3.2.2 Service Delivery Improvement Programme
(i) In line with the Constitution, SAPS Act, Public Service Regulations, and the Mission and Service Standards of the SAPS, the purpose of the Service Delivery Improvement Programme (SDIP) is to improve the quality of service delivery by the following means:
Developing the skills and knowledge of SAPS members, enabling them to -
provide quality policing services responsibly, confidently and independently; and
approach policing-needed issues from a client-centred, problem-solving perspective.
(ii) The focus of the SDIP is to ensure compliance with the principles of Batho Pele as stipulated in Regulation 14 of the Police Service Regulations.
(iii) The objectives of the SDIP are -
to ensure effective planning on various organisational levels;
to enable police members to be innovative and creative in problem solving for their own development and to the benefit of the organisation;
to provide police members with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to function at different levels in diverse situations;
to enable police members to deliver an efficient service, both internally and externally;
to identify performance gaps on various organisational levels;
to ensure community participation in determining and addressing local policing priorities; and
to provide a monitoring and evaluation mechanism for organisational performance evaluation.
(a) To succeed in the SDIP, members are expected to demonstrate knowledge and skills to be able to determine, interpret and appropriately apply the national law in accordance with the Constitution, Police Service Act, and other policy directives.
(b) In response to requests for service and assistance, the members should possess the ability to work with individuals and communities from diverse back groups in order to –
identify existing and potential community-related problems;
develop and suggest alternative, preventative and remedial plans; and
use effective partnerships to implement these plans, and assess results for implementation and evaluation.
(c) In response to activities in progress, members should possess the ability to analyse diverse situations and make conclusions about the risks involved.
(d) In approaching and managing situations, members should -
maximize public and police safety;
avoid and/or diffuse conflict situations;
make effective use of community resources during response, if appropriate, and where possible; and
support victims in a sensitive manner, and refer them to the appropriate institutions for further assistance.
(e) During and after the investigation of incidents, members should possess the ability to -
gather the needed information by applying effective investigative techniques and skills professionally; and handle and interpret evidence properly and safely.
(f) When making an arrest members should -
effect the arrest according to the Law and Constitution;
escort and transport suspects and prisoners in a way which will ensure public safety;
respect the rights and dignity, and ensure the safety of the suspects and prisoners; and
testify effectively in court, and be conversant with the relevant procedures.
(g) To ensure the execution of planned activities, police members should initiate programmes and interventions to allocate the required resources to achieve the desired results.