills development and retention;
2)
Budget and resource management, such as building new police stations based
on set criteria and refurbishing existing ones; and
3)
Enhancing information systems and ICT.
The Minister of Police identified a number of priorities to further
enhance the SA Police Service and transform it into a modern and professional
service fit to defend and promote the rights and freedoms of all South Africans.
The following priorities must enjoy precedence for this goal to be fully
realised:
1)
The effective transformation of the SA Police Service in terms of gender
and race equity to make it representative of the South African demographic and
to ensure the creation of a professional service.
2)
Smarter policing is essential through continued engagement with the
Criminal Justice System (CJS) revamp process. The first step in this is to
harmonise the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems within the
SAPS. One part of this is the e-docket system towards which a large amount of
resources was dedicated which makes it essential to show returns on ICT
investment. On its completion, ICT must be linked to that of the Criminal
Justice System to ensure coordination in bringing criminals to book.
3)
Increasing the pace of infrastructure development, especially in building
police stations in formerly disadvantaged areas.
4)
Continue to strengthen Public Order Policing to ensure that human rights
are protected at all times when policing community protests.
5)
Continued attention must be given to the field of Crime Intelligence in
order to improve support to detective services as the two fields are
interlinked in ensuring convictions.
6)
The 2013/14 financial year must ensure that the re-established Family,
Child and Sexual Offences (FCS) Units are strengthened and capacity further
developed.
7)
Recruitment must continue to focus on quality rather than quantity.
8)
Training must be ongoing and relevant.
9)
The management principle of command and control must be continuously
emphasised and used by management at all levels. Managers must not only give
instructions, but also manage the instructions given.
10)
The Rural Safety Strategy must continue to build on current stakeholder
and community involvement.
4.
SAPS BUDGET AND PERFORMANCE TARGETS FOR 2013/14
4.1
Overall analysis
The budget allocation for the 2013/14 financial year
is R67.91 billion, which is a nominal increase of R4.5 billion (7.1 per cent)
compared to the R63.38 billion adjusted appropriation received in 2012/13.
Considering inflationary costs, the budget shows a real increase of R926
million or 1.46 per cent.
Table 1:
Budget Summary of expenditure estimates for Vote 25 in 2013/14
|
Programme
|
Budget
|
Nominal
Increase / Decrease in 2013/14
|
Real
Increase / Decrease in 2013/14
|
Nominal
Percent change in 2013/14
|
Real
Percent change in 2013/14
|
|
|
|
2012/13
*
|
2013/14
|
||||
|
Programme 1: Administration
|
15 933
256.0
|
17 348
600.0
|
1 415
344.0
|
495 342.5
|
8.88
per cent
|
3.11
per cent
|
|
Programme 2: Visible Policing
|
29 515
129.0
|
31 539
700.0
|
2 024
571.0
|
352 011.2
|
6.86
per cent
|
1.19
per cent
|
|
Programme 3: Detective Services
|
13 542
924.0
|
14 348
500.0
|
805 576.0
|
44 670.7
|
5.95
per cent
|
0.33
per cent
|
|
Programme 4: Crime Intelligence
|
2 590 600.0
|
2 715
300.0
|
124 700.0
|
- 19
293.2
|
4.81
per cent
|
-0.74
per cent
|
|
Programme 5: Protection Services
|
1 806
780.0
|
1 964
900.0
|
158 120.0
|
53 920.8
|
8.75
per cent
|
2.98
per cent
|
|
TOTAL
|
63 388
689.0
|
67 917
100.0
|
4 528
411.0
|
926 746.6
|
7.1
per cent
|
1.46
per cent
|
* Adjusted appropriation
for 2012/13 as reported in the 2013 ENE
Source: Estimates of National Expenditure 2013, Vote 25: Police
The following changes were made to the 2013 Budget:
·
Programme 1: Administration
received an allocation of R17.3 billion in 2013/14. This represents a real
increase of 3.11 per cent (R495.3 million) compared to the adjusted
appropriation of R15.9 billion in 2012/13. The Administration programme
received the largest increase of all the five Departmental programmes.
·
Programme 2: Visible Policing
received an allocation of R31.5 billion in 2013/14. This represents a real
increase of 1.19 per cent (R352 million) compared to the R29.5 billion adjusted
appropriation received in 2012/13. The Visible Policing programme continues to
receive the largest proportional allocation of the Departmental programmes (46
per cent).
·
Programme 3: Detective Services
received an allocation of R14.3 billion in 2013/14. This represents a real
increase of 0.33 per cent (R44.6 million) compared to the R13.5 billion
allocation (adjusted appropriation) received in 2012/13.
·
Programme 4: Crime Intelligence
received an allocation of R2.7 billion for 2013/14. This represents a real
decrease of 0.74 per cent (R19.2 million) compared to the R2.59 billion
allocation in 2012/13.
·
Programme 5: Protection and
Security Services received an allocation of R1.9 billion, which represents a
2.98 per cent real increase of R53 million compared to the R1.8 billion
allocation received in 2012/13.
The table below shows that the proportional
allocations per programme remained relatively the same as in 2012/13. Programme
2: Visible Policing continues to receive the bulk of the budget allocation for
the Department. At 46.44 per cent, it represents almost half of the total
budget allocation of the Department. The Administration programme is allocated
the second largest proportion of the budget (25.54 per cent), followed by the
Detective Services programme with a proportional allocation of 21.13 per cent.
The Crime Intelligence programme received the second least proportional
allocation with 4.0 per cent of the total budget. This leaves the Protection
and Security Services programme the smallest proportional allocation with only
2.89 per cent of the total budget.
Table 2:
Proportional budget allocations per programme
|
Programme
|
Budget
|
Percent of total budget per programme
|
Budget
|
Percent of total budget per programme
|
Change in percent allocation
|
|
R million
|
2012/13
|
2013/14
|
|
||
|
Programme 1: Administration
|
15 933 256.0
|
25.14 per cent
|
17 348 600.0
|
25.54 per cent
|
0.41 per cent
|
|
Programme 2: Visible Policing
|
29 515 129.0
|
46.56 per cent
|
31 539 700.0
|
46.44 per cent
|
-0.12 per cent
|
|
Programme 3: Detective Services
|
13 542 924.0
|
21.36 per cent
|
14 348 500.0
|
21.13 per cent
|
-0.24 per cent
|
|
Programme 4: Crime Intelligence
|
2 590 600.0
|
4.09 per cent
|
2 715 300.0
|
4.00 per cent
|
-0.09 per cent
|
|
Programme 5: Protection Services
|
1 806 780.0
|
2.85 per cent
|
1 964 900.0
|
2.89 per cent
|
0.04 per cent
|
|
TOTAL
|
63 388
689.0
|
100.00
per cent
|
67 917
100.0
|
100.00
per cent
|
0.00
per cent
|
Source: National Treasury Estimates of National Expenditure 2013, Vote 25:
Police
4.1.1
Spending priorities for 2013/14
The APP 2013/14 lists a total of thirty-one spending
priorities. The following are a selection of spending priorities identified by
the Department:
·
Increase police access points on
a geographical basis to improve police response times;
·
Maintain a level of spending to
replace boarded vehicles;
·
Victim support programmes;
·
Establishment of victim friendly
facilities;
·
Specific focus on Stock Theft
Units in terms of the Rural Safety Strategy;
·
Strengthening of the equestrian
capabilities; and
·
Conducting of high risk
operations.
In addition to the aforementioned spending priorities, the following are a
selection of specific baseline budgetary provisions for 2013/14:
·
Uniforms;
·
Weapon purchases;
·
Network and hosting upgrades to
continue;
·
Ramps at police stations for
disabled individuals;
·
Furnishing and expanding Victim
Friendly Facilities through the CARA fund;
·
Eastern
·
Vehicles An average of R1 billion
is spent annually on the purchase of new vehicles;
·
Maintaining a level of funding
that allows for the management of the
vehicle fleet through the Automated Vehicle Location System (AVL); and
·
Specific specialised equipment
to be purchased in the Operational Response Services environment.
4.1.2
Current and Capital Expenditure
The allocation for Current payments in 2013/14
increased from R59.9 billion in the 2012/13 financial year to R64.29 billion in
the 2013/14 financial year. This is a real increase of R911.8 million or 1.52
per cent. The following key issues can be highlighted:
-
Compensation to employees:
Increased from R46.8 billion in 2012/13 to R50.4 billion in 2013/14. This is a
real increase of R909.9 million (1.94 per cent real increase).
-
Goods and Services:
The total allocation in 2013/14 is
R13.8 billion compared to the R13.1 billion allocation in 2012/13. This
represents a slight real percentage increase of 0.01 per cent, of which:
o
Allocation to
Computer services
decreased from R3.2
billion in 2012/13 to R3.0 billion in 2013/14. This represents a real decrease
of R365 million or 11.1 per cent decrease.
o
Allocations to
Inventory: fuel, gas and oil
increased
from R1.7 billion in 2012/13 to R1.9 billion in 2013/14. This represents a real
increase of 3.93 per cent.
o
Allocations to
Operating leases
increased slightly in
2013/14 with an allocation of R2.2 billion compared to R2.1 billion in 2012/13.
This represents a real increase of 0.09 per cent.
Transfers
and subsidies
The allocation for Transfers and subsidies increased
from R493.8 million in 2012/13 to R552.6 million in 2013/14. This represents a
real increase of 5.97 per cent.
-
Allocations for payments to
Provinces and municipalities decreased in real terms (0.32 per cent decrease).
The allocation for 2013/14 is R28 million compared to R26.6 million in 2012/13.
-
Allocations to payments for
Departmental agencies and accounts also decreased in real terms (1.12 per cent
decrease).
-
Allocations for Households
increased in 2013/14 (R493.9 million) compared to 2012/13 (R437.8 million).
This represents a real increase of R29.9 million or 6.83 per cent.
Payments
for capital assets
The allocation for Payments for capital assets
increased from R2.9 billion in 2012/13 to R3.06 billion in 2013/14 financial
year, in nominal term. However, in real terms the allocation decreased by 0.5
per cent.
-
Building and fixed structures:
Increased by 23.57 per cent in real terms. In nominal terms it showed an
increase of 242.3 per cent. It was allocated R794.6 million in 2012/13 and
R1.03 billion in 2013/14.
-
Machinery and equipment:
Decreased from R2.1 billion in 2012/13 to R2.03 billion in 2013/14 (decrease of
9.5 per cent in real terms).
-
Biological assets: Remained
unchanged with an allocation of R300 000 (R0.3 million) in both 2012/13
and 2013/14, which translates to a real percent decrease of 5.30 per cent in
2013/14.
The table below indicates the allocations made towards
infrastructure plans in 2013/14. It specifically shows the allocations made
towards the SAPS as an executing authority and the NDPW as an executing
authority on projects.
Table 3: Infrastructure Budget
2013/14
|
SAPS Infrastructure Budget
|
|||
|
|
Allocation
|
NDPW
|
SAPS
|
|
Capital works
|
R1 036 884
000
|
R877 340
136
|
R159 543
564
|
Source: APP 2013/14, p. 40
The table below provides more detail on the
infrastructure plans and allocations and where the funds will be spent. Table
25.D in the Performance Plan of the Department provides a summary of
expenditure on infrastructure (ENE, 2013) and highlights some additional
information. Interesting changes are the increases to Members and Office
accommodation as well as Training Facilities. The table also shows significant
decreases to shooting ranges. As firearm competency training is prioritised in
2013/14, it is interesting to note the significant decrease in shooting ranges.
