Diploma in Law Enforcement

Purpose

The curriculum of the Diploma in Law Enforcement includes modules dealing inter alia with criminal procedure and evidence, as well as with the processes relating to criminal investigation, crime scene management and conducting a criminal trial. This qualification will also expose candidates to principles relating to criminology, community policing and risk management and its practical application in the context of law enforcement.

The skills level of candidates will be enhanced through many practical learning activities in selected modules, for example applying their acquired knowledge relating to crime scene management at a realistically simulated crime scene, or actually writing up, in the prescribed format, a statement taken from a witness or victim of a crime. The aim of this qualification is to also provide learners with vocational, industry-specific education and training that will equip them with knowledge and practical skills and techniques enabling them to perform their functions in terms of legislation.

Qualified learners will be able to

• Demonstrate a sound understanding of the general principles of criminal law and procedure, with a special focus on relevant legislation, including a variety of subordinate legislation.
• Master various practical aspects of the different phases of law enforcement.

Qualified learners will be able to apply their knowledge and skills in their workplace and contribute to an increase in the effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

Rationale

Local Authorities, Municipal Security Departments and Parastatals, such as Metro Rail, Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), SanPARKS etc. employ personnel that must be appointed as Peace Officers in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act, before they can enforce the laws that they were appointed to enforce. In that capacity, they become part of the criminal justice system and, besides being a Peace Officer; they need additional skills to undertake law enforcement. More often than not, they receive only basic training that enables them to be appointed as Peace Officers, but they do not receive or acquire additional knowledge and skills needed to effectively and sufficiently perform their duties in the criminal justice system. The Diploma in Criminal Justice is designed to provide learners with knowledge and skills that will enable them to operate and play a role effectively and sufficiently in the criminal justice system and be able to progress from being a Peace Officer to a law enforcement officer capable of enforcing the legislation.

More than 2000 officials (inclusive of nature conservation officers, forest officials, members of fire safety organisations, sea fisheries officials, municipal employees and employees from the Airports Company and Metrorail) have been trained via Short Learning Programmes (SLP's) for appointment as Peace Officers during 2008-2010 by the Institute for Law in Action. An informal survey conducted by the Institute for Municipal and Public Safety of SA (IMPS-SA) revealed that municipalities in South Africa employ between 20,000 and 30,000 individuals that could benefit from a qualification such as this one. Of the more than 2000 officials trained by the institution, more than 60% of them have indicated that if it was available, they would enrol for a programme that would provide them with a formal qualification in order to enhance their knowledge and skill levels and improve their career opportunities. The recently introduced Higher Certificate in Criminal Justice would be a first qualification which the majority of these learners would enrol for, with a substantial number of the successful candidates proceeding to this Diploma.

This qualification will specifically target both current and prospective employees in the non-SAPS law enforcement environment, to equip them with the knowledge, tools and techniques to enable them to perform their functions in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act and other legislation which grant powers of law enforcement to certain categories of officials. It is often maintained (and proved) that South Africa has a high crime rate and this is ascribed to insufficient law enforcement.

Learners will also be able to follow career paths in various areas of employment, including municipal law enforcement, building control, forestry, fisheries, SANParks and other environmental agencies, transport (rail and road) and many others. This qualification is to develop mainly non-SAPS graduates who can demonstrate focused knowledge and skills in the field of criminal justice.

At present employees performing law enforcement functions in municipalities do not have access to training that will equip them to function fully as role players within the criminal justice system. The result is that matters pertaining to law enforcement in these areas are left to the South African Police Services (SAPS), where it is often not seen as a priority.

This qualification has as aim to harness the unused law enforcement officers that are available in the country (such as inspectors and investigators in all spheres of government) that are not performing optimally or that are not used for the purposes they were employed, mainly because they have not been trained to perform those functions. Examples include:

• Fisheries Control Officers.
• Municipal Law Enforcement Officers.
• ICASA Inspectors.
• Environmental Health Practitioners in local government and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
• Municipal Security Officers.
• Municipal Meter Readers.
• Building Inspectors.
• Land-use Planning Officials.
• Gambling Inspectors.
• Liquor Control Officers.
• CPA inspectors, etc.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Potential candidates may apply for RPL to the institution's department based on substantial previous experience in the field of Criminal Justice. On application the institution's department may request a portfolio of evidence which will be assessed in terms of the institution's RPL Policy. Prospective learners who wish to receive RPL must follow the process as contained in the faculty RPL policy and set out below:

• Applicant to approach the relevant academic department regarding the institution's RPL policy and process.
• The academic department will screen and advise if the RPL process is an option.
• Applicant to complete an application form.
• The application serves at the Faculty Management Meeting (FMC) which decides on a suitable assessor and method of assessment.
• The department appoints an assessor approved by FMC.
• The assessor meets with the applicant with regards to the RPL process and explains how to gather and present the evidence required according to the method of assessment prescribed by the FMC.
• The assessment is undertaken against specific assessment criteria. The Head of Department (HoD) is responsible for ensuring that quality assurance requirements have been met.
• The RPL assessment is moderated.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement to this qualification is either a

• Senior Certificate (SC).

