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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Policing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94849  Advanced Diploma in Policing 
ORIGINATOR
Vaal University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Safety in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to equip prospective learners with general and specialist knowledge of policing. Also this qualification will enable learners with a Diploma or National Diploma in Policing to progress and to be prepared for Postgraduate studies.

Thus the Advanced Diploma in Policing will provide learners integrated knowledge and understanding of policing investigation and leadership terms, concepts, principles and theories in order to apply theory and best practices in managing, investigating and having effective workplace relations, as well as to develop and communicate ideas and opinions based on appropriate academic and professional arguments. Learners will also obtain knowledge and skill to conduct research in the field of policing.

Rationale:
It is more convenient and effective to conduct business globally through the use of Cyberspace. Hackers also regard this as an opportunity to conduct their fraudulent activities. For this reason, there is a need for cyber security professionals with a smarter way to keep organisations and their information more secure. The qualification seeks to develop officers with knowledge to be applied in dealing with cyber fraud. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has appropriate policies and procedures for RPL including the identification, documentation, assessment, evaluation and transcription of prior learning against specified learning outcomes, so that learners with no formal education can articulate into current programmes and qualifications. Assessment instruments are designed for RPL in accordance with the institution's policies based on fair and transparent assessment methods.

Entry Requirements:
  • A Diploma or National Diploma in Policing.
  • Basic knowledge of Policing, Investigation of Crime and relevant Law subjects obtained in the undergraduate qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of 10 core modules at NQF Level 7 adding up to 120 Credits:
  • Investigation of Crime 4.1 (Forensic Science and Technology), 15 Credits.
  • Policing 4.1(Police Science), 15 Credits.
  • Electronic Information and Communication Law, 15 Credits.
  • Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities, 10 Credits.
  • Leadership Skills Law Enforcement Administration), 5 Credits.
  • Investigation of Crime 4.2 (Forensic Science and Technology), 15 Credits.
  • Policing 4.2 (Police Science), 15 Credits.
  • Leadership Skills (Law Enforcement Administration), 5 Credits.
  • Road Traffic Accident Investigation, 10 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Applying theory and best practice with regard to the management, investigation and policing in a work context.
    2. Understanding and conducting cybercrime investigation according to the guidelines of the Electronic Information and Communication Act.
    3. Perform basic principles of research and methodology in the policing field by formulating a research problem, conducting a literature review and completing the referencing.
    4. Practice Intelligence Lead policing and manage crime scenes.
    5. Preserving and safeguarding accident scenes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Integrated knowledge and understanding of policing, investigation and leadership terms, concepts, principles and theories is demonstrated.
  • Knowledge to solve problems in a policing context is evaluate and applied.
  • Ethical decisions are taken and to act professionally is developed.
  • Information required for meeting policing goals is gathered, evaluated and managed.
  • Ideas and opinions based on appropriate academic and professional arguments are developed and communicated.
  • Relations between individuals and groups in the SAPS are managed.
  • The most effective management procedures are implemented in teams.
  • Human capital is effectively led and managed in order to promote a productive workforce.
  • Sustained responsible transformational change is applied.
  • Leadership skills in a policing environment are applied.
  • Ensuring effective workplace relations through the application of theory is demonstrated.
  • Business processes and the application of policing and investigation skills in practice are understood.
  • The role and influence of legislation on police competencies is understood.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Basic knowledge of the investigation of cybercrime is demonstrate and applied by participating in practical investigations in simulated crime labs.
  • Information relating to Cybercrime is accessed, evaluated and synthesised to inform practice and measures to be taken to deal with the kind of crime.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Knowledge and skills to conduct research in the field of policing is understood.
  • Research methods, techniques and technologies show evidence of a clear understanding of relevant research theory and practice are selected.
  • Research reports critically and coherently describe theoretical arguments, the research process, methodology, results, conclusions and recommendations.
  • Methods of compiling research reports and key findings are demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Crime scene to Court procedures is demonstrated and applied to ensure successful prosecution.
  • A crime scene the crime lab is preserved.
  • Investigative procedures in order to prepare a case docket are conducted.
  • A docket from the practical crime scene is prepared and investigation of witness' interviews is conducted.
  • Policing objectives in various working environments such as intelligence led policing and community policing are understood.
  • The basic knowledge of corrupt activities in South Africa, the law enforcement code, causes of police misconduct, the development of character and ethical perceptions in order to enhance police professionalism is understood.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The dynamics of vehicle crashes are understood.
  • Road traffic accidents investigated and recorded.
  • Safeguarding and preserving a road traffic accident scene is practically demonstrated.
  • Basic knowledge of how to investigate and record particulars of a road traffic accident scene is demonstrated by drawing a sketch plan and completing an accident report.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formal and informal assessment strategies will be used to evaluate and ensure the continuous development of the learner. Assessments will include formative and summative assessment. The formative assessment will consist of class and semester tests as well as assignments to monitor progress. Summative assessment will consist of examinations that will take place at the end of each module to determine whether learners have achieved the required outcomes of each module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A comparative analysis was conducted between international qualifications and the qualification being offered by Vaal University of Technology. The following aspects were compared, entry requirements, assessments used and the modules.

