CAPE TOWN – Fresh out of college and fired up with purpose, over 800 newly trained City police officers are ready to hit the streets of Cape Town this September.
The 809 officers, known as Neighbourhood Safety Officers, will be deployed across all 116 wards in the city to support local law enforcement and help make communities safer.
Leadership Visits Training College
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and JP Smith, Mayco Member for Safety and Security, visited the officers on Thursday, 24 July at the Public Safety Training College in Observatory, where the recruits are currently in their final stages of training.
“These new officers are a key investment in a safer Cape Town,” said Hill-Lewis, highlighting their role in the City’s Invested in Hope Budget and the R40 billion infrastructure rollout.
Training the Next Generation of Safety Officers
Deputy Chief Bradley Lackay, dean of the college, said the training programme received over 22,000 applications, but only 939 candidates were selected after a rigorous shortlisting process. Of those, 809 successfully completed the course and are set to graduate in September.
Their 18-month training programme included:
- A 12-month Traffic Officer course
- Metro Police officer training, including firearm competency (3 months)
- Neighbourhood Safety Officer training
- Evidence-based policing
- Additional tactical and EPIC training
- Civic Academy training for community engagement
“This group is already getting in-service experience,” Lackay added. “They walk the areas, interact with residents and start building trust even before official deployment.”
A Response to Cape Town’s Safety Needs
Smith said the deployment comes at a crucial time.
“There’s a national shortage of police officers. Deploying five new officers per ward is a rare and important opportunity to reduce crime and improve response times,” he said. “We receive over 2,200 complaints daily, and these officers will help manage that more efficiently.”
Community Collaboration
Neighbourhood Safety Officers will work closely with community policing forums, ward councillors, and neighbourhood watches, acting as a direct link between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith on patrol with officers. Photo: Supplied 
About 809 officers will be deployed to each ward in Cape Town. Photo: Kaylynne Bantom 
Officers on patrol checking a vehicle disc. Photo: Kaylynne Bantom 
The officers will graduate in September. Photo: Kaylynne Bantom
A local resident, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons, welcomed the deployment.
“I feel good about it. Safety is a big issue here, so they will help ensure sa
As the officers prepare to graduate, the City hopes their presence will not only reduce crime, but also strengthen relationships between residents and authorities.
“They didn’t just learn the theory,” said Lackay. “They’re already out there, getting to know the people they’ll protect.”
