FAMILY VIOLENCE, CHILD PROTECTION AND SEXUAL OFFENCES UNIT (FCS)

TRAINING: MEMBERS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE, CHILD PROTECTION AND SEXUAL OFFENCES UNIT

Members attached to the Child Protection Unit and Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, have already completed the basic police training at one of the Police Colleges, and have already gained some experience of general policing.

Most of them have already attended the Basic Detective Training Course. Members receive in-service training and follow a task-orientated course, stretching over a three-week period.

The contents of the course are evaluated continuously. Lectures are presented by experienced members of the South African Police Service, lecturers from universities, educational psychologists, social welfare workers, a criminologist, a member of the Family Advocate's Office, Department of Justice (Justice College) and other community organisations.

The following subjects form part of the curriculum:

Crisis intervention
Psychological aspects (eg the stages of development and the interviewing of a victim)
Specific investigation skills (eg obtaining statements from victims, conduct at a scene of crime, etc)
Fundamental human rights (incl children's rights)
Information regarding investigation aids, such as the SAPS Criminal
Record Centre (fingerprint experts, photographers, etc), and the Forensic Science Laboratory (SAPS)
Legal requirements regarding relevant crimes
Specific court procedures
Role of the family advocate
Role of the medical practitioner
Role of the social worker
Public speaking
Specific instructions (SAPS) re policing of crimes