Table 4:
Summary of expenditure on infrastructure
|
Project name
|
Service delivery outputs
|
Budget
R million
|
|
|
|
|
2012/13
|
2013/14
|
|
Departmental infrastructure
|
|
|
|
|
Parrow
forensic laboratory
|
Construction of a forensic laboratory
|
14.1
|
0.0
|
|
Police stations
|
New and re-established police stations
|
373.9
|
427.2
|
|
Members and office accommodation
|
Living quarters and offices
|
35.4
|
109.9
|
|
Small infrastructure projects
|
Repaired and renovated infrastructure
|
27.4
|
0.0
|
|
Forensic service laboratory
|
Construction of a forensic laboratory
|
0.1
|
0.0
|
|
Shooting ranges
|
Facilities to improve shooting competency of police officials
|
217.8
|
47.5
|
|
Training facilities
|
Facilities to improve police personnel capabilities
|
125.8
|
452.4
|
|
Mobile homes and storage facilities
|
Basic services for accommodation
|
0.0
|
0.0
|
|
TOTAL
|
|
794.6
|
1 036.9
|
Source: National Treasury, 2013 Estimates of National Expenditure 2013, p.
594
·
Police stations:
A total allocation of R427.2
million was made towards new and re-established police stations. This is a real
percentage increase of 8.20 per cent compared to the adjusted allocation of
R373.9 million in 2012/13.
·
Member and office accommodation
: A
total of R427.2 million was allocated to living quarters and office
accommodation. This is a real percentage increase of 193.99 per cent compared
to the adjusted allocation of R35.4 million in 2012/13.
·
Small infrastructure projects
: No allocation was made
towards small infrastructure projects in 2013/14.
·
Shooting ranges
: The allocation decreased
significantly. In 2013/14, R47.5 million was allocated to shooting ranges
compared to the R217.8 million allocated in 2012/13. This represents a real
percentage decrease of 80 per cent.
·
Training facilities
: Allocations for training
facilities increased significantly with a real percentage increase of 240.55
per cent. A total of 452.4 million was allocated to training facilities
compared to the R125.8 million allocations received in 2012/13.
·
Mobile homes and storage facilities
: No
allocations made in the medium-term for basic services for accommodation and
storage.
The table below shows a further breakdown of devolved projects and budget
allocations from the National Department of Public Works.
Table 5: Devolved projects and
budget from NDPW
|
Devolved from NDPW
|
||||
|
Project/Type
|
Allocation
|
NDPW
|
SAPS
|
Comments
|
|
R million
|
||||
|
Maintenance and Property Rates
(accommodation charges)
|
R1 220
|
R1 022
|
R197
|
NDPW uses income from accommodation charges to pay for property rates
and maintenance. Payments are quarterly in advance.
|
|
Private Leases
|
R1 009
|
R1 009
|
-
|
NDPW continues to enter into leases to supply in the accommodation needs
of SAPS. NDPW thus still procure and manage leases on behalf of SAPS.
Payments are made quarterly in advance.
|
|
Municipal Services
|
R800
|
R800
|
-
|
SAPS have an agreement with NDPW to pay municipal services on their
behalf, for which NDPW charge a 5% management fee. Payments are made based on
monthly invoices based on actual expenditure plus a 5% administrative fee.
|
Source: APP 2013/14, p. 40
4.1.3
Additional Allocations for 2013/14
The 2013 Budget sets
out additional allocations for the following:
-
Improved conditions of service of R1.3
billion in 2013/14, R1.5 billion in 2014/15; and R2.2 billion in 2015/16; and
-
R72.5 million in 2013/14 for security during
the 2014 African Nations Championship.
4.1.4
Earmarked funding
The Appropriation Bill [3-2013] reflects the amounts
that have been specifically and exclusively appropriated towards the continuous
revamp of the Criminal Justice Sector, in addition to the current IJS Programme
Plan projects.
-
Programme 1: Administration - R295
million (Goods and Services) and R15. 9 million (Payments for capital assets).
-
Programme 3: Detective Services
R173.8 million (Compensation), R1.39 billion (Goods and services), R184.1
million (Payments to capital assets).
The 2013 Budget
indicates that the following amounts have been reprioritised from the
Department of Police to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
for the Criminal Justice Sector (CJS) revamp and modernisation programme:
-
R300 million in 2013/14;
-
R400 million in 2014/15; and
-
R450 million in 2015/16.
4.2
Programme Analysis
4.2.1
Programme 1: Administration
The total allocation for the Programme increased from
R15.93 billion in 2012/13 to R17.34 billion in 2013/14. This is a real
percentage increase of 3.11 per cent. The largest allocation within the
Administration programme remains in the Corporate Services sub-programme (81.73
per cent of the total allocation to Administration).
Table 6:
Budget Allocation for Programme: Administration
|
Programme 1: Administration
|
Budget
R million
|
Nominal
Increase / Decrease in 2013/14
|
Real
Increase / Decrease in 2013/14
|
Nominal
Percent change in 2013/14
|
Real
Percent change in 2013/14
|
|
|
2012/13
|
2013/14
|
|||||
|
Sub-programmes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sub-programme 1: Ministry
|
26.0
|
27.7
|
1.7
|
0.2
|
6.54
per cent
|
0.89
per cent
|
|
Sub-programme 2: Management
|
103.8
|
111.9
|
8.1
|
2.2
|
7.80
per cent
|
2.09
per cent
|
|
Sub-programme 3: Corporate Services
|
12 964.2
|
14 178.6
|
1 214.4
|
462.5
|
9.37
per cent
|
3.57
per cent
|
|
Sub-programme 4: Office Accommodation
|
2 839.2
|
3 030.5
|
191.3
|
30.6
|
6.74
per cent
|
1.08
per cent
|
|
TOTAL
|
15
933.3
|
17 348.6
|
1 415.3
|
495.3
|
8.9
per cent
|
3.11
per cent
|
Source: National Treasury, 2013 Estimates of National Expenditure 2013,
Vote 25: Police
According to the 2013
Budget, the significant projected increase in spending over the medium term on
buildings and other fixed structures is for the provision of basic services at
police stations and to build ramps to improve the stations accessibility to disabled
individuals.
The programme has a
funded establishment of 37 223 posts. The number of filled posts is expected to
increase from 35 713 in 2012/13 to 37 705 in 2013/14 due to vacancies being
filled and plans to appoint additional security personnel. Personnel numbers
are expected to decrease to 37 410 in 2014/15 and 37 114 in 2015/16 as the Department
aligns its filled posts to its approved establishment. Spending on consultant
services increased from R105.4 million in 2009/10 to R129.5 million in 2012/13,
and is expected to increase to R141.4 million in 2015/16.
Performance Targets
Most targets in the Administration programme remained the same or
increased in the 2013/14 Annual Performance Plan. However, the Department
included various performance indicators and targets for the first time in the
2013/14 APP.
New indicators:
The following are new or newly inserted indicators:
·
Percentage of learners declared competent upon completion of
learnerships
and artisanship training and other training in
line with SASSETA Skills Plan in terms of discretionary grants;
·
Percentage of learners declared competent upon completion of K53 driver
training;
·
Percentage of bursaries offered for: (1)
policing related qualification, and (2) scares skills areas;
·
The number of internships undertaken (10% more than the previous year of
238);
·
Percentage of the total devolved facilities projects budget spent by the
end of the financial year;
·
Percentage variation from the approved infrastructure budget (20%
variance); and
·
Although the overall target for IS/ICT projects completed is omitted
from the APP, the Department included a new performance indicator for the
percent of project milestones delivered according to the funded IJS Plan
(target at 95%) as well as a separate indicator for CJS Plan (target at 95%).
Omitted targets:
Regardless of the fact that the Portfolio Committee insisted on the
re-instatement of several targets during both the 2012/13 Budget Hearings as
well as the 2011/12 Annual Report hearing, the following targets are still
omitted from the 2013/14 APP:
·
Target of 100% firearms and
bullet-resistant vests planned for to be procured and distributed;
·
Target for 70% of overall IS/ICT
annual funded projects completed;
·
100% firearms dot peen marked
(omitted for the second year);
·
Target for 90% capacity projects
completed (omitted for the second year); and
·
Number of service delivery
inspections (omitted for the second year).
4.2.2
Programme 2: Visible Policing
The
budget allocation for Visible Policing increased from R29.51 billion in 2012/13
to R31.53 billion in 2013/14. This represents a real increase of 1.19 per cent.
All the sub-programmes, except for Border Security received an increased
allocation in 2013/14.
The Visible Policing programme has a funded
establishment of 107 300, which is expected to increase to 108 764 in 2015/16
as a result of plans to strengthen capacity in the equestrian, national
intervention and special task force units.
Table 7: Budget Allocation for Programme: Visible
Policing
|
Programme 2: Visible Policing
|
Budget
R million
|
Nominal
Increase / Decrease in 2013/14
|
Real
Increase / Decrease in 2013/14
|
Nominal
Percent change in 2013/14
|
Real
Percent change in 2013/14
|
|
|
2012/13
|
2013/14
|
|||||
|
Sub-programmes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sub-programme 1: Crime Prevention
|
25 696.4
|
27 355.0
|
1 658.6
|
208.0
|
6.45
per cent
|
0.81
per cent
|
|
Sub-programme 2: Border Security
|
1 493.5
|
1 575.5
|
82.0
|
-
1.5
|
5.49
per cent
|
-0.10
per cent
|
|
Sub-programme 3: Specialised Intervention
|
2 325.2
|
2 609.1
|
283.9
|
145.5
|
12.21
per cent
|
6.26
per cent
|
|
TOTAL
|
29 515.1
|
31 539.7
|
2 024.6
|
352.0
|
6.9
per cent
|
1.19
per cent
|
Source: National Treasury, 2013 Estimates of National Expenditure, Vote
25: Police
·
Sub-programme: Crime prevention
-
Slight increase in allocated funds. Allocated R27.35 billion in 2013/14,
compared to R25.69 billion in 2012/13. This is a real percentage increase of
0.81 per cent. It remains the largest sub-programme in VISPOL and receives 86
per cent of the VISPOL budget.
·
Sub-programme: Border security
-
Allocated funds decreased in real terms by 0.10 per cent. It received R1.57
billion in 2013/14 compared to R1.49 billion in 2012/13.
·
Sub-programme: Specialised interventions
- The
allocated funds increased from R2.35 billion in 2012/13 to R2.60 billion in
2013/14. This is a real percentage increase of 6.26 per cent and represents the
largest increase within the Visible Policing programme of the Department.
This increase
is largely due to the increase in protest action as this sub-programme provides
for interventions in medium to high risk operations.
Performance Targets
Most targets in the Visible Policing programme remained the same in the
2013/14 APP. The programme shows one new performance indicator and one changed
indicator, which essentially merged two previous indicators.
New/changes indicators:
The following are new or newly inserted indicators:
·
Performance indicator for the
number of stolen/lost firearms recovered in relation to the number reported,
now includes state owned firearms; and
·
Performance indicator for the
percentage of police stations where sector policing has been implemented
according to the minimum criteria.
Reinstated targets:
The following targets were reinstated:
·
The performance indicator for
the increase in the confiscation of illicit drugs is reinstated;
·
The performance indicator for
the increase in the confiscation of illegal liquor is reinstated;
·
Reduction in the number of
stolen/robbed vehicles; and
·
Target for the percentage of
police stations rendering a victim friendly service to victims of rape, sexual
offences and abuse.
