SAQA

All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Occupational Certificate: Detective

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
118211	Occupational Certificate: Detective
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-SASSETA
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate	Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security		Safety in Society
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	171	Not Applicable	NQF Level 06	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 0522/24	2021-06-22	2025-12-31
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-31		2029-12-31

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification replaces:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
59989	National Certificate: Resolving of Crime	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	120	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Detective. Detectives detect and investigate all reported crimes and incidents by gathering and analysing information with the focus of turning information into evidence, then presenting evidence in a court of law in order to solve a crime or incident which will lead to the identification and prosecution of offenders.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Apply investigative methods and techniques to resolve categories of crimes and collect information and exhibits according to legal prescripts.

Formulate and validate a hypothesis about the nature of the crime through analysis of physical evidence and, by utilising the conclusions reached on the basis of such analysis, test various theories on the sequence of events before, during, and after a crime.

Assess information and exhibits to determine evidential value with the focus on turning information into evidence.

Apply administrative and judicial processes and procedures to administer a case docket in compliance with legal prescripts.

Rationale:
South African citizens' rights are entrenched within the Constitution of South Africa. These rights are regarded as of paramount importance to ensure a democratic society. Once these rights are infringed upon, they become the responsibility of a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that the rights are restored and corrective actions taken, hence the fact that resolving, prevention and reduction of crime is a national priority on many levels. This qualification will address the need to ensure that a professional cadre of persons is available to perform effective resolving of crime responsibilities.

The successful investigation of crime supports the concept of resolving of crime that will contribute to the trust of the community in the stakeholders within the criminal justice process.

This qualification reflects the workplace-based needs of the investigation environment to perform the relevant roles in resolving of crime. Resolving of crime will contribute to the upholding of the Constitution of South Africa that guarantees human rights, such as protection of life and protection of property to create a safe and secure environment. Resolving of crime can be applied in various contexts, such as with regard to the economy, safety in society - including all categories of crime: crime against people, crime against property, crime against society and crime against the state. Criminal tendencies are determined by the desire of the individual, the opportunity that exists to commit crime and the illegal market that exists for trade in acquired stolen goods.

This qualification will further ensure enhanced service delivery to the community, thereby providing a safe and secure community environment which will in turn enhance economic growth. Effective resolving of crime concepts will win trust from international partners in terms of investments on various levels.

This qualification will contribute to the setting of standards in the resolving of crime sector and will enhance the ability of professionals within the sector. This qualification will equip the learners with the abilities and competencies needed within the sector.

Typical learners targeted for this learning will be incumbents in the South African Police Services who have successfully completed the National Certificate: Policing or equivalent or investigators within Independent Police Investigation Directorate (IPID) with 3 years' experience in a Policing environment. On successful completion of this qualification, learners will be employed within the detective environment in the South African Police Services (SAPS) or IPID.

The learner obtaining this qualification will be able to enhance service delivery to internal and external clients, thereby endeavouring to enhance satisfaction and trust. Qualified learners will be able to exercise their investigative responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution of SA as well as relevant legislation.

There are currently 11 qualifications registered on the NQF, but these qualifications are specialised and relevant to the specialised field of Forensics and fall within the HEQSF. The Occupational Certificate: Detective is a generic qualification pertaining specifically to the occupation of detectives.

This qualification does not require registration with a professional body because there are currently no associations for SAPS members.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification.

Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through CAT.

RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
ż NQF Level 4 qualification with Mathematical Literacy.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

Knowledge Modules:

335501-000-00-KM-01, Regulatory Framework, Level 6, 15 Credits.

335501-000-00-KM-02, Information Collection, Level 6, 10 Credits.

335501-000-00-KM-03, Principles of Crime Investigation, Level 6, 4 Credits.

335501-000-00-KM-04, Principles of Crime Administration and Documentation, Level 6, 4 Credits.

335501-000-00-KM-05, Crime Scene and Exhibits Management, Level 6, 4 Credits.

335501-000-00-KM-06, Personal and Interpersonal Skills, Level 6, 3 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 40

Practical Skill Modules:

335501-000-00-PM-01, Conduct Investigative Interviews with Victims, Informers, Witnesses or Suspects, Level 6, 4 Credits.

335501-000-00-PM-02, Trace and Handle Suspects in the Investigation of an Alleged Crime, Level 6,
2 Credits

335501-000-00-PM-03, Manage Informers, Level 6, 3 Credits.

335501-000-00-PM-04, Conduct a Lawful Search and Seizure According to Prescripts of the Criminal
Procedure Act, Level 6, 1 Credit.

335501-000-00-PM-05, Investigate a Crime or Incident, Level 6, 7 Credits.

335501-000-00-PM-06, Investigate a Missing Persons Case, Level 6, 1 Credit.

335501-000-00-PM-07, Investigate an Inquest Case, Level 6, 4 Credits.

