DPCI Personnel Regulation Amendments Gazetted

Posted 20 June 2025 Written by Acts Online
Category Safety and Security

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Department of Police has issued amendments to the regulations regarding the requirements to be met by personnel of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks.

In terms of the South African Police Service Act, No. 68 of 1995, the Minister of Police has gazetted changes to the regulatory framework governing the appointment and service of DPCI personnel. These amendments are effective immediately and replace several provisions previously established in the September 2020 directorate-specific regulations and the July 2018 general employment regulations.

The updated regulations refine the criteria and procedural requirements for individuals serving within the Directorate. The amendments have specific implications for the following areas:

  • Security clearance requirements and the frequency of vetting for personnel.
  • Integrity testing protocols, including the use of polygraph examinations for members.
  • The selection and appointment criteria for the National Head, Deputy National Head, and Provincial Heads of the Directorate.
  • Compliance with the South African Police Service Employment Regulations, 2018 as they apply to priority crime investigators.

These changes are intended to streamline the recruitment and retention of specialized personnel while ensuring that the high standards of integrity required for priority crime investigation are maintained across all ranks of the Directorate.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual obligations for professionals in private practice; however, be aware of the revised vetting and integrity standards if you are seeking appointment or secondment to the DPCI.
  • For your business: Forensic and legal firms collaborating with law enforcement on priority crime matters should note the updated regulatory framework governing the personnel they interface with at the Directorate.
  • For your clients: Clients involved in investigations or litigation handled by the DPCI may encounter changes in the administrative and vetting protocols applied to the investigating officers assigned to their matters.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/priority-crime-investigative-directorate-regulatory-amendments-gazetted

The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Acts Online. Acts Online accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the article, nor does the information contained herein constitute advice, legal or otherwise.