Safety & security: National Police Day – honouring our men and women in blue

“We are under no illusion that there are quick fix solutions to policing challenges in South Africa. We do believe that over the last two years we have begun to put in place processes that are not only yielding some successes, but will also become the building blocks for the Police Service we envisage,” he said.

Against this background, National Police Day is celebrated on 27 January each year to signify the anniversary of the establishment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in January 1995.

With this day, government gives recognition to the service rendered by the police and honours those who have paid with their lives to protect and serve the people of South Africa.

National Police Day also indicates to local and international communities that the SAPS is honoured and respected for the law and order and the safety and security it provides for South Africa and its people. It shows that the SAPS has the full support of government.