The Beat-to-Bakkie initiative was started in March 2012 and is aimed at creating a fulfilling career path within ADT for its security officers by training them to be reaction officers. Those working at guarding sites can now train to get behind the wheel of a Nissan NP200 as a reaction officer. ADT recently initiated the roll-out of the bakkies when it changed its fleet from the Toyota Yaris reaction vehicles.
Sebake and Kunene say that the Beat-to-Bakkie initiative has changed their lives. "We not only acquired more skills but an increase in salary means we are now able to provide more for our families. One of the best things about the training was the physical fitness routine, as we were required to train every day."
Both agree that being a security officer was a good stepping stone to becoming a reaction officer. Their advice to other security guards is to believe that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and set yourself realistic goals. "We are so grateful for this opportunity and are proud of our achievements in the programme. ADT can be sure that we will both work hard to make a success of our careers as reaction officers."
Sebake now works for ADT's Edenvale hub and Kunene for ADT's Randburg hub. Security officers who want to get off the beat and into a bakkie need to have a valid driving licence and must have been driving for at least two years. They will also be required to pass a master driving course and obtain firearm competency.
Roy Rawlins, managing director of residential and small business at ADT, congratulated the officers and said that this programme offers a great opportunity for those wanting to pursue a new career path. "We saw a need to assist those wanting to become reaction officers and decided to respond with this programme. It includes rigorous training and competency testing to ensure that the officers adhere to the high standards set by ADT. I wish these two officers all the best as they head to the streets to serve our customers as reaction officers."