335501-000-00-PM-08, Investigate Categories of Crimes, Level 6, 8 Credits.

313109-000-00-PM-09, Administer a Case Docket, Level 6, 12 Credits.

335501-000-00-PM-10, Present Evidence in a Court of Law, Level 6, 4 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 46

Work Experience Modules:

335501-000-00-WM-01, Compliance with Legal Prescripts and Utilisation of Investigative Techniques and Aids to Investigate all Reported Crimes, Level 6, 71 Credits.

313109-000-00-WM-02, Court Procedures and Prosecution, Level 6, 6 Credits.

335501-000-00-WM-03, Case Docket Process Flow, Level 6, 8 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Apply legal prescripts to a crime investigation.
2. Apply investigative methods and techniques to resolve categories of crimes and collect information and exhibits with the focus of turning information into evidence.
3. Formulate and validate a hypothesis about the nature of the crime through analysis of physical evidence and, by utilising the conclusions reached on the basis of such analysis, test various theories on the sequence
of events before, during, and after a crime.
4. Assess information and exhibits to determine evidential value with the focus on turning information into evidence.
5. Apply administrative and judicial processes and procedures to administer a case docket in compliance with legal prescripts.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Explain the supreme role of the Constitution in relation to other legislation.

Define the differences between common law and statutory offences.

Apply current sections of the Criminal Procedures Act (CPA) related to the investigation of a crime or an incident.

Analyse rights of individuals as stipulated in chapter 2 (Bill of Rights) of the Constitution in terms of when and how infringements may take place.

Analyse the application of the Law of Evidence, including chain of evidence in terms of the evidential value of exhibits and evidence.

Apply the judicial processes (criminal cases) and departmental processes during an investigative process as well as during the presentation of evidence in a court of law.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Provide leadership to lead an investigation into a crime or incident.

Use Investigative techniques in order to gather information, including but not limited to factual and verified information such as hearsay, real evidence, documentary evidence and leads/clues for communication to role-players referring to but not limited to public and private role-players such as witnesses, complainants and experts.

Examine and assess crime scenes or incidents to determine and identify witnesses, victims, suspects and applicable evidence.

Analyse methods of gathering information for suitability to and applied in investigations (Methods refer to but are not limited to investigative interviewing techniques and statement taking techniques, informers and using tracing resources and crime intelligence in line with age and cultural groups).

Identify role-players in line with their responsibilities for the purpose of assisting in the solving of the crime.

Use verbal and non-verbal communication, interpersonal and intrapersonal skills and techniques such as victim empowerment, teamwork, analytical thinking and stress management during the investigation of a crime.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Analyse the crime using critical and analytical thinking and a theory of the crime is formulated based on the initial walk-through.

Scrutinise all pieces of evidence and reports from expert services in order to determine whether they support or refute the initial hypothesis.

Utilise all evidence to confirm or refute the initial hypothesis and the hypothesis, if necessary, is reformulated, making pieces of the puzzle fit together, with the pieces of the puzzle being bits of evidence and the puzzle being the who, what, when, where and why of the crime.

Identify suspects and reasonable grounds formed, using the theory to track down suspects or engage suspects or witnesses in formal questioning.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Apply an analytical and logical approach to each individual case according to current organisational and
Legal prescripts.

Verify and utilise sources and evidence of crime scenes in the particular context of the investigation.
Sources include but are not limited to alibi, evidence, property or persons.

Use investigative aids and resources to support the findings of the investigation.

Support the assessment and final findings of the investigation by using gathered evidence.

Gathered may refer to the handling, identification, marking, seizure, packaging and forwarding of evidence.

Present evidence and exhibits in a court of law in order to solve a crime.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Record information in various formats. Formats may include but are not limited to statements, reports, diaries, forms and dockets, either electronically or manually.

Apply case docket administration (Administration may refer to but is not limited to opening, updating, filing, preparation for closing and inspections of case docket during the investigative processes).

Assess findings and recommendations made to the role-players. (Role-players may refer to but are not limited to public and private role-players such as prosecutor, commanders, managers, witnesses, complainants and experts. Findings may refer to but are not limited to outcomes, outputs, recommendations, needs and status reports).

Present evidence in court according to judicial requirements and court decorum and includes but is not limited to consultation with prosecution, opposing bail, giving verbal and physical evidence, ensuring witnesses appear and are prepared for court.

Integrated Assessment
Integrated Formative Assessment
The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

Integrated Summative Assessment
An external integrated assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) is required for the issuing of the qualification. The integrated external assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

The external integrated assessment will consist of a combination of a theoretical examination and a practical demonstration during which competence and applied knowledge will be assessed by means of an observation checklist. Completion of documentation related to the demonstration will be assessed as an end product. The EIA will be conducted at accredited assessment centres by an assessor registered by the AQP.

