South African Police Service Rank Structure

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is the national police force of the Republic of South Africa. Officers of the South African Police Service are ranked based on their seniority.

It is important to know the ranks of the South African Police, just in case you have a special interest. Just like every other military organization in the world, the South African Police Service has an organized chain of command.

The South African Police service is divided into Commissioned and Non-commissioned officers. The commissioned officers are always ranked higher than non-commissioned officers.

Commissioned officers generally receive leadership and management training relating to the specialty and function of the police service. A non-commissioned officer (NCO) is an officer that has not yet earned a rank or commission.

South African Police Service Rank Structure

As earlier mentioned, the South African police service has an organized structure. We have the commission and non-commission officers.

The rank structure is divided into senior management who are also commissioned officers, commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers.

South African Police Service Rank (Senior Management – Commission Officers)

The highest rank in the Service is the General and descends to Brigadier being the least rank within the Senior Officers schedule.

• General
• Lieutenant General
• Major General
• Brigadier

South African Police Service Rank (Commission Officers)

• Colonel
• Lieutenant Colonel
• Major
• Captain
• Lieutenant

South African Police Service Rank (Non-Commission Officers)

• Warrant Officer
• Sergeant
• Constable