SASPCAN

The South African Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect

CHILD PROTECTION UNIT

If the involvement of children in crime is under discussion, one can distinguish between crimes by children and crimes against children. Crimes committed by children (delinquents) are investigated by the relevant unit, for example the Vehicle Theft Unit, Detective Branch, etc. Crimes against children are policed by the Child Protection Unit (CPU).

It is common knowledge that a child communicates on a different level than an adult. Handling a child victim in an insensitive manner can result in permanent damage to the child. The way in which a child victim is treated, will determine to what degree the child victim will be able to handle and accept the trauma, as well as his/her further development into adulthood.

The need to establish a unit within the South African Police Service to prevent and combat crimes against children, was identified during 1986. The primary task of the Child Protection Unit is to render a sensitive service to the child victim. At the moment there are 28 Child Protection Units (CPU), 14 Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Branches (FCS) and 4 Indecent Crimes Units situated in the main centers. Specialised individuals are policing crimes against children in the smaller centers (156 other towns across the country). These members are attached to the Detective Service.

Training of members of the Child Protection Unit
Members who are tasked with the policing of crimes against children have already completed the basic police training at one of the Police Colleges, and have already gained some experience of general policing. They 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, Lawyers for Human Rights, Department of Justice (Justice College) and other community organisations. The following subjects form part of the curriculum:

	Crisis intervention
	Psychological aspects (e.g. the stages of development and the interviewing of a child)
	Specific investigation skills (e.g. obtaining statements from children, conduct at a scene of crime, etc.)
	Fundamental human rights (emphasis on children's rights)
	Information regarding investigation aids, such as the SAPS Criminal Record Center (fingerprint experts, photographers, etc.) and the Forensic Science Laboratory (SAPS)
	Legal requirements regarding relevant crimes
	Court procedures regarding children
	Role of the family advocate
	Role of the social worker
	Public speaking
	Specific instructions (police/CPU) with regards to policing of crimes against children

Policing crimes against children
According to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996:

	Sec 28(1)(d): Every child shall have the right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse, or degradation.
	Section 28(2): A child's best interest is of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child.

Proactive policing
The role of the Child Protection Unit in preventing crimes against children is very limited, due to factors such as the commission of crimes within the family circle to which the police do not really have access. Although limited, the Child Protection Unit has a role to play in educating the members of the public, especially the children.

The primary goal is to make the public aware of the existence of crimes against children, the role of the public in preventing and combating these crimes and the role of the Child Protection Unit. Awareness is fostered by articles in the media and the presentation of lectures, talks, etc. at schools, universities, you and church organisations, etc. The lectures are presented to people of all ages, ranging from children to adults.

Reactive policing

Reactive action: comprises the investigation of alleged crimes against children which have been brought to the attention of the Unit. The investigation of a crime is a process, and briefly comprises the following:

	The identification of the problem (crime or a social welfare matter or both)
	The contacting of other community organisations such as social welfare organisations and school aid services
	The obtaining of relevant statements from the victim and all other witnesses
	The utilisation of all possible investigation aides (e.g. fingerprint expert)
	The collection of all relevant evidence e.g. letters, notes, hair, etc.)
	The forwarding of evidence to the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory (where applicable)
	The medical examination of the victim and the alleged perpetrator (where applicable) by the district surgeon
	The photographing of external injuries
	The tracing of the alleged perpetrator
	The preparation and the provision of support to the child witness in conjunction with other relevant role players

Members of the public often report matters of a social nature which do not constitute criminal offences to the Unit. The information is then conveyed for the attention of the relevant social welfare organisation for further assistance and support. The Child Protection Unit forms part of the multi-disciplinary team.

Conclusion

As one of the role players of the multidisciplinary team, the South African Police Service is co-responsible for the protection of children. Children often do not even realise that they are the victims of a crime. It is therefore, the responsibility of the Police Service, and in particular the Child Protection Unit, to act in the interest of the child, as soon as the information is broght to a member's attention.

The manner in which the child victims are dealt with is of vital importance for his/her development into a healthy and well-balanced adult. Members of the child Proection Unit contribute by giving expression to the motto of the South African Police Service, viz:
WE PROTECT AND SERVE

SUPERINTENDENT ANNEKE PIENAAR
COMMANDER: CHILD PROTECTION UNIT
DETECTIVE SERVICE: HEAD OFFICE
SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
PRIVATE BAG X 302
PRETORIA
0001
SOUTH AFRICA

TEL: (012) 339-2363/2362/2359
FAX: (012) 328-3546

Copyright SASPCAN 1999 - 2003. Last updated 19 August 2003 .
For queries about SASPCAN please mail saspcan@absamail.co.za