Or

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Diploma Studies.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational) (NC(V)), Level 4, granting access to Diploma Studies.

Or

• Higher Certificate: Criminal Justice, Level 5.

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Levels 5 and 6 totalling 362 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 125 Credits

• English Studies for Criminal Justice A, 10 Credits.
• Digital Literacy, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to South African Law, 12 Credits.
• English Studies for Criminal Justice B, 10 Credits.
• Pre-trial Procedures, 15 Credits.
• Conduct of a Criminal Trial, 15 Credits.
• General principles of Law Enforcement, 12 Credits.
• Implementation of a Law Enforcement Strategy, 12 Credits.
• Taking of Statements, 15 Credits.
• Occupational Health and Safety, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 5, 12 Credits (select two)

• Enforcement of marine and coastal legislation, 6 Credits.
• Enforcement by building inspectors and planners, 6 Credits.
• Enforcement of by-laws by traffic officials/municipal police, 6 Credits.
• Enforcement of Forestry Officers, 6 Credits.
• Enforcement by SANPark Officials, 6 Credits.
• Enforcement of by-laws by municipal law security/law enforcement officers, 6 Credits.
• Enforcement of municipal health legislation, 6 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 201Credits

• Criminal Investigation I, 15 Credits.
• Criminal Law I, 12 Credits.
• Environmental Law, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Common Law and Statutory Crimes, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Interpretation of Statutes, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Criminology, 12 Credits.
• Labour Relations, 12 Credits.
• Criminal Procedure, 12 Credits.
• Criminal Investigation II, 12 Credits.
• Theory and Principles of Risk Management in Law Enforcement, 12 Credits.
• Constitutional Law, 12 Credits.
• Law of Evidence, 12 Credits.
• Crime Scene Management, 15 Credits.
• Project Management for Law Enforcement, 15 Credits.
• Community Policing and Problem Solving, 12 Credits.
• Supervising Law Enforcement Personnel, 12 Credits.
• Proactive management of law enforcement, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 6, 12 Credits (select one)

• Advanced law Enforcement by Municipal Security Officials, 12 Credits.
• Advanced Enforcement of Health Legislation, 12 Credits.
• Advanced Enforcement of Marine and Coastal Law, 12 Credits.

1. Apply the principles applicable to conducting a criminal investigation on matters related to their chosen field of employment.
2. Identify the nature and elements of selected specific crimes and relate it to the criminal investigation process and the conduct of a criminal trial.
3. Record and explain the actions that are needed to manage a crime scene effectively.
4. Describe and explain the nature and application of the law of criminal procedure and evidence as it applies to law enforcement.
5. Describe and apply the basic principles of sound law enforcement.
6. Describe and explain the principles and practice of community policing and its impact on law enforcement in the context of the South African criminal justice system;
7. Apply the principles of sound labour relations and supervision in the course of managing the law enforcement process.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Describe the investigative process.
• Explain the relationship between the Investigating Officer and the Prosecutor.
• Conduct interviews with complainants and witnesses and interrogate suspects.
• Write up reports and field notes.
• Demonstrate and explain types and techniques of surveillance. Describe the investigative process.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• List and discuss the elements of specific crimes.
• Formulate charges and prepare charge sheets.
• Explain the pleas that an accused may raise.
• Explain the ways whereby an accused's attendance at a trial can be secured.
• Discuss the measures ensuring fairness and impartiality in a criminal trial.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Explain the securing and conservation of a crime scene.
• Discuss the legal imperatives affecting the management of a crime scene.
• Discuss and demonstrate the ability to conduct a search of the crime scene.
• Explain the manner in which different categories of physical evidence are preserved.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Explain the rules relating to the admissibility of evidence.
• Identify and analyse compliance and enforcement challenges in the current criminal procedure.
• Take and transcribe accurate and detailed statements from complainants and witnesses.
• Describe the constitutional and legislative framework within which the criminal justice system operates.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Explain the nature and requirements of administrative enforcement vis-�-vis compliance.
• Discuss the elements of a law enforcement strategy.
• Explain the pro-active and problem-solving approaches to law enforcement.
• Apply principles of risk management and control to law enforcement.
• Apply problem-solving approach to law enforcement to a given scenario.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Identify and analyse the community factors that impact on law enforcement.
• Explain the concept of community oriented law enforcement.
• Discuss the implementation of a problem-solving approach to community-oriented law enforcement.
• Propose solutions to selected existing law enforcement challenges.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Discuss the integration of employee-oriented supervision into labour relations.
• Identify and discuss external factors that influence labour relations dynamics.
• Analyse the impact made by trade unions and the State on labour relations.
• Explain the impact of health and safety legislation on labour relations.
• Explain different perspectives on the management of labour relations.

Integrated Assessment

This qualification will be delivered via block release during which formative assessments will take place through short individual and group assignments, as well as class tests. In the periods between block releases further formative assessment and feedback opportunities are created via electronic means by using the Moodle platform. The completion of the block release sessions will culminate in a formal summative assessment under examination rules. The formative assessments will count 40% towards the final result and the summative assessment will count 60% towards the final result.