Diploma in Policing

Purpose

This qualification aims to introduce learners to the field of law enforcement/policing through a recognised, affordable and quality qualification. This qualification is structured to introduce learners to a set of core competencies to pursue a career in law enforcement. The qualification will equip learners to meet the requirements of the industry to perform the task professionally.

With the focus on Law Enforcement, the qualification will enable qualifying learner to function effectively, efficiently and independently, as well as in a team or group within the Safety in Society Cluster. The learner will:

• Elaborate on the application of management principles within a policing environment.
• Explain the concept of 'professional conduct' when rendering a public service.
• Assess the requirements to uphold and enforce, as well as the application of legal prescripts to a police situation in South Africa.
• Apply general administration functions to the field of policing.
• Discuss the management principles appropriate to a Community Service Centre according to SAPS Policies and Procedures.
• Describe crime prevention as an integrated process involving stakeholders.
• Suggest investigative principles applicable to a criminal investigation in a case study.
• Discuss the integrated Criminal Justice System.
• Write explanatory notes on the principles of democratic policing.
• Suggest effective communication methods about the policing environment.
• Assess the utilisation of information and operational systems in a policing context related to the creation of a safe and secure environment.
• Evaluate the exposition of the principles of criminology related to policing functions.
• Evaluate the operational services to protect and serve the community.
• Assess functional policing aspects in a case study.
• Analyse the application of resource management related to policing functions.
• Elaborate on the concept of futuristic policing.

Rationale

In September 2012 Cabinet adopted the National Development Plan (NDP) as the strategic framework for government planning towards attaining Vision 2030. The NDP also impacted upon the landscape of policing in that it reaffirmed the need for a police service that forms part of an integrated criminal justice system and that is demilitarised, professional and community-centric. (White Paper on Policing, 2016: 6).

The acts include entrenching the values of democratic policing. Furthermore, in doing so; continually striving for a police service that is efficient, effective, accountable, trusted and respected by all while contributing towards ensuring the conditions for growth and prosperity for the country. (White Paper on Policing, 2016: 6).

The White Paper on Policing aims at developing accountable, professional, competent and highly skilled police service. South Africa is entitled to a police service that delivers high-quality services while maintaining high standards of professional conduct and discipline, and that exhibits exemplary leadership and management.

The consultation took place with stakeholders within the law enforcement environment. Specifically, the South African Police Head Office Training Division participated in the development of the curriculum for the specific qualification. On 7 April 2017, the South African Police Service confirmed that they agree with the layout of the qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners can gain entry to the qualification through an RPL process, which may be achievable through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

Entry Requirements

The minimum admission requirement is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma Studies.

Or

• Higher Certificate in Management, NQF Level 5.

This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at Levels 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5: 120 Credits

• Police Management I, 20 Credits.
• Law I, 20 Credits.
• Police Administration I, 20 Credits.
• Community Service Centre, 20 Credits.
• Communication for Policing, 20 Credits.
• Crime Detection I, 20 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6: 230 Credits

• Police Management II, 20 Credits.
• Law II, 20 Credits.
• Police Administration II, 20 Credits.
• Professional Conduct, 20 Credits.
• Crime Prevention, 20, Credits.
• Integrated Criminal Justice System, 10 Credits.
• Crime Information Systems, 10 Credits.
• Police Management III, 30 Credits.
• Law III, 30 Credits.
• Crime Detection II, 20 Credits.
• Democratic Policing, 10 Credits.
• Criminology, 20, Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 6, 10 Credits (Choose one module totalling 10 Credits)

Choice 1

• Operational Policing, 10 Credits.

Or

• Functional Policing, 10 Credits.

Choice 2

• Support, 10 Credits.

Or

• Futuristic Policing, 10 Credits.