Omitted targets:
Regardless of the fact that the Portfolio Committee insisted on the
re-inclusion of several targets during both the 2012/13 Budget Hearings as well
as the 2011/12 Annual Report hearing, the following targets are still omitted
from the 2013/14 APP:
·
The performance indicator for
the reduction of reported serious crimes within the
rural environment
by 2% (omitted for the second year);
·
Target for the closure of
illegal/unlicensed liquor premises by 100% (omitted for the second year);
·
Target for the number of crime
awareness campaigns (omitted for the second year); and
·
Performance indicator for the
finalisation of outstanding applications for firearm licences, permits,
authorisation and renewals.
4.2.3
Programme 3: Detective Services
The purpose of the Programme
is to enable the investigative work of the SAPS, including providing support to
investigators in terms of forensic evidence and the Criminal Record Centre.
The programme received a slight real percentage increase of 0.33 per cent
in the 2013/14 budget, compared to the 3.9 per cent in 2012/13 and 5.8 per cent
increase in 2011/12. Sub-programmes Crime Investigations and Crime Record
Centre received overall increases, while Forensic Service Laboratories and
Specialised Investigations were allocated a decreased allocation in real
terms.
The programme had a
funded establishment of 39 050 in 2011/12, which increased to 39 297
in 2012/13 and 39 477 in 2013/14 as a result of plans to strengthen
capacity in the forensic services units. Personnel numbers are expected to
remain at this level in 2014/15 and 2015/16.
Table 8:
Budget Allocation for Programme: Detective Services
|
Programme 3: Detective Services
|
Budget
R million
|
Nominal
Increase / Decrease in 2013/14
|
Real
Increase / Decrease in 2013/14
|
Nominal
Percent change in 2013/14
|
Real
Percent change in 2013/14
|
|
|
2012/13
|
2013/14
|
|||||
|
Sub-programmes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sub-programme 1: Crime Investigations
|
8 591.2
|
9 418.6
|
827.4
|
327.9
|
9.63
per cent
|
3.82
per cent
|
|
Sub-programme 2: Crime Record Centre
|
1 699.9
|
1 882.1
|
182.2
|
82.4
|
10.72
per cent
|
4.85
per cent
|
|
Sub-programme 3: Forensic Service Laboratories
|
2 025.2
|
1 753.9
|
-
271.3
|
-
364.3
|
-13.40
per cent
|
-17.99
per cent
|
|
Sub-programme 4: Specialised Investigations
|
1 226.6
|
1 293.9
|
67.3
|
-
1.3
|
5.49
per cent
|
-0.11 per
cent
|
|
TOTAL
|
13 542.9
|
14 348.5
|
805.6
|
44.7
|
5.9
per cent
|
0.33
per cent
|
Source: National Treasury, 2013 Estimates of National Expenditure, Vote
25: Police
·
Sub-programme: Crime Investigations
- It
receives the largest allocation within the main programme budget (9.4 per
cent). The allocation increased from R8.59 billion in 2012/13 to R9.41 billion
in 2013/14. This is a real percentage increase of 3.82 per cent.
·
Sub-programme: Crime Record Centre
- The
allocation increased by 4.85 per cent in real terms from 2012/13 (R1.69
billion) to 2013/14 (R1.88 billion).
·
Sub-programme: Forensic Service Laboratories (FSL)
- The allocation decreased significantly from R2.02 billion in 2012/13 to
R1.75 billion in 2013/14. This is a real decrease of R364.3 million compared to
the previous financial year and represents a real percentage decrease of 17.99
per cent. This is the consecutive decreased allocation to FSL (10.10 per cent
real decrease in 2012/13).
·
Sub-programme: Specialised Investigations
The
allocation increased nominally from R1.22 billion in 2012/13 to R1.29 billion
in 2013/14, which is a real decrease of 0.11 per cent.
Performance targets
The targets set for the Detective Services programme shows an overall
increase across all sub-programmes in 2013/14, most of which shows a
significant increase.
Significant increases:
The following targets show significant increases:
·
Target for percentage of trial
ready case dockets for serious crimes increased by 15%;
·
Target for percentage of trial
ready case dockets for contact crimes increased by 15%;
·
Target for detection rate for
trio crimes increased by 29%
·
Target for percentage of trial
ready case dockets for trio crimes increased by 15%;
·
Target for percentage of trial
ready case dockets for crimes against women (18 years and older) increased by
15%;
·
Conviction rate for crimes
against women (18 years and older) increased by 6,8%;
·
Target for trial ready case
dockets for crimes against children (18 years and younger) increased by 30%;
and
·
Target for conviction rate for
crimes against children (18 years and younger) increased by 9
,5
%.
Significant decrease:
The measurable target set for
the value of assets restrained/seized in serious commercial crime-related cases
investigated where officials are involved in procurement fraud and corruption
related cases decreased significantly from R125 million in 2011/12 and 2012/13
to R5 million in 2013/14.
Omitted targets:
Regardless of the fact that the Portfolio Committee insisted on the
re-inclusion of several targets during both the 2012/13 Budget Hearings as well
as the 2011/12 Annual Report hearing, the following targets are still omitted
from the 2013/14 APP:
·
Performance indicator for the
number of serious commercial crime-related cases investigated where officials
are involved in procurement fraud and corruption related cases, with a target
of 50 cases investigated was omitted; and
·
The percentage of registered
serious Organised Crime Project Investigations (OCPI) successfully terminated
(omitted for the second year).
4.2.4
Programme 4: Crime Intelligence
The purpose of Programme: Crime Intelligence is to
manage crime intelligence and analyse crime information, and provide technical
support for investigations and crime prevention operations. The budget
allocation for 2013/14 shows a slight nominal increase from R2.59 billion in
2012/13 to R2.71 billion in 2013/14. This is a real percentage decrease of 0.74
per cent.
Over the medium term, expenditure in both sub-programmes is expected to
increase to provide for an increased number of crime intelligence operations in
support of crime prevention, investigation and prosecution (2014/15: R2.87
billion and 2015/16: R3.03 billion).
The spending focus over
the medium term will be on enhancing overall capacity and aligning functions with
the organisational profile of the crime intelligence division, which will be
reviewed in 2013/14. The bulk of spending in this programme goes towards
compensation of employees, mainly in the
Intelligence and
Information
Management
sub-programme as crime intelligence functions are labour
intensive
.
Yet, personnel numbers decreased from 9 206 in 2012/13
to 8 886 in 2013/14 and are expected to decrease further to 8 728 in
2014/15.
Table 9:
Budget Allocation for Programme: Crime Intelligence
|
Programme 4: Crime Intelligence
Sub-programmes
|
Budget
R million
|
Nominal
Increase / Decrease in 2013/14
|
Real
Increase / Decrease in 2013/14
|
Nominal
Percent change in 2013/14
|
Real
Percent change in 2013/14
|
|
|
2012/13
|
2013/14
|
|||||
|
Sub-programme 1: Crime Intelligence Operations
|
1 033.7
|
1 103.2
|
69.5
|
11.0
|
6.72
per cent
|
1.06
per cent
|
|
Sub-programme 2: Intelligence and Information Management
|
1 556.9
|
1 612.1
|
55.2
|
-
30.3
|
3.55
per cent
|
-1.95
per cent
|
|
TOTAL
|
2 590.6
|
2 715.3
|
124.7
|
-
19.3
|
4.8
per cent
|
-0.74
per cent
|
Source: National Treasury, 2013 Estimates of National Expenditure, Vote
25: Police
·
Sub-programme: Crime Intelligence
- The
allocation for this sub-programme increased from R1.03 billion in 2012/13 to
R1.10 billion in 2013/14. This represents a real percentage increase of 1.06
per cent.
·
Sub-programme: Intelligence and Information management
- The allocation increased in nominal terms, but decreased in real terms
by 1.95 per cent. The allocation was R1.55 billion in 2012/13 and is R1.61
billion in 2013/14.
Performance targets
The strategic priorities for the Crime Intelligence programme were
expanded in the 2013/14 APP. This mostly led to performance indicators set with
classified targets. The Strategic Plan of the Department specifically lists the
improvement of crime intelligence for serious crimes, drug and people smuggling
syndicates and human trafficking, yet this is not included as a target.
New performance indicators (classified targets):
The following new indicators with
classified targets
were included:
·
Number of covert intelligence projects conducted to address priority
crime;
·
Percentage of identified foreign/ hostile Intelligence Operations
neutralised;
·
Percentage of information security breaches; and
·
Percentage of strategic intelligence reports generated per request.
New performance indicators:
·
A performance indicator for the provisioning of intelligence reports to
SAPS Management, with a target of 1 quarterly intelligence report and thus 4
annually.
4.2.5
Programme 5: Protection and Security Services
The purpose of this
programme is to minimise security violations through ongoing protection of all
identified dignitaries and local and foreign dignitaries while in transit
without any security breaches and ongoing protection of the locations in which
dignitaries including persons related to the president and the deputy president
are present, without any security breaches.
The
Protection and Security Services programme remains the smallest programme in
the Department and receives less than 3 per cent of the Departments total
budget. The budget allocation for Protection and Security Services increased
from R1.806 billion in 2012/13 to R1.964 billion in 2013/14. This is a real
percentage increase of 2.98 per cent.
Table 10: Budget Allocation for Programme: Protection
and Security Services
|
Programme 5: Protection and Security Services
|
Budget
R million
|
Nominal
Increase / Decrease in 2013/14
|
Real
Increase / Decrease in 2013/14
|
Nominal
Percent change in 2013/14
|
Real
Percent change in 2013/14
|
|
|
2012/13
|
2013/14
|
|||||
|
Sub-programmes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sub-programme 1: VIP Protection Services
|
695.0
|
775.7
|
80.7
|
39.6
|
11.61
per cent
|
5.69
per cent
|
|
Sub-programme 2: Static and Mobile Security
|
841.1
|
894.5
|
53.4
|
6.0
|
6.35
per cent
|
0.71
per cent
|
|
Sub-programme 3: Government Security Regulator
|
85.2
|
91.5
|
6.3
|
1.4
|
7.39
per cent
|
1.70
per cent
|
|
Sub-programme 4: Operational Support
|
185.5
|
203.1
|
17.6
|
6.8
|
9.49
per cent
|
3.68
per cent
|
|
TOTAL
|
1 806.8
|
1 964.9
|
158.1
|
53.9
|
8.8
per cent
|
2.98
per cent
|
Source: National Treasury, 2013 Estimates of National Expenditure, Vote
25: Police
·
Sub-programme: VIP Protection Services -
The
allocation to VIP Protection increased from R695 million allocated in 2012/13,
to R775 million in 2013/14. This is a real percentage increase of 5.69 per cent
and represents the largest increase within the sub-programmes.
·
Sub-programme: Static and
·
Sub-programme: Government Security Regulator
- The
allocation increased for R85.2 million in 2012/13 to R91.5 million in 2013/14.
This is a nominal growth of R6.3 million and a real increase of 1.70 per cent.
·
Sub-programme: Operational Support
The
allocation increased from R185.5 million in 2012/13 to R203.1 million in
2013/14. This is a nominal increase of R17.6million and a real increase of 3.68
per cent.
Performance targets
The performance indicators together with their respective targets remained
the same in 2013/14. The total number of National Key Points increased from 182
in 2012/13 to 197 in 2013/14.
5.
COMMITTEE OBSERVATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
5.1
General
·
Entertainment budget:
The Committee expressed concern
regarding the large increase in the Entertainment account of the Department for
the 2013/14 financial year despite the requirements by National Treasury that
spending on non-core items must be reduced. The Department indicated that the account
classification for entertainment consists of many items and thus should not be
understood as one would normally understand entertainment. It also includes
catering for Departmental activities, Ministerial engagements, meetings and other
engagements. The Committee requested a comprehensive report on the allocation
towards entertainment. In a written response received from the Department it
was stated that the nature of the items is mainly food and beverages for
various meetings, interview panels, claims from DIRCO and various workshops.
