» French-SA police co-operation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup

French-SA police co-operation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup

On 30 October 2008, several hundred South African Police Service officers and their 6 trainers from the French police force showcased social order maintenance techniques as well as their newly acquired body armour in preparation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

In July 2008 the French police were requested by the South African Police Service to organize training in crowd control at large events. A South African delegation had visited France in May 2008 to acquaint themselves with the methods employed by their French counterparts during large events such as the 1998 Soccer World Cup and the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

Since September 2008 a mixed team of the French Police and Gendarmerie has been training 120 South African police officers from across the country in the techniques and rules of engagement applied by the French police force, in order for them to transmit this knowledge to the 12 500 SAPS members who will be deployed in restructured units.

This skills transfer will not only be valuable for the SAPS during the 2010 tournament, but will leave a lasting legacy of strengthened capacity and capability. It will enhance SAPS’ ability to manage public order and contribute to urban security, in a efficient, professional and democratic manner.

Read a transcript of the French Ambassador’s interview on French-South African police co-operation on the eNews Channel, 30 October 2008.


Police officers trained in crowd control techniques by their French counterparts in action against ’rioters’ (played by police recruits): Photographer: Irchad Razaaly


Back: Comm. Laurent Cozanet, security attaché at the French Embassy; Dir E Adlam, SAPS Section Head Operational & Tactical Training/Crime Prevention/Protection and Security Services; Ass. Comm. Van Eyk, SAPS Head ETD: Research, Curriculum, Design and Development and Xavier Chatillon of the French Embassy. Front: Dept. Divisional Comm. Patrick Dargirolle, deputy central director of the French Police public order units (CRS); Insp. Genl. Emile Perez, head of the International French Police cooperation service; Divisional Comm. Gary Kruser; French Ambassador Mr Denis Pietton and Brigadier Genl. Jean-Yves Saffray, deputy head of the operational services of the gendarmerie nationale headquarters.: Photographer: Irchad Razaaly