Bachelor of Arts Honours in Police Science

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with managerial skills and enhance their expertise as professionals in the law enforcement sector. On the completion of this qualification, learners will be able to:

• Develop a strategic management plan to optimise use of resources in a law enforcement environment.
• Critically assess the impact of leadership and strategic management of a law enforcement environment.
• Analyse and enhance service excellence of law enforcement processes.
• Develop an integrated plan to optimise policing.
• Conduct research in the realm of law enforcement.

Rationale

The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Police Science is designed to provide learners with in-depth, specialised knowledge and managerial skills required in the law enforcement sector. This qualification will enable learners to consolidate knowledge capacity, research and expertise in order to deepen their managerial skills to execute tasks in a variety of context. This qualification will address the workplace-based needs of the Police Law Enforcement sector that relate to managerial competencies. The sector will benefit from this qualification by developing middle to senior level management skills to enhance the functioning of the law enforcement agencies through service excellence and efficient resource management.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

All admission through RPL must be in accordance with the principles laid down in the institution's RPL Policy.

The institution's RPL office can supply full details of processes and procedures relating to the assessment and accreditation of learning from prior experiences. Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

All such evidence will be evaluated according to the general principles of assessment described in the notes to assessors.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry to this qualification is a three (3) year Bachelor's Degree or equivalent.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 144 Credits.

• Crime Prevention Principles for Policing IV, 24 Credits.
• Investigation Principles for Policing IV, 24 Credits.
• Research Methodology in Criminal Justice, 12 Credits.
• Research Proposal in Police Practice, 12 Credits.
• Research Article in Police Science, 24 Credits.
• Public Policy Management IV, 24 Credits.
• Strategic Public Management IV, 24 Credits.

1. Develop a strategic management plan to optimise use of resources in a law enforcement environment.
2. Critically assess the impact of leadership and strategic management of a law enforcement environment.
3. Analyse and enhance service excellence of law enforcement processes.
4. Develop an integrated plan to optimise policing.
5. Conduct research in the realm of law enforcement.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Strategic management skills are applied to align the objectives of the law enforcement organisation with national government resource directives.
• Methods of enhancing transparency and ethical behaviour associated with the allocation of resources are included in the plan.
• Law enforcement capabilities are maximised through allocation of available resources.
• Strategies are included in the strategic management plan that are in line with organisational and government guidelines to ensure transformation in resource management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The inter-relationship of leadership and strategic management is analysed in order to determine its effectiveness in implementing command and control with the law enforcement environment.
• Personal leadership styles for different situations are evaluated to determine effectiveness and consistency within the parameters of national and governmental aims and objectives.
• Strengths and weaknesses of team members are evaluated in order to provide a basis for maximising the potential of each individual team member and the team as a whole to achieve operational objectives.
• Leadership theories are evaluated to determine leadership styles that are applicable to given situations and established best practices in the field.
• The influence of leadership in politics is analysed in terms of the potential impact on law enforcement policies, procedures and operations.
• The inter-relationship of leadership and strategic management is analysed in order to determine its effectiveness in implementing command and control within the law enforcement environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Existing quality systems are evaluated against the broader concept of quality and relevant quality models for their potential to deliver benefits to the law enforcement environment.
• Decisions on the implementation of a suitable quality management system are made, based on a detailed cost-benefit analysis and the consideration of the consequences of not implementing a quality management system.
• A plan for the implementation of a suitable quality management system within the organisation is developed in line with project management principles, quality controls, policies and procedures.
• A client service strategy to enhance the corporate image of the organisation is developed in line with organisational and national government initiatives.
• Service delivery levels are evaluated and the implementation plan is amended as necessary to align service levels with existing service standards.
• The value of an organisation-wide client service mindset is evaluated in terms of its impact on the execution of law enforcement operations and the corporate image of the organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Governmental or organisational strategies are analysed in order to develop an implementation plan for policing in a given situation.
• Policing functions are evaluated in terms of their potential strengths and weaknesses and selected to represent the most suitable operational plan and contingency plans.
• A risk management plan is developed that minimises the impact of obstacles encountered during implementation of the plan.
• Resources are allocated to the selected plan in order to adhere to the allocated budget.
• Stakeholder roles, responsibilities and requirements are integrated in the plan to ensure a multi-disciplinary approach in the law enforcement environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 5

• Research methodologies are analysed for their relevance to the specific research topic.
• A research proposal is formulated which identifies a problem related to law enforcement issues.
• Research is conducted in accordance with the research proposal and prescribed ethical principles using the applicable/relevant research methodology.
• Findings, conclusions and recommendations presented are relevant to the research proposal, and consistent with supporting data.
• The research report is drawn up to comply with the organisation's format requirements.