5.2
Programme 1: Administration
·
Omitted targets:
The Committee welcomed the
reinsertion of three previously omitted performance targets, which are:
(1) the confiscation of illicit drugs with specified kilogram values,
(2) the confiscation of illicit liquor in litres, and (3) the number of police
stations rendering a victim friendly service. However, the Committee expressed
concern regarding the performance targets that remained omitted from the
2013/14 APP, in spite of the Committee requesting the reinsertion of specific
targets. These targets include: (1)
Target of 100% firearms
and bullet-resistant vests planned for to be procured and distributed, (2) Target
for overall IS/ICT annual funded projects completed, (3) percentage of firearms
dot peen marked, (4) Target for percentage/number of capacity projects completed
(omitted for the second year), and (5) number of service delivery inspections.
·
Boarded vehicles:
The Committee requested additional
information on what is done with vehicles boarded by the Department. The
Department stated that the current policy of the Department dictates that boarded
vehicles must be crushed and that the scrap metal sold. The decision was taken
a couple of years back due to excessive fraud and corruption that took place
during the auction process of these vehicles. The Department stated that a new
policy is being developed to once again auction the boarded vehicles of the
Department with more stringent controls to prevent the reoccurrence of fraud
and corruption, but that section 13 vehicles will continue to be crushed. The
Committee requested the Department to provide a written response to indicate
the income generated through the scrap metal sold. In the requested written
response, the Department stated that sales of capital assets, inclusive of
crushing boarded vehicles, in 2012/13 generated revenue for the National
Revenue Fund amounting to R4.039 million.
·
Drivers Licenses:
The Committee expressed concern
regarding the relatively large number of operational members without valid
drivers licenses. The Committee requested an explanation for this and asked by
what date all operational members will be trained on the K53. The Department
stated that the requirement for drivers licences was relaxed in previous years
in order to take into account the socio economic realities of many citizens who
are unable to access driving practise, during recruitment. The Department
stated that the 10 352 operational members not yet trained on the K53
course will receive training to ensure that all operational members are trained.
The Committee requested a comprehensive report on the turn-around strategy on
K53 training, which must clearly indicate the date when all members will be
trained. The Department provided a turn-around strategy covering the next four
years (2013/14-2016/17) and stated that the strategy will be possible through
the utilisation and procurement of additional resources.
·
Security guards:
The Committee requested clarity
on the use of security guards by the Department to guard police stations and
the details regarding the employment benefits and salaries of these guards. The
Department stated that the services used to be contracted from labour brokering
agencies, but has now been taken over by the SAPS. The security guards are now
employed by the Department and enjoy full employment benefits from the SAPS.
·
Skills retention:
The Committee asked whether the
Department has a Retention Strategy, especially to retain personnel with scarce
skills. The Department stated that exit interviews are conducted when personnel
with scarce skills leave the organisation. The Department is also developing a
new compensation model and reviewing the skills retention policy. Budget
allowances have been made for the new compensation model, especially within specialised
units, like the Forensic Laboratory Service environment.
·
Staff establishment in terms of the Resource Allocation Guideline (RAG):
The Committee asked whether there are additional posts to the staff
establishment not reflected in the RAG. The Department stated that a
stabilisation policy is being developed to the RAG and staff establishment.
There are some extra posts currently at stations, which must be abolished. The
Department had a flexible approach to the staff establishment in the past, but
is moving toward a fixed establishment. The Committee expressed concern
regarding the additional posts and requested the Department to provide the
Committee with a comprehensive report on the number of additional posts at
stations as well as the costs associated with these posts. The Department
stated in a written response that the RAG in totality was not exceeded although
certain business units were over or under on numbers on the individual
RAGs
. The Department further responded that the restated
total staff establishment for the 2012/13 financial year was 199 039 and
will be 199 936 in 2013/14. This figure provides for the replacement of
personnel losses (5 000) plus additional posts for security officials
(570) and Forensic Service s personnel (327).
·
Bursaries:
The Committee expressed concern regarding the
management of bursaries awarded to members by the Department, especially
whether members are required to sign a contract which stipulates that members
must remain in the employment of the Department for a specified time and
whether money is paid back if studies are not completed successfully. The
Department stated that bursaries are only awarded to members for university
studies, unless it is within the scarce skills categories, like certificates in
aeroplane mechanics. It was stated that members do sign contracts that
stipulate the number of years the member must remain in the employment of the
Department. The Department will provide an example of such contract. The
Department further stated that the employees who fail courses are required to
pay the funds back to the Department and that they will provide a comprehensive
report on this issue. (See additional information section). A comprehensive
report was received from the Department (available from Committee Secretary).
·
Internships:
The Committee enquired about the
use of interns within the SAPS and further questioned in which environments
these internships are located. The Committee requested a written response in
this regard. The Department stated that the department has allocated 200
internship positions for the SAPS in 2013/14. The cost involved is R8,
400 000.00 (200 interns x R3 500.00 x 12 months). The SAPS employs
two categories of interns: (1) student interns and (2) graduate interns. These
interns are mainly placed within the Administrative environment.
·
Vehicle strength:
The Committee raised concern
regarding the vehicle strength of the SAPS and the manner in which the ratio
for members to vehicles is determined and whether it is accurately calculated
by taking the shift system of the SAPS into consideration. The Department
stated that the calculation process of the ratio is currently being reviewed to
take the shift system into consideration and that the Department has developed
a new strategy for resource allocations to stations based on an Asset Registry Plan.
It is expected that this will improve the current system significantly in terms
of ensuring that stations are allocated the specific type of vehicles required
at the station. The Department stated that the concerns regarding the
calculation of ratios raised by the Committee is credible and that the
Department will provide the Committee with a copy of the new Asset Registry
Plan once approved. The Committee further stated that the Department should
clearly indicate whether they currently have enough vehicles. The Department
responded to say that the personnel establishment is currently being stabilised
and the vehicle fleet must also be stabilised.
·
VIP/Luxury vehicles:
The Committee questioned the
Departments Policy on the procurement of VIP or luxury vehicles (cost in
excess of R450 000.00. Members also asked what the criteria is used when
determining the procurement of these types of vehicles as well as the current
vehicle strength within this category and the number of these vehicles to be
purchased in the 2013/14 financial year. The Committee requested the Department
to provide a detailed response in writing. The Department provided a written
response which stated that all vehicles, regardless of the price, are procured
in accordance with the Special Conditions of Contract RT57. The criterion to
purchase any vehicle is according to the threshold values. It was further
stated that all VIP vehicles in excess of R450 000.00 are approved based
on each individually substantiated motivation. In a written response received
from the Department it was stated that a total of forty-five (45) luxury
vehicles were bought in 2012/13 which were for the Minister and Deputy-Minister
of Police, VIP Protection Services and for operational purposes which includes
Specialised Units such as Organised Crime, Commercial Crime and Crime
Intelligence. According to the Department, the demand for all vehicles in the
SAPS, including this category, for the 2013/14 financial year is being ratified
and that the figures will be provided to the Committee once approved by the
SAPS Management.
·
SAPS members deployed in peacekeeping missions:
The Committee asked whether the Department participates to any foreign
peacekeeping missions and what is the cost associated to these deployments. The
Department stated that fifteen (15) members are deployed to South Sudan and
fifty-three (53) members are awaiting deployment to
·
Capital Asset Plan:
The Committee raised concern
regarding the percentage performance target for the percentage of budgeted
planned police facility projects completed as per the Infrastructure Plan. This
target does not allow proper oversight over the police facilities planned for
the year under review. The APP does not list the location of facilities, which
makes the percentage target inadequate to measure actual performance. The
Committee requested a comprehensive list of police facilities within their
respective stages planned for the 2013/14 financial year, as the Department
could not provide the list during hearings. The Department provided a
comprehensive list of planned capital works and maintenance projects for the
2013/14 financial year. Complete list available on request from the Committee
Secretary.
·
Information and Communication Technology and Information Systems (ICT/IS):
The Committee welcomed the inclusion of performance targets
for the percentage of project milestones delivered according to the funded Criminal
Justice System (CJS) revamp and
Integrated
Justice System (IJS). However, the Committee expressed dissatisfaction towards
the lack of measurable targets for the specific performance targets for Departmental
ICT/IS plans. The Committee noted the target for projects running with the CJS
revamp and IJS, but not all systems running in the Department are linked to the
IJS/CJS. The Committee also specifically questioned the roll-out and
installation of close-circuit television cameras (CCTV) in high crime areas.
The Department stated that no CCTV cameras were installed in the 2012/13
financial year. The Committee requested a comprehensive roll-out plan for these
installations. This report was received and is available upon request from the
Committee Secretary.
·
Police Barracks:
The Committee raised concern
regarding the state of police barracks and requested the Department to indicate
whether they have a plan to address the situation.
Building and maintenance of barracks is not a
devolved function.
The Committee
requested full details on the strategy regarding the upgrading of police
barracks. A comprehensive report was received from the Department as requested.
·
POLMED:
The Committee raised various concerns about the
functionality of the medical scheme used exclusively by the SAPS. Members
raised concerns regarding the aid benefits not paid to retired members of the
SAPS and the current court case pending against the scheme on this issue. Many Committee
Members noted that they receive complaints regarding the service received from
POLMED. The Department indicated that POLMED is a closed scheme and it is thus compulsory
for SAPS members to use POLMED. Members may not use any other medical scheme.
The Department further stated that they are aware of cases where benefits are
not paid to retired members as required, but that the situation is receiving
attention. The Department also stated that in a recently completed survey done
on POLMED, the scheme received a 95 per cent satisfaction rating. The Committee
requested a written response on the details of the pending court case as well
as details on the satisfaction survey conducted for POLMED (see additional
information section). In the written response received, the Department stated
that court case is a litigation matter in the North Gauteng High Court
instituted by a claimant and 87 others against the South African Service
Medical Aid Scheme (
Polmed
) as the First Defendant
and three others. The Department further stated that the essence of this matter
involves the interpretation of the Rules of the
Polmed
Scheme in the period 1999 to 2007 pertaining to the eligibility of members
after leaving the service to continue to be members of the
Polmed
Scheme and if so, on what terms. The Department further provided the contact
details of a contact person, which Members of Parliament can contact with
complaints/problems raised with Members (available from the Committee Secretary).
Regarding the satisfaction survey, the Department indicated that a random
sample was drawn by
Greenfields
Institute of Business
(PTY) Ltd. from the master data base supplied by
Polmed
.
·
Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET):
The
Committee raised concern on the continuous ABET courses presented by the
Department. The Committee questioned the number of operational members still
receiving ABET training and dismissed the reason provided by the Department
that it is due to the incorporation of all security services into the SAPS. The
Committee requested a detailed written response in this regard in order to
provide a clear strategy on having all operational members trained in ABET. The
Department provided a written response in which it was stated that all
remaining Public Service Act personnel will be trained by 2019. An estimated
R15 million will be spent over the next three years.
5.3
Programme 2: Visible Policing
·
Firearm applications:
The Committee questioned the
functionality of the CFR and what the current backlog on the CFR is. The
Committee also requested information on the number of appeals and what the date
of the oldest application is. The Department responded (written response) that
the number of appeals on the system are 6 382 (as on 24 April 2013) and
that the date of the oldest application is January 2011. The Committee also
expressed concern regarding the significant extension affected to the target
for the turn-around time provided for firearm applications from 90 days to a
full financial year (365 days).
