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 UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Investigate a crime scene 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
11993  Investigate a crime scene 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Visible Policing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2006-02-14  2008-02-06  SAQA 0160/05 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2009-02-06   2012-02-06  

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 unit standard is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
253980  Investigate a crime or incident  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for persons working in the safety and society environment by conduct investigation at a crime scene.

A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Secure and control a crime scene
  • Identify the nature of a crime scene
  • Record relevant information
  • Identify and handle witness and victims
  • Utilise investigation aids
  • Search a crime scene and seize exhibits

    This unit standard will contribute to the full development of any learner within the safety in society environment and more specifically within the policing discipline by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the field. The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and upliftment within the safety in society environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The following knowledge, skills attitude and/or equivalent:
  • Functional mathematical, numerical and communication skills
  • Read, interpret and use of relevant forms 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    This unit standard applies to persons who conduct investigation at a crime scene with a level of authority that allows them to take independent decisions. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Secure and control a crime scene. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The crime scene is fully cordoned off, protected and conserved according to organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Only people relevant to the investigation are allowed within the crime scene according to organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Guards are fully utilized to assist in the investigation according to organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Potential evidence are identified and secured according to the law of evidence principles and organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Potential exhibits are obtained and preserved according to organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Potential exhibits are registered for safekeeping and handed to relevant specialists according to organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Appropriate emergency services and support units are summoned according to the criminal procedure act and the criminal justice systems. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify the nature of a crime scene. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The type of crime committed is identified and classified to its specific nature according to the criminal procedure act. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Witness and victims are identified according to organizational procedures and the constitution of South Africa. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Possible origin of substances are identified according to relevant legislations and organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Action related to the crime is identified and applied according to organizational procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Record relevant information. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Al relevant aspects of the crime scene is observed and noted immediately according to organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Witness are identified and noted in the pocket book according to organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Victims are identified and noted according to the principles of victim support and empowerment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Possible suspects are noted and dealt with according to the constitution of South Africa and organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Experts and emergency services attending to the scene are identified and notified according to organizational procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Identify and handle witness and victims. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Witness and victims are identified and handled according to organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Member is introduced to witness and/or victim according to organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. First Aid is applied to victims if required according to the first aid principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The body is examined in the event of death and observations are noted according to organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Details of witness not at the scene are gathered and noted in pocket book according to organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Witness's co-operation is obtained according to the constitution of South African and organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. A description of suspect is obtained according to organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. All relevant questions pertaining to the crime are put to the witness according to organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Statements are obtained from witness and victims according to organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Informer's assistance is obtained if relevant according to organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    11. Witness not on the scene are traced and visited and necessary statements are obtained according to organizational procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Utilise investigation aids. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The relevant investigation experts and aids are identified and engaged according to organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The role of the following investigation experts are describe:
  • Fingerprints
  • Photographer
  • Draftsmen
  • District surgeon
  • State pathologist
  • Mobile forensic unit
  • Ballistics
    According to organizational procedures 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Search a crime scene and seize exhibits. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The crime scene is scanned for clues and exhibits according to organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Exhibits are identified as evidence according to organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The positions of exhibits are noted according to organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Exhibits are seized, packet accordingly and send according to organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Statement are completed regarding the seizure, packing and sending of exhibitions according to organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Clues are identified and noted in pocket book according to organizational procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Candidates are assessed against these assessment criteria. An assessor observes currently employed candidates carrying out their normal work duties. They may also be asked to carry out simulated tasks and to answer written and/or oral questions. Candidates studying towards a Unit Standard, and who are not currently employed, will also be assessed using variety of assessment tools.
    2. Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
    3. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.
    4. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

    The standard describes competent performance in doing physical techniques that will enhance their job performance, and lay down the criteria by which competence should be judged, as well as the range of circumstances in which competence should be demonstrated.

    Integrated assessment methods and tools will allow the candidate to demonstrate that she/he has acquired knowledge of and can safely and effectively apply competence identified in this unit standard.

    These tools include the following:
  • In-site (on-the-job) observations
  • Role-play simulations
  • Structured group discussions
  • Written reports (e.g. tests, exams, case studies, projects, registers, logbooks, workbooks)
  • Verbal report backs (presentations)
  • Portfolios of evidence
  • Projects (physical visits to Government Departments)
  • Experiential learning
  • Working in teams
  • Scenario sketching

    These methods must be carefully selected based on the purpose of the assessment (for example, the written method of assessing knowledge or on-job demonstration of practical competence). The assessment must integrate a number of different methods in order to give the assessor reliable and valid proof of competence and evidence of required attitudes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    (1) A comprehensive understanding of the relevant legislation, and procedures and practices
    (2) A broad understanding of the legislation regarding investigation of crime scene`s
    (3) A comprehensive understanding of the need for the investigation of a crime scene
    (4) A basic understanding of the ways and methods used to investigate a crime scene 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in a critical and creative way in applying the provisions set out in organizational orders regarding the investigation of a crime scene, under controlled circumstances, making a sound judgement of any given situation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team in applying the provisions set out in organizational orders regarding the investigation of a crime scene, under controlled circumstances, making a sound judgement of any given situation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organize and manage oneself and one`s personal activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate information relevant in applying the provisions set out in organizational orders regarding the investigation of a crime scene, making a sound judgement of any given situation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understand and apply a range of office management-related techniques, procedures and experimental approaches required in the different specific programmes leading up to this qualification. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 253980, which is "Investigate a crime or incident", Level 5, 8 credits.

    Requirements of a portfolio

    Valid, reliable and authentic evidence (presented as a portfolio of evidence) from past achievements and experience, which serves to supplement the assessment of, applied competence.

    The portfolio may include inter alia:
  • Written statements from persons (e.g. current and/or previous employer, colleague, peer, manager, external customers) confirming competence of the learner
  • Relevant certificates or awards
  • Previous assessment records
  • Journals/logbook

    Level
    A learning programme leading to the award of this unit standard should develop learners who demonstrate:
    1. A foundational knowledge base as indicated in the embedded knowledge component
    2. An understanding of the discipline/field`s fundamental terms, rules, concepts and principles
    3. Familiarity with some of the essential procedures, operations and techniques of this field
    4. An ability to use a range of procedures to solve routine problems
    5. Basic information gathering, analysis and presentation skills
    6. An ability to communicate and present information clearly and reliability following prescribed formats and conventions


    Supplementary Information:

    Specified Requirements
    Specified requirements include legal and legislative specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:
    Criminal Procedure Act
    Constitution Act
    South African Police Service Act

    A glossary of terms about the terminology of
    CONTEXT SPECIFIC
    Specifications, agreements and policies and procedures 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49118   National Certificate: Resolving of Crime  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2007-12-02  Was SAS SETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  22491   Further Education and Training Certificate: Specialist Security Practices  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2006-11-16  SAS SETA 
    Elective  20496   National Certificate: Policing  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2006-02-09  Was SAS SETA until Last Date for Achievement 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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. EKHURHULENI SHOOTING AND TRAINING ACADEMY 
    2. ISASA SECURITY TRAINING CC 
    3. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BASIC TRAINING PROVISION 
    4. SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK 


    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.