    In Scotland, the Diploma in Police Service Leadership and Management at SCQF Level 8 has been developed in partnership with the Police Service of Scotland so it is fit for purpose, to be promoted beyond the rank of constable in the Police Services of Scotland, officers are required under legislation to obtain the Diploma in Police Service Leadership and Management at SCQF Level 8.

    Access:
    The candidate must be a serving police officer and have successfully completed probationer training (minimum two years).

    Assessment:
    The course will be delivered using a blend of e-learning, tutorials and support. Assessment will be a mix of formal examination, project, case study, evidence portfolio and reflective report:
  • There will be ongoing assessment.
  • Assessment will allow candidates to enhance their own practice. The use of reports and projects is crucial to this.

    Units to be studied:
  • Professional Knowledge in Policing.
  • Human Resource Management in Performance Management.
  • Managing Teams in the Police Service.
  • Ethical Decision Making.
  • Policing, the Criminal Justice System and Human Rights.
  • Leadership For Managers.
  • Management in Plan, Lead and Implement Change.

    In Australia, the Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Investigation) is an online course to develop skills in public safety with a focus on police investigation.
    The Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Police Investigation) is a specialty qualification designed for people already working in policing or an equivalent area, and looking to upgrade skills in the investigation area. It is also a great qualification for anyone who has an interest in investigation as conducted in policing, and an interest in learning to apply these unique skills in both the public and private sectors.

    Entry requirements:
    Previous police or investigations experience required.

    Units to be studied:
  • Liaise with other organisations.
  • Manage involvement in the judicial process.
  • Develop productive working relationships.
  • Employ media strategies.
  • Manage police investigations.
  • Conduct police investigations.
  • Manage incident scenes.
  • Conduct investigative interviews.
  • Manage physical evidence.
  • Manage information within specialised policing functions.
  • Candidates will be assessed using both summative and formative assessments.

    Conclusion:
    From the above information collected, it is evident that the qualifications compare favourably in terms of entry requirements and assessments used. It has been found that many of the modules of each qualification are similar.
    However, the title of each qualification is different, which is not seen to be an essential aspect to be used in the comparison. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This serves to satisfy the National imperatives where the government expects more learners to advance to Postgraduate levels. On completion of this qualification the incumbent will be prepared to advance to a Postgraduate Diploma in Policing and a Professional Masters in Policing. The articulation is subject to the institution's admission requirements.

    Horizontally:
    Bachelor of Criminology at NQF Level 7.
    Bachelor of Criminal Justice at NQF level 7.

    Vertically:
    Post Graduate Diploma in Policing at NQF Level 8.
    Bachelor of Criminal Justice Honours at NQF Level 8. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    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.
     
    1. Vaal University of Technology 


    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.