·
Lost/stolen Firearms:
The Committee expressed concern regarding
the fact that the Department combined the target for state owned firearms and
civilian firearms and vehicles. The Committee further raised concern regarding
the seemingly low target as the Department should strive to retrieve 100 per
cent retrieval of especially state-owned firearms. It was stated the targets
should be separated again in future years. The Department stated that the
target cannot be 100 per cent as many identification numbers on firearms are
filed off the instrument, making it impossible to link the stolen firearms with
its owner. If a member is found guilty of negligently losing a firearm, he or
she must repay the State.
Members further asked the Department to provide the
number of SAPS firearms lost in the 2012/13 financial year. The Department
stated that a total of 834 SAPS firearms were lost in the 2012/13 financial
year to the cost of R4.857 million. The Committee asked the Department to
explain what action is taken against members who lost their firearms
negligently and requested the Department to provide full details on the number
of debt accounts created in this regard for repayment. In a written response,
the Department stated that 104 debt accounts were created in 2012/13 where
liability was indicated and amounted to R385 823.00. The actual repayment
amounted to R155 011.00. These debt accounts are active and members are
required to repay the remaining R230 812.00 which is in process. The
Department further reported that a total of 140 members were charged in 2012/13
regarding the loss of a firearm. The outcomes of these cases (total of 140)
were reported as follows:
|
Not guilty
|
17
|
Final written warning
|
8
|
|
Fines
|
61
|
Case withdrawn
|
9
|
|
Counselling
|
3
|
Suspended without pay
|
1
|
|
Demotion
|
0
|
Suspended dismissal
|
55
|
|
Dismissal
|
5
|
Suspended sanction
|
2
|
|
Verbal warning
|
0
|
Pending
|
1
|
|
Written warning
|
9
|
Not on roll
|
15
|
Source:
SAPS Responses 2013
·
Sector Policing:
Although the Committee welcomed
the target included on sector policing for the first time, concern was raised
regarding the fact that the target is on the implementation of the minimum
criteria of sector policing even though the strategy was initiated more than a
decade back. The Department stated that sector policing is a resource intensive
strategy and that it is not implemented as required because of resource constraints
in terms of staff and vehicles. The Committee rejected this response as the
staff establishment grew significantly over the last decade together with the
number of vehicles. The Committee stated that the challenge is management of
resources rather than the actual resources themselves. The Department stated
that forty-one stations have no sector policing implemented and that the sector
policing policy is being reviewed. The implementation of the strategy is
monitored by the Inspectorate. The table below indicates the police stations
where sector policing has not been implemented:
|
|
|
||
|
|
Komaggas
|
Clarens
|
Petrus
Steyn
|
|
Boetsap
|
Norvalspont
|
Dewetsdorp
|
Phillippolis
|
|
Danielskuil
|
Noupoort
|
Edenville
|
Soutpan
|
|
|
Witdraai
|
Koffiefontein
|
Springfontein
|
|
Hondeklipbaai
|
Wrenchville
|
Kroonstad
|
Steunmekaar
|
|
Kamieskroon
|
|
|
Tumahole
|
|
Alexanderbaai
|
Onseepkans
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Bolo
|
Tsomo
|
Boshoek
|
Mooinooi
|
|
Klipplaat
|
Patensie
|
Mooifontein
|
Ottoshoop
|
|
Kubusiedrift
|
Seafield
|
Madibogo
|
Stella
|
|
Lady Grey
|
Steynsburg
|
|
|
|
Wolwefontein
|
|
|
|
·
Escapes:
The Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the fact
that the target for escapes from police custody was amended from an actual
number to a percentage target. The Department stated that the target now
measures the escapes as a percentage of detainees similar to the Department of
Correctional Services and that it is based on the increased number of arrests.
The Committee stated that the comparison to the Department of Correctional
Services is unfounded as the Department for Correctional Services incarcerates
offenders for extended periods of time, and that the SAPS only detain alleged
offenders for short periods. The Committee requested the actual number of aided
escapes and what consequences were faced by these members. The Department
indicated that 201 cases were opened between 01 April 2012 and 30 September
2012. The Department furnished a written response, in which it is stated that
for the period 01 April 2012 to 31 March 2012 there were a total of 350 cases
opened against members for aided escapes. The outcomes of these were reported:
Not guilty: 121; Fines: 78; Counselling: 1; Demotion: 0; Verbal warning: 1;
Written warning: 42; Final written warning: 23; Withdrawn: 41; Suspended
without pay: 4; Suspended sanction: 7; Suspended dismissal: 51; and Pending
cases: 12.
·
Training of station commanders:
The
Committee indicated that the lack of training of station commanders poses a
challenge to the effective management of stations and by implication the
effectiveness of visible policing. As such, the Committee questioned the level
of training of station commanders. The Department stated that the Department currently
has 1 133 station commanders of which 817 are trained on all modules of
the station management courses. An expected 125 commanders will be trained in
2013/14 financial year. The remaining 191 will be trained in the subsequent
year. The Committee stated that the Department should ideally be training
additional station commanders to take up positions as they become available to
ensure the effective management of stations. The Department submitted a
comprehensive report (available on request from the Committee Secretary).
·
Rural Safety Strategy:
The Committee raised concern
regarding the exclusion of a target for the rural safety strategy for the
second year and stated that rural safety remains a Government priority. The
Department was asked to explain this exclusion. The Department stated that the definition
for what constitutes a rural area is not clear and as such the Department
removed the target to gain clarity on this issue. The Department stated that
the reduction of crime in rural areas remains a priority for the Department,
but that it is difficult to define a rural area. The Committee urged the
Department to expedite all relevant engagements needed to determine the exact
definition of a rural environment.
·
Policy reviews:
The Committee commented on the
large number of policies currently under review and the lack of deadlines for
these reviews to be finalised. The Department indicated that many of the policy
reviews will be finalised towards the end of 2013. The Discipline Policy is
expected to be completed by August 2013. The Committee requested a full list of
policies currently under review and the date when these policies will be
finalised. The Department submitted a comprehensive report (available on
request from the Committee Secretary).
·
Vulnerable groups:
The Committee asked the
Department to elaborate on the increased efforts planned to protect vulnerable
groups, like women, children, persons with disability and the elderly in the
2013/14 financial year. The Department indicated that vulnerable groups remain
a priority for the SAPS and
that
they engaged in three
primary initiatives in term of women and children. The SAPS, together with the
Civilian Secretariat for Police is monitoring compliance to the Domestic
Violence Act. Secondly, the Department is part of the National Gender
Commission and thirdly, the Department forms part of the Inter-ministerial
committee developing a plan on combating all forms against violence against
women and children, led by the Minister for Women, Children and Persons with
Disabilities.
·
Discipline and criminality:
The Committee raised
concern regarding the general lack of discipline shown by members of the SAPS.
It was stated that the SAPS has a dual standard in that proposed recruits may
not apply if they have a criminal record, but once in the SAPS they are not
disciplined once they commit criminal acts. The Department confirmed that the
Disciplinary Code of the SAPS currently states that criminal actions do not
always lead to suspensions, only when a jail sentence is attached to the crime.
A total number of 1 512 employees with previous criminal convictions are
still employed in the service. The Department stated that most of the
convictions are very old aging from 2009 backwards. A process of sourcing legal
advise
on how to deal with the cases of these members
that are still employed in the SAPS is underway. This is one of the reasons for
the code/policy being reviewed and the tightening of disciplinary processes is
part of the interventions targeted by the SAPS.
5.4
Programme 3: Detective Services
Directorate
for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI):
The
Committee noted that this should be the last time the DPCI will report as part
as the Detective Services Programme as the SAPS Amendment Act, 2012 (No.7 of
2012) clearly states that the DPCI must form its own Programme and report
separately. The Department indicated that the Act was only promulgated in
September 2012 and thus left little time for the DPCI to form its own
Programme. However, the Department stated that the DPCI will be ready in the
new MTEF cycle. The Committee asked whether DPCI members are vetted. The
Department stated that the Act prescribes that all DPCI members must be vetted
and that the unit is currently prioritised for vetting by the Crime
Intelligence Programme and that a total of 1 059 members have been vetted
to date. An integrity management unit will be set up within the DPCI conducting
lifestyle audits as well as the complaints mechanism prescribed by the Act.
·
Number of detectives:
The Committee expressed concern
regarding the confusion on the actual number of detectives in the Service. The
Department was able to provide figures, but requested that the figures must be
first verified and approved by the National Commissioner of Police. The
Department provided (written response) the following figures in terms of SAPS
Act personnel (crime investigators:
|
General
Detectives at station level
|
20 533
|
|
General
Detectives at cluster station level
|
341
|
|
Specialised
in investigations geographically placed at units within provinces (FCS, Stock
Theft and
|
4 333
|
|
Detectives
on provincial level
|
481
|
|
Detectives
and support personnel at division level
|
156
|
|
Total
|
25 844
|
|
Directorate for Priority Crime
Investigations (DPCI)
|
2 196
|
·
Detection rate for crimes against children:
The Committee
raised concern regarding the lowering of the detection rate for crimes against
children. The Department stated that the target is set against the previous
years performance and that every effort is made to detect cases against
children effectively.
·
Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL):
The Department
indicated that the workload of the FSL increased significantly over the past
two years. The FSL launched an awareness campaign at stations to submit case
exhibits as soon as possible. The increased ballistic testing of firearms also
added to the increase in workload. The FSL is not facing a real back-log in
analysing case exhibits, (only in the chemical laboratory). Some cases have a
lag-time. This is largely due to the loss of sixteen analysts and also an
increased amount of drugs confiscated at station level. The FSL environment has
a good retention strategy and offers comparable salaries to analysts. Entry
level analysts are appointed at the salary level of a Warrant Officer. The
Department also stated that training courses offered to analysts are very good
and in high demand by outside companies.
·
Training:
The Committee asked whether Detectives are adequately
trained and whether the courses are accredited. The Department currently
provides more than fifteen courses for Detectives ranging from the basic
training and Resolving of Crime (ROC) to specialised courses like commercial
crime and stock theft.
The Department
stated that a total of 21 513 detectives were trained as on 31 March 2013.
A remaining 4 331 detectives are not fully trained and must undergo ROC
training. In the 2012/14 financial year, 2 898 detectives will be trained
and in the 2014/15 financial year, 1 433 and any other members joining the
Detective Service will be trained.
·
Resources:
The Committee referred to the Detective Dialogue
hosted by the Committee in September 2012 where it was clear that Detectives
are not adequately resourced in terms of computers and vehicles. The Department
indicated that a large number of laptops have been delivered to Provinces and
most handed to Detectives. Not all laptops have been distributed in
·
DNA-kits:
The Committee questioned the reported shortage of
DNA-kits (rape-kits) reported earlier this year. The Department stated that
there was some challenges as the Department phased out the old kits and
switched over to a new kit. The challenges have been sorted out and the
Department is currently using the new DNA-kits. The new kits are cheaper
(R99.00 versus R299.00). The Department stated that the new kits are of better
quality with fewer components making them more user-friendly. It was further
stated that the Department is currently investigating the possibility of serialising
all consumables in the Department to increase the effectiveness of
distribution.
