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 or incident 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253980  Investigate a crime or incident 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Resolving of Crime 
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" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
11993  Investigate a crime scene  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This purpose of this unit standard is for learners who are required to investigate a scene of incidence. This unit standard will enable learners to secure and control a scene, assess the nature of a scene, describe the essence of recording information, deal with witnesses and victims, evaluate investigation aids and evaluate the value of evidence and exhibits. The learner will be able to conduct an investigation in a structured scenario.

A learner credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Manage a crime scene.
  • Assess the nature of a crime scene.
  • Describe the essence of recording information.
  • Handle persons at the scene of incidence.
  • Evaluate investigation aids.
  • Evaluate evidence and exhibits.
  • Conduct an investigation in structured scenario. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 4.
  • Communication at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Where the term scene of incidence is used it also refers to a crime scene or incident scene. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Manage a crime scene. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Controlling and cordoning off a scene methods are assessed in order to establish which methods will best protect and preserve the scene. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Categories of people allowed within the secured areas of the scene are described in terms of their relevance to the investigation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The use of guards at a scene of incidence is assessed in terms of their effect on the protection of the scene. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Types of potential evidence are described in terms of their evidential value. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Ways of securing evidence are described in line with of Law of Evidence principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    A scene is secured and controlled within a given scenario. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Assess the nature of a scene. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Types of crime are classified in terms of their specific nature and characteristics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Types of role-players are described in terms of their role at the scene. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of role-players refer to but are not limited to witness victims and suspect.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The need to identify the possible origin of substances is described in terms of their potential evidential value. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The nature of the scene is evaluated in order to determine what future steps should be taken. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe the essence of recording information. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Information which should be recorded is identified in line with the nature of the scene. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Role-players are classified for recording purposes in terms of their potential influence on evidence gathering. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Role-players refer to but are not limited to witness, victim and suspects.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Experts and aids are classified for recording purposes in terms of their potential influence on evidence gathering. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Experts refer to but are not limited to Forensic Scientists and Fingerprint experts.
  • Aids refer but are not limited to dog handlers and police divers.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Handle persons at the scene of incidence. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Persons refer to but is not limited to witnesses and victims and suspects. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Methods of handling persons are assessed to inform decision making. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods must also include the handling of deceased victims, interviewing and statement taking.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of obtaining details of persons who are not at the scene is described for information gathering purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Methods of obtaining cooperation of persons are assessed taking into account influencing factors. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Influencing factors refer to but are not limited to age of persons, emotional state of persons and physical condition of persons.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Reasons for obtaining descriptions of suspect(s) are described for tracking purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Person's emotional state is assessed in order to identify what support should be provided or whether the person should be referred. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Evaluate investigation aids. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Types of experts are evaluated in terms of their functions and roles in the investigation process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Type of experts refer to but is not limited to fingerprint experts, photographers, draftsmen, medical personnel, state pathologists, mobile forensic units and ballistics experts.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Types of investigation aids are assessed for utilization purposes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Investigation aids refer to but are not limited to informers and local communities.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A structured scenario is analysed to determine the potential use of investigation aids and experts. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Structured scenarios may also include real life situations.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Evaluate evidence and exhibits. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Types of clues, evidence and exhibits are evaluated to establish their potential evidential value. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of note taking during evidence and exhibit gathering and handling is assessed in terms of its potential influence on evidential value. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Note taking refers to but is not limited to the position of the exhibit, the origin of the exhibit and the appearance of the exhibit as well as statements.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Methods of handling exhibits and evidence are evaluated in line with organizational policies and procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods refer to but are not limited to seizure, marking, packaging and forwarding as well as statements as stated in organizational specific policies and procedures.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Conduct an investigation in structured scenario. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Investigation refers to the process to be followed from the time of occurrence up to the stage where a decision can be made to terminate the investigation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Investigation techniques are assessed in terms of their advantages, disadvantages and applications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Resources are evaluated in terms of their applicability. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Resources refer to but are not limited to human, financial, information and logistical.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Experts and aids are identified and utilized according to the nature of the crime or incident. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    An investigation is performed within a structured scenario. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    A minimum of two different scenes must be structured. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any individual who wishes to be assessed against this unit standard (including assessment of RPL) may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA. Assessors must be competent in the outcome of the Unit Standard.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the relevant ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Crime Scene Management.
  • Suspect handling.
  • Evidence handling.
  • Secure and control a crime scene.
  • Ways of cordoning a scene off.
  • Types of potential evidence.
  • Assess the nature of a crime scene.
  • Types of crime.
  • Types of role-players.
  • Essence of recording information.
  • Record keeping.
  • Experts.
  • Witness and victims.
  • Methods of handling witness and victims.
  • Information gathering.
  • Victim support.
  • Witness protection.
  • Investigation aids.
  • Evidence and exhibits.
  • Methods of handling exhibits and evidence.
  • Criminal Procedure Act, Act 51 of 1977.
  • Constitution of South Africa, Chapter 2, Bill of Rights.
  • Law of Evidence.
  • Common Law.
  • Statutory Offences.
  • Chain of evidence. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions, using critical thinking, have been made. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization or community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical, and/or language skills in the modes of written and/or oral presentation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
  • Must be competent in the outcomes of this unit standard.
  • Must have well-developed subject matter expertise.
  • At least 5 years practical experience.
  • Must be a registered assessor with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 11993, "Investigate a crime scene", Level 5, 8 credits. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  59989   National Certificate: Resolving of Crime  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2016-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Core  63229   National Diploma: Bomb Disposal  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Core  61729   National Diploma: Policing  Level 6  NQF Level 06  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    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. AFRIC POLICING INSTITUTE 
    2. BOLTON BUSINESS COLLEGE & COMPUTER STUDIES 
    3. BROOKLYN CITY COLLEGE (PTY) LTD RUSTENBURG CAMPUS 
    4. Chithi Holdings 
    5. CRANE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY DURBAN 
    6. CRANE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY MIDDLEBURG 
    7. CRANE INTERNATIONAL BURGERSFORT 
    8. DAM SCHOOL OF POLICING 
    9. DAM SCHOOL OF POLICING POLOKWANE 
    10. DAM SCHOOL OF POLICING PRETORIA 
    11. DAM TECHNICALCOLLEGE PTY TD 
    12. DECENTRALISED TRAINING DURBAN 
    13. FALCON FIREARM ACADEMY 
    14. HJN POLOKWANE BRANCH PTY LTD 
    15. HJN TRAINING CC 
    16. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE: EAST RAND 
    17. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE: VAALRAND 
    18. JEPPE COLLEGE OF COMMERCE AND COMPUTER 
    19. SA POLOCE SERVICE 
    20. SHEPPERD ACADEMY 
    21. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BASIC TRAINING PROVISION 
    22. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BASIC TRAINING PROVISION INSTITUTION GRAA 
    23. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BASIC TRAINING PROVISION INSTITUTION OUDS 
    24. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE DIAMONDFIELD IN SERVICE AND SPECIALIZED T 
    25. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPEMENT CENTRE PIETER 
    26. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE IN SERVICE TRAINING PROVISION INSTITUTION 
    27. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE PROVINCIAL HEAD OFFICE EASTERN CAPE TRAIN 
    28. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE TRAINING INSTITUTION ALL SAINTS 
    29. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE TRAINING INSTITUTION NORTH WEST PROVINCE 
    30. STRATEGIC INVESTIGATIONS AND SEMINARS 


    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.