Advanced Diploma in Policing

Purpose:

The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Policing is to equip learners with the skills and competencies to conduct research, not only in respect of the challenges faced by the law enforcement officials in South Africa, but also on a wide range of issues in the field of Criminal Justice System (CJS). This is done to ensure that all citizens feel safe in the society as law-abiding citizens and economic contributors.

On completion or achievement of this qualification, learners should also be able to:

• Facilitate Community Police Forum (CPF) projects in various communities.
• Study individual and group behaviour.
• Study associated phenomena in the Policing as well as wider CJS environment.

Once all these skills and competencies are acquired by qualifying learner, they will be able to work independently on a tactical and strategic level in safety and security environment. This qualification will also develop in learners analytical and research skills relevant to law enforcement officials, with a particular application in the wider CJS.

The course is targeted toward building a repertoire of conceptual, basic and practical research skills that will enable learners, once meeting the required academic and subject requirements, to successfully prepare for and subsequently complete independent research in the form of a dissertation or thesis. The course also serves to provide learners with the basic introductory knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools and practical research techniques related to occupational (thus within the police) organisational environment. This in turn will thus enable learners to progress through the professional path of Policing and wider CJS studies.

Rationale:

The qualification is the next progressive level of qualification from Diploma in Policing as well as National Diploma: Policing or related qualification in the criminal justice field. Upon completion of this qualification, learners will be able to study the next level of qualification, which is Postgraduate Diploma up to the Doctorate level in Policing as well as wider CJS or related qualifications as part of the career path. Ultimately, the interest of life-long learning is cultivated, fostered, nurtured and maintained.

This qualification will equip learners with knowledge, skills and competencies to conduct research, participate and manage institutional projects. Learners would also demonstrate the necessary interpersonal and communication skills to function as part of a team operating at both internal and external clients of the law enforcement environment, as well as provide service in a non-discriminatory, social accountable and ethical manner.

This qualification would also promote critical thinking skills, engagement and social enterprise, which is relevant to the needs and aspirations of the South African people. This will be achieved by ensuring that learners who qualify with this qualification can apply the acquired expertise, and in turn contribute meaningfully to the socioeconomic and political growth of the country.

Qualifying learner from this qualification will be competent to perform a variety of functions that will contribute to the achievement of a high standard of excellence within disciplines. This include professional communication as well as other activities related to meet the needs and demands of modern policing. These activities are extensive but are all aimed at providing an essential service to the community.

The qualification specifically would further provide both frontline practitioners and junior managers in law enforcement agencies, or other service-related personnel working in the field of policing, with professional knowledge and skills, such as:

• Early identification and handling of vulnerable individuals and groups in the community.
• Crime detection.
• Leadership in crisis management.
• Analysis of current issues in law and order maintenance.

This qualification is also aimed at preparing learners to become institutional and operational professionals by equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills (including research skills) and competencies to play a meaningful role in Policing. Such professionals will contribute to reducing fear of crime and victimization and thus, fulfilling the needs and aspirations and Constitutional rights of the South African people.

This is inter-alia also in the interest of stakeholders such as the Department of Police. It is pertinently highlighted in the National Development Plan Vision (NDP) (2030) that professionalism in Policing is to improve to reduce civil claims brought about by police unethical behavior. This could be achieved if Policing qualifications within the wider CJS are administered by professional police officials as well as law enforcement officials.