PUBLIC ORDER POLICE

The Public Order Police (POP) are responsible for policing protests. Their training is meant to emphasise the importance of conflict resolution and de-escalation, even when being provoked by protesters.

You can identify a member of the Public Order Policing by the red badge with gold SAPS insignia on their chest. For most other police, the badge is blue.

The officer’s name is at the top of the badge.

All police are under orders to ensure their name badge is visible. Any police member who removes their badge to hide their identity is violating an order.

Every police member, including POP members, also display their rank on their shoulder:

Ordinary Police

Ordinary SAPS members may also be present, especially as the first people to arrive at a protest if the authorities were not notified about it.

Tactical units / Paramilitary units

In extreme cases, paramilitary units such at the Tactical Response Team may be called in to assist Public Order Police. You can identify Tactical Response members because they wear blue berets. When paramilitary units become involved in protests, it indicates that SAPS believes it has lost control or is about to lose control of the situation and intends to disperse the protest using force. The paramilitary units have a reputation for much more aggressive methods.

Crime Intelligence Officials?

In some cases there may be plain-clothes officers present in the crowd. These could be operatives from SAPS Crime Intelligence Division. They are there to gather information, and will not take part in crowd control or necessarily identify themselves as members of the police.

Why are the police filming me at a protest?

It’s common to see police filming, taking photos or taking notes at a protest. In terms of National Instruction 4, SAPS collects detailed information about events and participants at protests. All video footage must be handed in and preserved as evidence and for evaluation and training.

Can i film or photograph the police?

YES. Some officers may try to stop you, demand that you delete footage or try to confiscate your equipment. You should do whatever necessary to keep yourself safe, but there is NO LAWFUL prohibition on your right to photograph/film/record the police.

For more information on this right, visit r2k.org.za/filmthepolice.