Police reservist resignations loom

THOUSANDS of police reservists could resign as a result of a controversial new policy signed by national commissioner Riah Phiyega that is already being rolled out, reservists have warned.

One of their biggest concerns about the changes is uniforms which would single them out as volunteers and make them targets, they say.

According to a letter from Phiyega's office to police management – which The Herald has seen – the roll-out of the new policy started in April, only a month after she signed it.

Many reservists, some with more than 10 years' police service, have lashed out at management, saying they had failed to keep them abreast of developments.

A police expert has also said the policy could do more harm than good, resulting in a countrywide mass resignation which would see criminals benefit.

In 2011, there were an estimated 26000 police reservists countrywide, with 2800 of these being from the Eastern Cape. - Gareth Wilson