·
Integrated Case Docket Management System (ICDMS/e-dockets):
The Committee had an extensive discussion on the roll-out of the
ICDMS/e-docket. The Department stated that at the end of the 2012/13 financial
year, the system will be rolled-out to only 79 of the 1 133 stations (list
available on request). The Committee was surprised by the very slow rate of
installation as the system was initiated more than a decade ago (2002). The Department
stated that implementation of the system is hampered by the lack of network
capability and that this process could take another decade to complete. The
Department also stated that members are resistant to use the system at stations
where it is installed and prefer to use the old system due to a general fear of
change. It was also stated that Detectives are currently still trained on the old
Case Administration System (CAS), which will be phased out as the ICDMS is
rolled-out. The stations prioritised for the new system are not necessarily
linked to courts that can also handle the new data format, only those
prioritised as part of the IJS/CJS. The Department also stated that the CAS
cannot be switched off before the complete roll-out of the ICDMS. The network
upgrades will be increased and efforts made to fully implement the system
within the next two years. The Committee also questioned whether the Department
made provision for skills transfer from the SITA. The Department indicated that
skills transfer is part of the turn-around to build capacity within the ICDMS
environment. In a written response from the Department, it was stated that a
total of R421 954 459.00 was spent on the system from the 2004/05 to
2012/13 financial years. The Department further stated that the number of
dockets that were scanned on the ICDMS since implementation to date are as
follows:
o
The cover page of a docket is
indexed on the system as A0: Total scanned = 2 477 186
o
The statements and other types
of documents are indexed as part A, B and C documents. Total scanned =
9 295 474
o
Total of all scanned documents
were 11 772 660 (up to the end of March 2013)
o
Total number of Case Dockets
scanned were 3 846 272 (up to the end of March 2013).
5.5
Programme 4: Crime Intelligence
·
Classified targets:
The Committee raised serious
concern regarding the inclusion of performance indicators with classified
targets in a public document. The Committee noted that the target for Provision
of strategic intelligence reports to NICOC should be either 100 per cent or
removed from the APP.
·
Vacancies:
The Committee raised concern regarding the large
number of vacancies currently in the Crime Intelligence Programme and that it
leads to a certain degree of instability. The Department responded to say that
the unit is currently unstable because of the high number of personnel in
acting positions (80 per cent) and also the number of senior managers currently
under suspension.
·
Suspensions:
The Department stated that a
total of 21 members of the Crime Intelligence Programme were suspended in
2012/13 on charges including fraud, robbery, theft, murder and sexual assault.
The Committee raised serious concern regarding the high criminality within this
environment and questioned whether all members of the unit are vetted before
appointment.
·
Vetting:
The Committee raised concern about the high number of
suspended members within the crime intelligence environment and asked whether
members are vetted. The Department stated that they currently have a problem with
the capacity of the unit to conduct vetting of members and that the unit
currently focuses on members of Supply Chain Management, DPCI and the Ministry.
The Department stated that only 1 019 of the 7 938 members in the
crime intelligence environment are in possession of a valid security clearance
certificate. The Department further stated that the members should ideally be
vetted before appointment to the unit and efforts will be made to conduct this
henceforth.
5.6
Programme 5: Protection and Security Services (PSS)
·
VIP Protection to foreign nationals:
The
Committee asked whether the PSS protects any foreign nationals living in
·
Overtime payments:
The Committee raised concern
about the overtime paid to members of the PSS unit and questioned why this is necessary
within the shift system of the SAPS. The Department stated that the shift system
is only applicable to the static protection environment and that close
protectors are not office bound and regularly work more than eight hours per
day, which requires overtime to be paid to in-transit protection to VIPs.
·
Vehicles:
The Committee raised concern about the eight per cent
increase in the PSS Programme and whether the increase in expenditure is
allocated to the procurement of VIP vehicles. The Committee also asked the
Department what amount of funds is appropriated for the procurement of VIP
vehicles. The Department stated that the vehicles in the PSS environment are
used to transport the Presidency and the Ministry of Police. The vehicles are
also used for protection duties, like escort vehicles in a motorcade,
operational planning and transport of technical equipment. The Department
further stated that the Machinery and Equipment
budget
decreased due to the fact that the presidential motor fleet was upgraded during
the 2011/12 and 2012/13 financial years. In the 2011/12 financial years, R45
million was allocated to this upgrade and R21.8 million in the 2012/13
financial year. The allocations decreased significantly in the 2013/14
financial year, with only R6 million allocated to the procurement of vehicles
of the R37.8 million
allocation
for Machinery and
Equipment.
·
Entertainment:
The Committee expressed concern about
the significant increase in the Entertainment budget of the PSS Programme.
·
Static security:
The Committee noted that Members
receive numerous complaints from static protectors regarding their prolonged
placement at static points. Members raised concern that these members are not
afforded career development and that dissatisfied members within this
environment can pose a security risk. The Department took note of the concerns
raised by the Committee and stated that all members in the PSS environment
receive Basic VIP Protection training as well as National Key Point training to
perform their duties at static protection. The Department further stated that
within two years of service the PSS members qualify to undergo the Advanced VIP
Protection training and when found competent members progress to become Close
Protector Officers. Alternatively, members can be trained as physical security
advisors or national key point evaluators or auditors. Lastly, if PSS members
are unhappy at static protection points, they can apply for a transfer or cross
transfer to an environment of choice to specialise in another field of the
SAPS. The Committee noted the response, but indicated that greater care should
be taken to the career development/
pathing
of all
members of the SAPS.
·
Government Security Regulator/Strategic installations:
The Committee requested clarity regarding several issues pertaining to the
Government Security Regulator in terms of National Key Points (NKP) and
Strategic Installations. The first was regarding what entails a strategic
installation and the audits conducted; the second was regarding the seemingly
low target set for the auditing of strategic installations and the third
pertaining to the classification and declassification of a NKP. The Department
stated a strategic installation refers to all spheres of government buildings
and audits focus on matters relevant to several operations to ensure the same
standard of physical security is maintained at these buildings. The Department
further stated that the Minimum Physical Security Standard (MPSS) regulates the
standard of physical security in order to ensure that the same standard is
maintained at all government departments/buildings (referred to as strategic
installations). The MPSS stated that government departments must be audited
every three years. The SAPS do these audits every two years, thus 50 per cent
the one year and 50 per cent the next. This cycle then continues to the next
year.
A NKP can be declared in two ways,
these are through an application by the owner of the building or by the
Minister of Police in terms of Section 2(1
)(
2) of the
National Key Points Act, No. 102 of 1980. A NKP can also be declassified
through the same procedures as stated above.
6.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND ADDITION INFORMATION: SAPS
The Committee made the following recommendations in terms of the 2013/14
Annual Performance Plan, Strategic Plan and 2013/14 Budget of the Department of
Police:
1)
The Department should ensure
that resources are allocated to stations based on real needs and that the
Resource Allocation Guide (RAG) remains relevant and is effectively used in
planning processes. It is hoped that the Asset Register approach will assist
stations in receiving the exact resources that are needed to effectively
deliver services to the communities they serve. The Committee further
recommended that the RAG should be based on the latest available census data.
2)
The Department should prioritise
staff development, especially in terms of rudimentary training like K53 and
ABET.
3)
The Department must publish an
addendum to the 2013/14 Annual Performance Plan to include the previously
omitted performance targets as indicated by the Committee.
4)
The Department must include new performance
indicators and targets in the 2014/15 Annual Performance Plan to measure service
delivery on the following:
a.
The implementation of recommendations made by the Independent Police
Investigative Directorate (IPID).
b.
Progress made on the number of disciplinary actions against members of
SAPS, in order to improve professionalism within the SAPS.
c.
A target for stock-theft should be included in the 2014/15 Annual
Performance Plan.
d.
A target for cases close undetected should be included in the 2014/15
Annual Performance Plan.
e.
A target on detection rate for serious crimes must be increased in the
2014/15 APP.
f.
A target on the implementation
of the e-docket system must be included in the 2014/15 APP.
g.
The Department should consider improving the target set for the
implementation of sector policing in the 2014/15 Annual Performance Plan.
h.
The classified targets included in the 2013/14 APP must not be included in
the 2014/15 APP.
5)
The Department must continuously
focus on improving the compliance of members to the requirements of all
legislation, especially the Domestic Violence Act and the Child Justice Act.
6)
The Department must prioritise
the full implementation of sector policing as a matter of urgency.
7)
The Department must ensure that performance
indicators and targets set for the Crime Intelligence Programme meet SMART
requirements as set by Treasury Regulations.
8)
The Department should consider
developing clear
career-
pathing
for members employed in the Protection and
Security Services Programme, especially for those members at static security
points to ensure upward mobility for these members.
Additional information
The
Committee requested additional information through written responses and
reports to supplement the information gathered during hearings on the 2013/14
Annual Performance Plan, Strategic Plan and 2013/14 Budget of the Department of
Police:
The Portfolio Committee requested the following additional information
from the
Administration Programme
:
1)
The number of additional post to
the Resource Allocation Guideline (RAG). This should include the number of
these posts filled as well as the cost of these.
2)
The income generated by the
Department from scrap metal pertaining to boarded vehicles that was crushed.
3)
The Committee requested a
comprehensive report regarding the bursaries given to staff by the Department.
The report should include the following:
·
The number and type of bursaries awarded by
the Department in the 2013/14 financial year.
·
The number and type of bursaries
awarded in the previous two financial years (2011/12 and 2012/13) and the
number of personnel who failed their course and whether the money associated
with the bursary was recovered by the Department.
·
The Department should also
provide all relevant information on the contracts signed by bursary
beneficiaries and also provide an example of such signed contract.
4)
The Department must explain the
reasons for the large number of operational SAPS members (10 352) who do
not have a valid drivers licence. The Department should also elaborate on the
turn-around strategy to ensure that all operational members have valid drivers
licenses and clearly indicate by what date all operational members will have
drivers licenses.
5)
The Department should provide a
detailed report on their newly developed Asset Register policy approach in
terms of vehicle allocation at stations, once approved by SAPS Management.
6)
The Department must provide a
comprehensive list of all capital work projects for the 2013/14 year broken
down into the stage of the project, completion dates and costs.
7)
The Department should provide
the current SAPS Policy on the procurement of VIP or luxury vehicles (cost in
excess of R450 000.00). This should also include the criteria used when
determining the procurement of these types of vehicles as well as the current
vehicle strength within this category and the number which will be procured by
SAPS in the 2013/14 financial year.
8)
The Department must provide the
exact number of internship positions in the SAPS for 2013/14 as well as in
which environment these will be allocated. This should also include the cost
associated with the internship as well as the SAPS Policy document on
Internships.
9)
The Department must provide full
details on the current court case regarding POLMED and when the case is
expected to be finalised.
10)
The Department must provide a detailed report on the increases to the
Entertainment account of the Department in 2013/14 compared to the previous
financial year. It should be clearly stated what constitutes Entertainment and
the purpose for which these funds will be used.
11)
The Department should provide a detailed roll-out plan for the
installation of CCTV cameras in high crime areas together with clear
time-frames and cost allocations.
12)
The Department must provide the name and details of a contact person to
which Members of Parliament can forward complaints regarding POLMED and pension
funds.
13)
Comprehensive list on the upgrading of SAPS living quarters with clear
time-frames and costs.
14)
The Department must provide a comprehensive report on Adult Basic
Education and Training (ABET) courses offered to operational SAPS member
together with the number of operational members attending these courses and the
associated costs. It should also include a time-frame when all operational
members will have completed ABET courses.
15)
The Department must provide details on the satisfaction survey recently
completed on the police medical scheme (POLMED). The information must include,
amongst others: (1) the service provider, (2) the sample size and (3) the
response rate of the survey.
16)
Report on Rental Accommodation paid to Provincial Commissioners. This
should include the SAPS Policy together with a list of Provincial Commissioners
receiving this benefit and also other Government Departments with similar
policies.
The Portfolio Committee requested the following additional information
from the
Visible Policing Programme:
1)
Provide a list of the 41
stations where sector policing has not yet been implemented.
(Information received at the end of business
on the same day).
2)
In reference to the recent spate
of robberies at the
Alberton
police station, the
Committee requested that a report on the investigation into these robberies
must be made available to the Committee upon completion of the investigation.
