The Community Service Centre (CSC) at a South African police station is the part of the station that is open 24 hours a day. That is where you report a crime, make a statement, and in most cases have an affidavit commissioned or a document certified. Other sections, such as detectives, administration and firearm licensing, generally work office hours. Station service charters commonly give those hours as 07:30 to 16:00, Monday to Friday. In an emergency, do not wait for a station to open: call 10111.
What Is Open 24 Hours, and What Is Not
| Section | Typical hours | What it handles |
|---|---|---|
| Community Service Centre (CSC) | 24 hours, every day | Reporting crimes, opening a case, statements, general enquiries |
| Detectives | Office hours, and on call when operationally required | Investigating opened cases and follow-ups |
| Administration and other support services | Commonly 07:30 to 16:00, Monday to Friday | Station administration and finance |
| Designated Firearms Officer (DFO) | Confirm with the station | Competency and firearm licence applications |
The 24-hour CSC is set out in the service delivery charters that individual stations publish. The charter for Parys police station, for example, lists a “24 Hours Community Service Centre” and gives other services as 07:30 to 16:00 on weekdays. In August 2026 a SAPS spokesperson in Sebokeng likewise described the CSC as operating 24 hours a day as the first point of contact between SAPS and the public, and said detectives work office hours but remain available when operational demands require it.
Each Station Sets Its Own Charter
Stations write their own service delivery charters, so the hours for services other than the CSC can differ. Before you travel for anything that is not urgent, such as certifying a stack of documents, fingerprints for a police clearance certificate or a firearm application, phone the station to confirm when that service is available.
- Find the right station’s number: police station contact numbers or SAPS station finder.
- If nobody answers: what to do if a police station is not answering the phone.
- Not sure you need your own station? Can I go to any police station?
Best Times to Visit for Common Services
- Opening a case: any time, at the CSC. See finding the nearest police station to open a case.
- Certified copies and affidavits: the CSC handles these, but queues are usually shorter outside the early morning and lunchtime rush. See certifying documents and affidavits at a police station.
- Fingerprints for a police clearance certificate: phone first to confirm when the officer who takes fingerprints is available. See nearest police station for fingerprints.
- Firearm applications: phone the station to confirm when the DFO is available. See firearm competency at a police station.
Service Standards You Can Expect
The Parys station charter sets out standards such as attending to walk-in clients within a reasonable time, sending an SMS with your case number when a docket is opened, and giving feedback on an enquiry or complaint. Charters differ between stations, so ask to see your station’s charter if you want to know its specific commitments.
If you receive poor service, you can raise it with the station commander, or contact the SAPS National Service Complaints Call Centre on 0800 333 177 or [email protected]. Remember that 10111 is for crime emergencies only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are police stations open on public holidays and weekends?
The CSC is a 24-hour service, so it does not close for weekends or public holidays. Sections that work office hours are generally closed outside weekday office hours.
Can I get a document certified at night?
The CSC is staffed around the clock, but emergencies take priority and certification is a non-urgent service. Go during the day or phone the station first if you can.
What number do I call when the station is closed?
The CSC does not close. In an emergency call 10111, or 112 from a mobile phone. See emergency numbers in South Africa.