FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What is the legal standing of SAUTT?
A: Since being established, SAUTT has operated along the lines of a multi-agency task force. Police personnel assigned to the organisation retain all the powers of a law enforcement officer; SAUTT’s Investigations Branch is made up entirely of police officers and they are the only members of the organisation with powers of arrest, search, seizure etc. The Investigations Branch has primacy in all SAUTT operations and this arrangement makes it possible for the organisation to lawfully execute its mandate. Additionally, a legislative policy for the organisation has been developed and is currently under consideration by the Government. This is expected to lead to the passing of the SAUTT Act which will put the organisation on a statutory footing.

Q: Is SAUTT a branch of the Police Service?
A: No. While the organisation is made up primarily of personnel from the Police Service, Defence Force and other Divisions of the Ministry of National Security, it operates as an independent, autonomous task force with its own command structure and is accountable to the Ministry of National Security in much the same way as other established Divisions.

Q: Are Police or Defence Force personnel required to resign from their units to join SAUTT?
A: The first wave of police and military personnel was assigned to SAUTT on temporary assignment from their parent units. Police or military personnel wishing to be assigned to the organisation must have the approval of Commissioner of Police, Chief of Defence Staff or Head of the Division from which they are being assigned. All assignments are temporary and assigned personnel may be recalled to their parent units at any time.

Q: Are civilians allowed to join SAUTT?
A: Yes. Although the bulk of SAUTT’s personnel are assigned from either the Police Service or the Defence Force, civilian staff currently makes up about 15% of the organisation. This number is expected to increase to around 25% over the course of the next year. By 2010, the organisation expects to achieve parity between the number of civilians and Police/Defence Force personnel.

Q: What career opportunities exist in SAUTT?
A: Several. The organisation is currently looking for suitably qualified persons in the fields of information technology, human resources, investigations, corporate communications, research and other disciplines. Interested persons should go to the Careers and Job Opportunities link.

Q: What kind of employment terms does SAUTT offer?
A: Personnel assigned from the Police Service, Defence Force or other branches of the Ministry of National Security continue to receive all pre-existing pay and benefits from their parent units commensurate with their rank. Additionally, they receive an attractive assignment allowance from SAUTT that is payable for the duration of their assignment. Civilian personnel are employed on contract for a period of two or three years; contracts are renewable based on performance. The SAUTT Act will rationalise employment terms across the board and will make provision for pension benefits and other conditions of service.