3)
The Department must provide all
relevant detail on the departmentally charged member who aided escapes of
detainees from police custody during the 2012/13 financial year.
(Information received at the end of business
same day HOWEVER the information provided is only for six months running from
01 April 2012 to 30 September 2012).
The relevant information should also be
provided for the following six month period running from 01 October 2012 to 31
March 2013.
4)
The Department should provide
relevant details on the number of debt accounts that have been created for the
repayment of lost state property, especially for the loss of a firearm. The
report should also include the number of investigations regarding the loss of
firearms as well as the outcomes and disciplinary actions taken against members
found guilty of negligently losing their firearms.
5)
The Department must provide the
number of appeals on firearm applications currently on the system as well as
the date for the oldest application currently on the system.
6)
The Department must provide
clear deadlines for the implementation of recently reviewed National
Instructions, specifically on (1) sector policing, (2) SAPS 13 Stores/Exhibit
management, and (3) disciplinary procedures. Copies of the newly development
instructions must be forwarded to the Committee upon completion.
7)
The Department must provide a
list of all the police stations where Station Commanders are fully trained on
all modules of the Station Management Learning Programmes. This should also
include a list of members fully trained on Station Management, but not
currently employed as a station commander.
8)
The Department should provide
the Committee with the action plan on Gender-based Violence developed by the
Inter-Ministerial Committee on gender-based violence upon completion.
9)
The Department must provide a
detailed report on criminality within the SAPS. This must include the reviewed
internal disciplinary procedures policy as well as the number of SAPS members
currently employed who have a criminal record. The report must clearly indicate
what action will be taken by SAPS to rid the organisation of criminal members.
10)
The Department must provide a detailed report on the efforts taken to
improve compliance to legislation, particularly the Domestic Violence Act and
the Child Justice Act.
The Portfolio Committee requested the following additional information
from the
Detective Services Programme:
1)
Additional documentation on when
the DPCI will become a designated programme.
2)
Comprehensive report on the
verified number of detectives currently in the SAPS must be provided. This
should also report on the discrepancies of audited personnel figures contained
in the 2011/12 Annual Report of SAPS.
3)
Comprehensive report on the
training of detectives, including those already trained on all modules of ROC
and those not yet fully trained. The report should also include a
gender-breakdown of the figures.
4)
Report on the utilisation of
retired detectives.
5)
Report on the outcome of the
investigation of a case involving the theft of cocaine seized at the OR
Tambo
Airport and later stolen from the Forensic Science
Laboratory in
6)
Report on the consequences to
members guilty of misusing state own vehicles, specifically related to the two
cases cited by the Committee in
7)
The Department must provide a
status report on the implementation of the Integrated Case Docket Management
System (ICDM/e-dockets). The report must include the following information
amongst others:
·
A list of the 79 stations where
the system will be implemented at the end of the financial year;
·
The portion of CJS/IJS earmarked
funding specifically allocated to the ICDM Project since its inception
(2002/03); and
·
The number of dockets scanned on
the system to date (since implementation).
The Portfolio Committee requested the following additional information
from the
Protection and Security
Services Programme:
1)
The Department should submit a
copy of the verbal answers provided for this Programme on Friday, 19 April
2013, in a written format.
(Received same
day).
All additional information
requested from the Department of Police was received on 01 May 2013.
PART B: CIVILIAN SECRETARIAT FOR
POLICE (CSP)
7.
CIVILIAN SECRETARIAT FOR POLICE (CSP)
7.1
Strategic focus areas
The 2011-2015 Strategic Plan of the Civilian Secretariat for Police shows
significant changes to the organisational structure of the Secretariat in the
2013/14 financial year in order to align its functions with the legislative
mandate laid down in the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service Act, 2011 (Act
No. 2 of 2011). The Act was promulgated on 01 December 2011 with the exception
of two crucial provisions, the first being the establishment of the Secretariat
as a designated department and the second, the appointment of the Secretary of
Police as the Accounting Officer of the Secretariat. The Secretariat was
expected to receive its first voted funds in the 2013/14 financial year, but
due to organisational challenges, the 01 April 2013 deadline was missed. The
Secretariat will continue to function as a cost centre of the South African
Police Service (SAPS), currently located in the Administration Programme of the
SAPS for the 2013/14 financial year.
The Civilian Secretariat for Police derives its mandate from section 208
of the Constitution of South Africa, 1996 (Act No. 106 of 1996), which states
that a civilian secretariat for the police must be established by national
legislation to function under the direction of the Cabinet member responsible
for policing. This also takes cognisance of section 206 of the Constitution,
which entitles provincial Members of the Executive Committee (
MECs
) to perform certain oversight functions relating to
policing.
The
table below reflects the changes to the strategic goals and goal statements of
the Secretariat as reported in their 2011-2015 Strategic Plan (2013 revision) compared
to those listed in the 2011-2014 Strategic Plan (2012). The newly developed
strategic goals, together with their goal statements, are more structured and
focused on the supportive role of the Secretariat to the Minister of Police as
per their legislative mandate enshrined in the Civilian Secretariat for Police
Service Act, 2011 (Act No. 2 of 2011). The strategic goals and statements are
tailored towards improving its legislative responsibilities as well as
enhancing accountability of the SA Police Service (SAPS).
Table 11: Changes to the strategic goals
and goal statements of the Secretariat for Police (2012/13 to 2013/14)
|
Strategic Plan 2011-2014
|
Strategic Plan 2011-2015
|
||
|
Strategic Goal 1
|
Effective and efficient governance
and administration of the Civilian Secretariat for Police
|
Strategic Goal 1
|
A
well-advised and supported Minister for a service-delivery oriented police
service that is accountable.
|
|
Goal statement
|
Ensuring compliance to all Public Service Rules and
Regulations, the Public Finance Management Act, all Treasury Regulations and
a well run administration.
|
Goal statement
|
Ensuring compliance to all Public Service Rules and
Regulations, the Public Finance Management Act, all Treasury Regulations and
a well run administration.
|
|
Strategic Goal 2
|
Quality,
timeous
evidence-based strategic research, policy advise to the Minister of Police
|
Strategic Goal 2
|
Quality,
timeous
evidence-based strategic research, policy advise and
legislative support
to the Minister of Police
|
|
Goal statement
|
To develop and facilitate research and policy to
strengthen the policing environment.
|
Goal statement
|
To develop and facilitate
legislation
, research and policy to strengthen the policing
environment
|
|
Strategic Goal 3
|
Deepened public participation in the fight against
crime
|
Strategic Goal 3
|
Deepened public participation in the fight against
crime
|
|
Goal statement
|
To facilitate collaboration between government and
civil society organisations in crime prevention
|
Goal statement
|
To facilitate collaboration between government and
civil society organisations in crime prevention
|
|
Strategic Goal 4
|
Efficient and effective oversight of the South
African Police Service.
|
Strategic Goal 4
|
Enhanced
accountability and transformation of the South African Police Service
|
|
Goal statement
|
To monitor and evaluate the SAPS service delivery,
systems, transformation and performance.
|
Goal statement
|
To improve
police accountability and integrity through the provision of effective and
efficient monitoring and evaluation
|
7.2
Budget estimates for the Civilian Secretariat for Police: 2013/14
The Secretariat continues to receive a large increase in budget allocation
mostly due to its changing organisational structure. The R63.423 million
allocation received in the 2012/13 financial year increased by 23.68 per cent
(real terms) to R82.834 million in the 2013/14 financial year. The Monitoring
and Evaluation Programme received the largest increase within the Secretariat.
The allocation of R4.567 million for this Programme almost doubled to R8.798
million in 2013/14. This represents a real percentage increase of 82.43 per
cent. The Policy and Research Programme received the second largest increase.
This Programme received an allocation of R2.025 million in 2013/14 compared to
the R1.155 million
allocation
in 2012/13. This
represents an increase of 66.03 per cent in real terms. The Legislation Programme
receives exactly the same funds in 2013/14 compared to 2012/13 (R1.380
million), which represents an actual decrease of 5.30 per cent in real terms.
This is not aligned with the increased focus on legislative support as stated
in the revised strategic goals and goal statements of the Secretariat.
Table 12: Expenditure estimates
for 2013/14 compared to 2012/13
|
Programme
|
Budget
|
Nominal
Increase/ Decrease in 2013/14
|
Real
Increase/ Decrease in 2013/14
|
Nominal
Percent change in 2013/14
|
Real
Percent change in 2013/14
|
|
|
R
Thousand
|
2012/13
|
2013/14
|
||||
|
Programme 1: Administration
|
53 380.0
|
67 102.0
|
13 722.0
|
10 163.6
|
25.71
per cent
|
19.04
per cent
|
|
Programme 2: Partnerships
|
2 941.0
|
3 529.0
|
588.0
|
400.9
|
19.99
per cent
|
13.63
per cent
|
|
Programme 3: Policy and Research
|
1 155.0
|
2 025.0
|
870.0
|
762.6
|
75.32
per cent
|
66.03
per cent
|
|
Programme 4: Legislation
|
1 380.0
|
1 380.0
|
0.0
|
-
73.2
|
0.00
per cent
|
5.30
per cent decrease
|
|
Programme 5: Monitoring and Evaluation
|
4 567.0
|
8 798.0
|
4 231.0
|
3
764.4
|
92.64
per cent
|
82.43
per cent
|
|
TOTAL
|
63 423.0
|
82 834.0
|
19 411.0
|
15 018.3
|
30.6
per cent
|
23.68
per cent
|
Source: CSP 2013/14APP
The line-items under the economic classification show some significant
changes to allocations. Most significantly is the increase in the allocation
for the use of consultants. The allocation made for
Consultants and Professional
Services and Advisory
increased
by 1 889.78 per cent
(in real terms) from an allocation of R17
thousand in 2012/13 to an allocation of R359 thousand in 2013/14, which is a
nominal increase of more than 2 000 per cent.
Similarly, the following increases should be noted:
·
Goods and Services:
o
Assets less than R5000.00
increased by 1 241.54 per cent.
o
Legal Costs
increased
by 49 per cent.
o
Computer Services
increased by 206.37 per cent. The entire R5.5 million allocated to the
Secretariat is appropriated to the Monitoring and Evaluation Programme.
o
Inventory: Fuel, oil and gas
increased
by 143.51 per cent.
o
Training and Staff Development
decreased by 54.19 per cent.
o
Operating Leases
decreased
by 96 per cent.
·
Transfers and Subsidies
increased by 57.83 per cent.
·
Machinery and Equipment
increased by 141.38 per cent.
8.
COMMITTEE OBSERVATIONS: CIVILIAN SECRETARIAT FOR POLICE
The Committee had the following concerns and questions regarding the
operation of the Secretariat:
·
Staff competency tests:
The Committee welcomed the newly
established requirement that all currently employed personnel within the senior
management structure must undergo competency assessments as well as prior to
the appointment of new managers. The Committee asked whether currently employed
personnel on all salary levels will also be assessed. The Secretariat responded
that currently only senior managers are assessed, but that the competency assessments
will be broadened in future to assess all personnel. The Secretariat stated
that competency assessments for existing staff are not a pass or fail test and
are not used as a disciplinary tool, but rather as a developmental tool to
identify areas for improvement. The assessments are used differently in
appointment procedures, as certain competencies are set as requirements and if
potential employees fail the prescribed competency assessment, they fail to
comply with the prerequisite criteria set for the particular position.
·
Monitoring of recommendations:
The
Committee expressed concern regarding the effective monitoring of
recommendations made by the Committee during oversight visits to police
stations. The Committee asked which other institutions makes recommendations
regarding the South African Police Service to the Civilian Secretariat for
Police. The Secretariat stated that the monitoring of recommendations will
receive increased focus over the coming years, especially with the development
of the National Monitoring and Evaluation Tool (NMET). The Secretariat stated
that a variety of institutions make regular recommendations regarding the SAPS,
these include amongst others all Chapter Nine Institutions and the Public
Service Commission.