1. Elaborate on the application of management principles in a policing environment.
2. Explain the concept of 'professional conduct' when rendering a public service.
3. Assess the requirements to uphold, enforce and the application of legal prescripts to a police situation in South Africa.
4. Apply general administration functions to the field of policing.
5. Describe crime prevention as an integrated process involving stakeholders.
6. Suggest investigative principles applicable to a criminal investigation in a case study.
7. Discuss the integrated Criminal Justice System (CJS).
8. Write explanatory notes on the principles of democratic policing.
9. Suggest effective communication methods about the policing environment.
10. Assess the utilisation of information and operational systems in a policing context related to the creation of a safe and secure environment.
11. Evaluate the exposition of the principles of criminology related to policing functions.
12. Evaluate the operational purposes to protect and serve the community.
13. Assess functional policing aspects to policing in a case study.
14. Analyse the application of resource management related to policing functions.
15. Elaborate on the concept of futuristic policing.
16. Discuss the management principles appropriate to a Community Service Centre according to SAPS Policies and Procedures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify vital organisational principles and apply them to workplace operations.
• Apply essential management functions, policies and tasks.
• Develop operational plans.
• Monitor and evaluate operational plans.
• Apply knowledge of the enterprise environment to workplace operations.
• Implement generic management functions daily for consistency and efficiency.
• Apply problem-solving strategies in the workplace.
• Identify at-risk individuals in the workplace.
• Contribute to the development of others.
• Demonstrate knowledge of conflict and conflict resolution in the workplace.
• Demonstrate an understanding of strategic and project management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply the Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics in a given case study.
• Apply Victim support principles within a policing environment.
• Identify Service delivery principles to improve service rendered to the community.
• Manage complaints against SAPS members to minimise civil claims.
• Interpret policies to ensure compliance during the execution of policing duties.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify and apply Statutory Law Principles to policing functions.
• Identify and apply Common Law Principles to policing duties.
• Identify and implement the Criminal Procedure Act are about policing duties.
• Identify and use the Law of Evidence Concepts about policing functions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Identify and explain the Register utilised within the Community Service Centre environment in line with their purpose.
• Identify and explain the Register used during the detention process related to the Community Service Centre environment.
• Identify and explain the Register utilised during the exhibit management process related to Community Service Centre environment.
• Identify and explain the Register utilised during the financial management process related to Community Service Centre environment.
• Identify the Register utilised during the resource management process on the Community Service Centre environment.
• Identify and manage operational functions within a Community Service Centre.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Identify the legal framework of Crime Prevention within the SA context.
• Analyse the concept of partnership policing related to the SA policing context.
• Explain the philosophy of Community Policing within the SA policing context.
• Explain the role and functions of the Community Policing Forums within the policing context.
• Explain the implementation of Sector Policing within the policing context.
• Explain the purpose and tasks of Civilian Secretariat and Oversight Bodies.
• Explain crime prevention approaches, techniques and procedures about crime prevention.
• Explain operational functions and managed in the Crime Prevention Environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Explain first responder duties on the crime scene.
• Identify the role-players and functions of stakeholders to the investigation of crime.
• Evaluate the evidential value of exhibits in solving the crime.
• Assess the techniques and investigative concept in line with crime scenes.
• Establish and maintain networking relationships to support the investigative process.
• Manage informer networks according to policy.
• Manage the general case flow to ensure the fair administration of justice.
• Explain and manage operational functions in a crime investigation environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Explain the purpose of the CJS with SA context.
• Identify role-players and functions according to the integrated CJS System.

Note

• Role-players also include Independent Police Investigation Directorate.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Evaluate policing in a democratic system is to demonstrate understanding.
• Evaluate the History of Policing to inform current practices.
• Evaluate the evolvement of policing to inform current practices.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Utilise the line of communication for effective communication.
• Illustrate the communication process to maximise understanding.
• Utilise Forms of communication to enhance communication.
• Demonstrate written communication to ensure better communication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Utilise Functional Systems to optimise the use of information (CAS).
• Utilise Operational Systems to maximise the use of data.
• Utilise Support Systems to maximise the use of data.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11

• Understand the field of criminology and its applications.
• Define the concepts of criminology and crime.
• Differentiate between all aspects of the crime phenomenon.
• Distinguish between "juridical" and "non-juridical" definitions of criminality.
• Discuss the duties and the functions of a criminologist.
• Describe criminology as a science.
• Indicate new developments in criminology.
• Define the concept victimology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12

• Identify Tools and powers that the Police use to tackle and prevent crime.
• Assess Codes of Practices and law governing operational policing.
• Evaluate the focus of operational policing in line with vision, mission and objectives of policing.
• Identify Policing styles in line with operational policing functions.
• Address Challenges and ethical dilemmas in operational policing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13

• Identify and explain categories of functional policing.
• Assess levels of functional policing.
• Assess Codes of Practices and law governing operational policing.
• Explain the need for and importance of functional policing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 14

• Allocate physical resources to equip members for effective policing.
• Compile budgets and manage finances to meet resource needs.
• Acquire and allocate human resources are to provide members for effective policing.
• Manage the flow of information to meet effective and efficient policing.

Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 15

• Tailor partnerships to maximise public safety.
• Implement strategies to increase efficiency in policing.
• Identify future trends in technology changes towards policing.
• Develop an organisational structure for the next generation of law enforcement.
• Explain the role the police will play in the future concerning Keepers of Peace, Anti-Terrorism and Community Outreach agents.
• Identify threats in policing the future.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 16

• Explain the purposes of "on duty" and "off duty" parades about command and control.
• Identify command and control functions in line with the tasks of supervisors in the CSC.
• Describe the importance of inspections in the CSC in line with activities conducted by members.
• Apply the Batho Pele principles during service delivery in the Community Service Centre.
• Facilitate complaints processes in line with SAPS Procedures and Policies.
• Supervise and manage the adherence to the Bill of Rights to minimise claims against the State.
• Ensure first impressions of the SAPS within the CSC environment.
• Manage the general duties of the CSC officials as outlined by SAPS Policies and Procedures to render a professional service.
• Outline processes to ensure accountability to CSC practices.
• Outline the role of mentoring and coaching of CSC officials about activities and functions in the CSC.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification provides for sufficient practical applications of knowledge, skills and attitudes across subjects to ensure that the learners' competencies assessment happens through a variety of assessment methods.

Formative assessment: Assignments, portfolios, projects, research papers, case studies, role-play, self-assessment, work-based assessment and fieldwork.

Summative assessment: Written examination.