Postgraduate Diploma in Traffic Policing

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to provide training for law enforcement professionals at NQF Level 8. Senior law enforcement practitioners who specialise in the field of traffic policing are confronted with complex issues and this qualification, with a basic research component, aims to capacitate the practitioners to improve operations within their respective organisations.

Emphasis on a diverse range of issues affecting management but also a range of related competencies will be reflected on to ensure that learners are fully prepared for the challenges of a career that serves the entire South African society. The qualification will aid the senior law enforcement practitioner to understand the complexities in traffic science to implement better strategies and reduce the fatality rate on South African roads.

Rationale

South Africa has a high road accident rate - more than 14 000 road users die on the road network with a concomitant cost of more than R15 billion (per annum) to the economy. South Africa only has 2% of the world's registered vehicles, but it accounts for almost 20% of road accident fatalities. Lyceum College has experience in providing high quality qualifications in the field of traffic policing. Currently there are no traffic policing qualifications at NQF Level 8 to cater for senior traffic law enforcement practitioners.

Government has illustrated that it would like to reduce the high fatality rate on South African roads and traffic law enforcement practitioners have a major role to play in this respect. Lyceum College offers qualifications in distance learning and therefore also caters for the training needs of persons who cannot attend full-time tuition.

It is assumed that a learner accessing this qualification has

• A systematic knowledge base of traffic policing.
• An understanding of the key terms, rules, concepts, principles and theories in traffic policing and traffic science.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Computer literacy.
• Good communication skills.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning which is learning that has been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning is recognised. The learners' competencies are assessed and if relevant, access is granted to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements. Credits are given to the learners towards the fulfilment of the requirements of this qualification.

Access to the Qualification

The minimum entry requirements for this qualification are

• An Advanced Diploma: Traffic and Metropolitan Policing.

Or

• A Bachelor of Technology: Traffic Safety Management.

Or

• A Bachelor of Technology: Road Traffic Management.

Or

• A Bachelor of Technology: Traffic Management.

Or

• An equivalent Bachelor's Degree.

Access may also be granted through the recognition of prior learning.

The learning competencies in this qualification consist of a total of 132 Credits.

All five modules, at NQF Level 8, are compulsory

• Professionalism in Policing, 28 Credits.
• Ethics in Policing, 28 Credits.
• Road Safety Strategies, 28 Credits.
• Road Safety Audits, 28 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 20 Credits.

Upon completion of the qualification the learner will be able to

• Demonstrate understanding of the principles underpinning traffic law enforcement, traffic science and traffic police management.
• Critically analyse existing traffic law enforcement practices and promote best practices in the field.
• Identify areas for improvement and introduce remedial interventions in the road safety policy environment.
• Analyse and interpret information related to traffic policing and address complex traffic science issues holistically.
• Apply a range of specialised skills, knowledge, techniques and technologies in the field of traffic policing in the planning of strategies.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

The Cross-Field Outcomes have been incorporated in the Exit Level Outcomes.

The assessment criteria will be applied in an integrated manner to allow learners to express proficiency in the Exit Level Outcomes:

• Summarise the existing principles which underpin traffic science, traffic law enforcement and traffic management.
• Explain how own role in traffic law enforcement relates to the national system.
• Discuss possible alternatives to existing Laws and Regulations to improve effectiveness and promote ethical practice.
• Demonstrate awareness of the multi-faceted nature of unprofessional conduct in the present system - and propose strategies to curtail unethical conduct.
• Devise an advocacy strategy to promote local community cooperation with traffic law enforcement and management.
• Conduct a limited scope research project by identifying a problem, conducting a literature study and reporting on the findings.
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of the theory, practice and importance of regional traffic science, traffic law enforcement and traffic police management.
• Demonstrate sensitivity towards diversity in the workplace and in the community.

> Range: Gender, culture, religion, race, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation.

Integrated Assessment

The learner's competencies will be assessed using an integrated method of both formative and summative assessment. Assignments, examinations and oral examinations will be used in the assessment.