On the beat in Queenstown - by Sarah Poolman

I began my day at 0800 with Rian and Eddie (both Inspectors) in the rapid response car, but, as in the UK, it was far too early for any action! The radio was very quiet, so we drove around the town, looking at the places where drug dealers ply their trade and I was able in interrogate the guys about their teams and what life was like as a police officer in Queenstown. I then went to the main base, where I saw some of the drugs and explosive dogs in training.

I then met up with Detective Inspector Steve Rheeders, a murder and armed robbery specialist. I had a fascinating day with him, reviewing some of the many murders he has dealt with over the last 12 years. The level of violence used in house break-ins was mind blowing and reminded me of how lucky we are in the UK. He showed me the scene of an armed robbery which ended in a car chase and shoot out between the police and the robbers which is going to trial soon.

I was introduced to Denise Wagner, Director at Queenstown Police Station and we discussed police salaries and the difference between the UK and RSA - we both agreed that cops are not paid enough!

I then went to the mortuary, run by the Dept of Health, and was given a guided tour. I saw the refrigerated room where bodies were kept pending post mortem. Amongst the others, there was a young man still fully clothed who had been brought in that morning as a result of a stab wound to the chest. There was also a freezer room for the unidentified bodies some of which had been there for 3 months. Apparently this is a common problem.

Steve Rheeders introduced me to the Area Commissioner, Mr Dlanjwa, and we compared notes on crime and policing in our two separate countries - he has asked me to come back and see him next year!

I was shown around the fingerprint unit by Inspector Dickinson who, as a police officer, goes to scenes of crime and gathers evidence. I was surprised to learn that suspects do not have their DNA taken as a matter of routine upon arrest or charge and therefore, it is very difficult to make comparisons with crime scene samples.

Steve did a great job of showing me around and giving me a insight into policing here - we didn't stop, not even for lunch and i am very grateful for the time this very busy man took out for me. The challenges Police Officers face here are similar to those in the UK, with alcohol-related assaults and drugs, but the level these officers work at is very different, symbolised by the weapons they carry and the ballistic vests they wear.

I'm now looking forward to my next vocational day in Bloemfontein!