·
Community Policing Forums (
CPFs
):
The Committee expressed concern regarding the effective resourcing of
CPFs
, especially in terms of funding for equipment like
torches. And also asked whether the Secretariat is responsible for the funding
of
CPFs
. The Secretariat stated that they are not
responsible for the funding of
CPFs
, but that
Provincial Departments are responsible for the resourcing of
CPFs
. The Secretariat is responsible for the monitoring of
whether
CPFs
are adequately resourced. The Committee
stated that the Secretariat should focus on this assessment of resourcing as
Members regularly observe that many
CPFs
are
struggling with resources. The Committee expressed further concern regarding
the effective implementation of
CPFs
across
Provinces. The Secretariat indicated that their only role regarding
CPFs
is that of training. The Guideline developed by the
Secretariat was adopted by all Provinces, but Provinces expressed a need for
the development of a training manual for
CPFs
. The
Secretariat complied with this request and is currently engaged in training of
CPFs
across all nine Provinces.
·
Increase in consultancy fees:
The
Committee expressed concern regarding the increase in budget allocations made
towards Consultancy fees in the 2013/14 financial year. The Civilian
Secretariat for Police indicated that the use of Consultants is minimal and
that the consultancy workshops/services of the Secretariat had been incorrectly
classified under the line-item for Consultancy fees. The Secretariat stated
that this will be corrected and submitted to the Department of Police and the
Committee.
·
Dependency on other Departments:
The
Committee asked whether the CSP is still dependent on the Department of Police
for most of the information systems currently used by the Secretariat and
whether there are long term plans to reduce this dependency. The Committee also
expressed concern about the intended use of the database of the State Law
Advisors for legal materials, in that the Secretariat should be able to
function independently for other Departments. The Secretariat stated that it is
currently heavily dependent on the information systems of the SAPS, like PERSAL
and electronic mail services. The Secretariat noted that the dependency was due
to an effort to save costs, but that the concern of the Committee was noted and
a commitment was made to investigate the development of independent systems in
the future.
·
Collapsing of targets:
The Committee expressed concern
regarding the collapsing of targets into fewer and broader targets, especially
in terms of research and policy development. It is feared that this leads to
inconsistent data, which makes monitoring the degree of service delivery
increasingly difficult for the Committee. The Secretariat stated that it is still
grappling with the setting of SMART targets and that they are in constant
consultation with the Department of National Treasury to get these correct. The
Secretary took note of the concerns raised by the Committee and committed itself
to the setting of SMART targets on performance indicators going forward.
·
Rural safety strategy:
The Committee questioned why the
target for the implementation of the Rural Safety Strategy was removed from the
2013/14 APP and indicated that the SAPS have also removed the same target from
their APP for the period under review. The Committee expressed concern
regarding this as it forms one of Governments priorities. The Secretariat
responded that the implementation of policies and/or strategies by the SAPS
does not fall within their mandate. Their mandate is to monitor whether the
strategy is being implemented effectively and that the Secretariat will
continue to monitor the implementation of the strategy by the SAPS as a
Government priority.
·
Reservists Policy:
The Committee expressed its
continued concern regarding the Reservist Policy and requested a concrete
response to the current status of reservists at police stations. The
Secretariat stated that the Reservist Policy and National Instruction on
Reservists have been finalised and approved by the Minister of Police. The
Secretariat will continue to monitor compliance to the policy and national
instruction. The Committee requested a comprehensive report regarding
reservists. (Please see section dealing with additional information requested
from the Civilian Secretariat for Police).
·
White paper on policing:
The Committee indicated
their appreciation for the fact that the White Paper on Safety and Security has
been split into the White Paper on Policing and a separate White Paper on
Safety and Security. However, the Committee expressed concern regarding the
fact that all legislation introduced to Parliament should have followed the
adoption of the White Paper. The concern was raised that the reviewed policy
paper should have paved the way forward for legislation and whether the policy
paper is in-line with the legislation already passed and still to be introduced
in the 2013/14 financial year. The Secretariat noted the concerns of the
Committee and stated that the policy paper was benchmarked with international
best practice and that it is in-line will already adopted legislation as well
as those still to be referred to the Committee in the current financial year.
The concern regarding the lag time of the policy paper was also noted and that
the ideal situation would have been that the policy paper was introduced and
adopted prior to any legislation. The Secretariat stated that the Committee
will be briefed on the policy paper once it is published for public comment as
the Committee is an important stake-holder on all issues of policing.
·
Recommendation of the Detective Dialogue:
The
Committee questioned the current status of progress made towards the
implementation of recommendations made by the Committee during the Detective
Dialogue held on 5 September 2012. The Secretariat stated that the
implementation of the recommendations is a joint effort between the Department
of Police and the Secretariat and that the Secretariat has made some progress
towards assessing the number of detectives in the SAPS and the ideal number
needed in the SAPS to increase the effectiveness of the Detective Services of
the SAPS. The Committee further stated that a meeting has already been
scheduled in May 2013 with the Department of Police and the Secretariat to
discuss the progress to date and that more detail will be required at the said
meeting.
·
Research:
The Committee raised several concerns regarding the
research capacity of the Secretariat. These concerns were specifically directed
towards the capacity of the Programme as well as the continued relevance of
researchers. The Committee asked whether researchers are required to publish in
peer reviewed journals in order to increase their relevance and expertise
within the field of policing. The Secretariat stated that there is no clear
policy on the publishing of research papers in journals, but that nothing
prohibits it. The concern of capacity and time was cited as a key challenge to
achieve this by the Secretariat. The Committee also asked the topics on which
research papers were completed in the previous financial year. The Secretariat
stated that a major paper was completed on the use of minimum force by police
members. The Committee asked whether the research paper was impacted by the
recent media reports on the alleged abuse of power by police members The
Secretariat made it clear that the research project was initiated prior to the
recent media reports. It was further stated that the paper will be presented to
the Committee as soon as time allows. The Secretariat also stated that the
Research Programme makes provision for ad hoc research reports requested by the
Secretary and Minister of Police.
·
IPID Recommendations:
The Committee raised concerns
regarding the potential lack of quality of recommendations made by the IPID and
that this impacts negatively on the rate of uptake of the recommendations by
the SAPS. The Committee questioned the manner in which the Secretariat is
monitoring the quality of recommendations from the IPID and whether the
Secretariat is in a position to impact on the quality thereof. The Secretariat
indicated that it is concern and that they are conducting audits on the reasons
why recommendations from the IPID were not taken up by the SAPS. It was stated
that audits are done on a selection of cases where either the National
Prosecuting Authority declined to prosecute or where the SAPS disciplinary
processes resulted in no sanctions against members who were investigated for
misconduct by the IPID.
·
Firearm application process:
The Committee expressed
their concern regarding the Firearm application process run by the SAPS and
whether the Secretariat was still involved in the process.
The Secretariat stated that they were
initially involved in the development of the turn-around strategy to address
the back-log in firearm applications. The actual implementation and continued
implementation of the strategy remains an operational project run by the SAPS.
The Secretariat indicated that they continue to monitor the system, but that
they are not systems specialists and that the SAPS should engage with other
institutions to ensure the successful implementation and management of the
Central Firearms Register (CFR).
·
Police Conduct:
The Committee asked whether the
Secretariat should only focus on non-compliance within the Police Conduct
Sub-programme or whether excellence in police conduct is also monitored. The
Secretariat stated that although they focus on misconduct by police members,
they also monitor excellence as this boosts morale of the police and that they
want to encourage these members.
·
Organisational capacity:
The Committee expressed
concern regarding the perceived lack of capacity across the organisation, but
especially in the Legislation Programme, in terms of the lack of administrative
personnel. The Committee indicated that a lack of capacity will lead to the
Secretariat being unable to successfully deliver on its mandate. The
Secretariat acknowledged that insufficient capacity is a key concern for the
Secretariat, but that their organogram was benchmarked by the Department of
Public Service and Administration (DPSA) against other Departments. The
Secretariat was allocated eighteen months to revise the organogram. The
Committee urged the Secretariat to engage with the DPSA and Treasury to
motivate for the increase in the staff establishment of the Secretariat.
9.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND ADDITION INFORMATION: CSP
The Committee made the following recommendations regarding the Civilian
Secretariat for Police:
1)
The Committee requested a
presentation on the White Paper for Policing once published for public comment,
as the Committee is a key stakeholder in all issues regarding policing in
2)
The Committee remains concerned
about the collapse of many targets into fewer and broader targets, which
effectively reduces comparability over a period of time and thus the
effectiveness of oversight over the service delivery of the Civilian
Secretariat for Police. The Committee recommended that the Civilian Secretariat
for Police should show restraint when reducing targets.
3)
The Committee recommends that
the Civilian Secretariat for Police should lessen its dependency on other
Departments for resources and should start planning for the development of its
own resources like ICT/IS and legal materials.
4)
The Committee recommended that
the Civilian Secretariat for Police should continuously monitor the quality of
the recommendations made by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate
(IPID) after completion of investigations into members of the South African
Police Service; and engage with the IPID when deficiencies are detected, as the
quality of recommendations impacts on the rate of uptake of the recommendations
by the SAPS.
5)
The Committee urged the Civilian
Secretariat for Police to review the personnel capacity of the entire
organisation in order to ensure sufficient capacity to fulfil its mandate.
6)
The Committee recommended that recommendations
made in the 2012 Committee report should be considered, especially the
following: (1) inconsistent procedures for granting of bail at police stations,
(2) the resourcing of Community Policing Forums (
CPFs
),
and (3) an evaluation of the implementation of Sector Policing.
7)
The Committee congratulated the
Civilian Secretariat for Police for the increased role it is playing in
ensuring that the SAPS becomes a more professional service and indicated their
satisfaction with the changes observed by the Committee over the past five
years.
Additional information:
The Committee requested the following information from the Civilian
Secretariat for Police, before or on 02 May 2013:
1)
Updated report on the alignment of Provinces in terms of the establishment
of Provincial Secretariats.
2)
A copy of the Customised Sector Indicators for measuring the performance
of Provincial Secretariats. A copy of the report is available on request from
the Committee Secretary.
3)
A list of the planned events for the 2013/14 financial year.
4)
A copy of the correction and re-classification of allocation for
Consultancy Services.
5)
The name and contact details of a designated person at the Civilian
Secretariat to deal with complaints forwarded from Members of Parliament.
6)
Comprehensive report on the newly developed Reservist Policy, this should
include the following: (1) dates when the moratorium on reservists was lifted,
(2) the date of approval of the policy, and (3) the deadline when the National
Instruction and Standing Orders regarding reservists must be fully implemented.
A copy of the Reservist Policy, National Instruction and Standing Orders on
Reservists must also be furnished to the Committee.
7)
A copy of the White Paper on Policing must be forwarded to the Committee
once the paper is published for public comment.
8)
A copy of the completed research paper on public protests and unrest.
10.
CONCLUSION
The Portfolio Committee on Police will continue to fulfil its
Constitutional mandate. It is guided by the Parliamentary rules in conducting
the oversight on the functioning of the Department of Police and Civilian
Secretariat for Police. This is done to ensure the proper and effective
functioning and compliance with the legislative mandate and policy
requirements.
The Portfolio Committee on Police supports the budget allocation of the
Department of Police for 2013/14 and the 2013 MTEF and recommends that the
Budget Vote 25 be adopted.
Report to be considered
Documents
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