Learners must be competent in the use of firearms and in physical fitness before applying for the EIA.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

United States of America
The Criminal Investigation Certificate Program (CICP) offered by the North Caroline Justice Academy. The program addresses the needs of the Government for highly skilled Investigators as well as the skills development needs of the individual investigator. The North Caroline Justice Academy is a recognised provider by the Government and conducts training according to standards set by the Peace Officer Standard and Training (POST) Board or a Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.

The Criminal Investigation Certificate Program entails:
Interview and Interrogations:

Criminal Investigations: Interview and Interrogations - 40 Hours.

General Criminal or Death Investigations:

General Criminal Investigations - 40 Hours.

Suicide Investigations - 16 Hours.

Child Death - 16 Hours.

Advanced Child Death - 8 Hours.

Crime Scene Investigations or Forensic Analysis:

Crime Scene Investigations - 80 Hours.

Chemical Processing - 40 Hours.

Forensic Analysis of Shooting Incidents - 40 Hours.

Forensic Analysis of Bloodstain Patterns - 40 Hours.

Forensic Analysis for Patrol Officers - 24 Hours.

Forensic Analysis and Ballistic Math - 24 Hours.

Property and Evidence Room Management - 16 Hours.

Photography Basics for Law Enforcement - 8 Hours.

Narcotics or Gang/Anti-Government Investigations:

Basic Narcotics Investigations - 40 Hours.

Criminal Investigations through Traffic Law Enforcement - 24 Hours.

Prescription Drug Diversion Investigator - 24 Hours.

Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism - 24 Hours.

Gangs, Guns, Drugs - 24 Hours.

Domestic or Juvenile Investigations:

Domestic Violence Institute - 40 Hours.

Child First Interviewing (at NCJA) - 40 Hours.

Investigating Crimes in Long-Term Care Facilities: Voiceless Victims - 16 Hours.

Child Death - 16 Hours.

Advanced Child Death - 8 Hours.

Investigating the Sexual Victimization of Children - 8 Hours.

Sexual Assault/Trafficking or Financial Investigations:

Basic Sex Crimes - 40 Hours.

Advanced Sexual Assault - 8 Hours.

Criminal Sexual Paraphilia - 8 Hours.

Criminal Sexuality - 8 Hours.

Investigating the Sexual Victimization of Children - 8 Hours.

The level of the course is not specified in comparable terms.

Similarities:
In terms of content, the two qualifications are on par. The Occupational Certificate: Detective comprises all six areas of the CICP. These six areas are:

Interviews and Interrogations.

General Criminal or Death Investigations.

Crime Scene Investigations or Forensic Analysis.

Narcotics or Gang/Anti-Government Investigations.

Domestic of Juvenile Investigations.

Sexual Assault/Trafficking or Fraud Related Investigations.

Differences:
The CICP does not include credit bearing workplace experience as is the case with the OC: Detectives. Attendance of conferences and symposiums receives recognition towards the credits/hours of the course which is not the case in terms of the OC: Detectives. The CICP expects learners to accrue 400 credit hours by making a selection from the above areas. I the case of the OC: Detectives, all above areas are compulsory and hours of learning totals to 1500 notional hours.

Australia
The Australian Advanced Diploma of Police Investigation (POL65115) sets agreed minimum standards for police personnel that should be contextualised within the specifics of each police jurisdiction/agency/organisation's policies and procedures, thus focussing on acquiring general skills in police investigation. The qualification is offered by the Queensland Police Service, Australian Federal Police, the Victoria Police, New South Wales Police Force which are registered to do so. The qualification entails six units of competency, namely:

Apply media strategies for policing purposes.

Plan police investigations.

Conduct police investigations.

Manage incident scenes.

Conduct investigative interviews.

Manage information within investigations.

Neither the qualification level, duration, nor the credit value are specified, therefore no comparison could be performed.

Similarities:
The Occupational Certificate: Detective includes all of the above aspects. A scrutiny of the units of competence confirmed detailed aspects such as investigations, investigation plans, information sources, legitimate analysis of information, investigate subjects and suspects, developing of profiles, and operating the case management system, documents and exhibits are managed, etc.

Differences:
The above 6 components of the Australian qualification do not refer to the criminal justice system and court procedures which are included in the Occupational Certificate: Detective. The units of competence focus on knowledge and skills, but not reference is made to work experience.

Conclusion:
The qualifications compare favourably with the above-mentioned two international qualifications.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Occupational Certificate: Traffic Officer, NQF Level 06.

Occupational Certificate: Parole Board Member (Offender Placement and Release Practitioner), NQF Level 06.

Vertical Articulation:

Bachelor: Policing Practices, NQF Level 07.

NOTES

Qualifying for External Assessment
In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required
Modules by means of statements of results and work experience records.

Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements
None.

Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers
Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO
website as well as in compliance with the legal requirements of the SAPS.

The curriculum title and code are: Detective and 335501-000-00-00.

Encompassed Trades
This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:

This is not a trade qualification.

Assessment Quality Partner
SASSETA.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.

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PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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