POLICE SOCIAL WORK IN SOUTH AFRICA

The core business of the South African Police Service (SAPS) is “to create a safe and secure environment for all citizens of South Africa” (SAPS, 2011:i). Social workers applying occupational social work practice fundamentals are expected to address both the organisational wellbeing of the SAPS and the social wellbeing of the personnel, but as a secondary entity within a structured, semi-military environment. This article elaborates critically on the position of police social work and argues why social workers employed by the SAPS should be acknowledged as specialists in the field of occupational social work

COMBATING CONFLICT IN THE WORKPLACE: THE CONTENT AND EFFECT OF A CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AND ASSERTIVENESS TRAINING PROGRAMME

Conflict and bullying in the workplace remain issues that employers tend to sweep under theproverbial carpet, partly because of the stigma involved and partly because of their own doubtabout how the problem should be addressed (Anon., 2001:1-2; Beswick, Gore & Palferman,2006:1, 21-25; Dijkstra, Van Dierendonck & Evers, 2005:119-121; Simpson, 2001:1-6). Thetendency has been either to ignore the problem or, at most, minimise its consequences. Theseconsequences more often than not take the form of high levels of stress amongst employees orhigh absenteeism and staff turnover rates, or both. The current dominant approach is in manyrespects akin to blaming the victim and closing the door after the horse has bolted (Dijkstra etal., 2005:119-121; Kennedy, 2004:1-3)

ENHANCING THE WELLBEING OF DIVORCED PERSONS THROUGH SOCIAL WORK SERVICES: SERVICE-USERS’ EXPERIENCES AND SUGGESTIONS

Divorce is one of the most stressful life events a person can face and it often has adverse consequences. Social work services are of critical importance in enhancing the wellbeing of divorced persons and improving their relationships with their significant others. A qualitative research study was conducted to develop an in-depth understanding of the nature of social work services to divorced persons and the divorced persons’ suggestions regarding social work services. This paper reports the findings, conclusions and recommendations based on interviews conducted with divorced South African men and women from different ethnic groups with the purpose of enhancing the wellbeing of divorced persons through social work services.&nbsp

The effect of the human relations and health maintenance components of the SAPS self-management programme

Thesis (Ph.D. (Social Work))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.Background: The success achieved with the South-African Police Service’s generic Personnel Capacity-Building Programmes contributed to a 2003 decision by the National Commissioner that a similar type of intervention should be included in the basic training of SAPS recruits. This led to the development of the Self-Management Programme. This programme is, since July 2004, an integral part of the empowerment of more than 8000 recruits annually and is presented on a bi-annual basis. A comprehensive study into the programme’s short-term and long-term effect and return on investment (ROI) was launched in 2004. This thesis will report on the results achieved with the measurement of the programme’s human relation and health maintenance components. Objectives: The primary aim of the study was to determine the effect of the Self-Management Programme’s human relations and health maintenance modules on the knowledge, attitude and behaviour of SAPS recruits, as well as the programme’s return on investment coefficient. Method: The study utilised an experimental research design, as well as focus groups and triangulation. It involved an average of 520 recruits (400 for the experimental groups and 120 for the control groups) per module. This was supplemented by qualitative research in which 91 recruits participated in various focus groups. The modules and programme was also subjected to a structured and comprehensive return on investment analysis. Results: Through the triangulation of measurements it was ascertained that the human relations and health maintenance modules had a practical significant effect on the recruits’ knowledge, attitude and behaviour and empowered them on both a personal and a professional level. The ROI analysis also showed that the programme was of considerable financial benefit to the SAPS and should remain as an integral part of all new recruits’ training in the future.Doctora

An evaluation of the "Managing stress effectively" personnel capacity building programme of the South African Police Service

Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.Background: As a result of the restructuring of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in 1996 and various other factors, Police Social Work Services decided to broaden the scope of its services by developing and introducing proactive, personnel capacity building programmes. By 1999,15 such programmes were developed. The need subsequently arose for a comprehensive impact assessment of these programmes and the Evaluation of Personnel Capacity Building Programmes (EKBP) study was launched in 2001. The evaluation of the Managing Stress Effectively programme formed part of this research. Objectives: The primary aim of the study was to determine the effect of the Managing Stress Effectively Programme on SAPS personnel's knowledge, attitude and behaviour. Method: In the research, the comparison group pretest and posttest design and triangulation were used. Six measurement scales and a presenter's evaluation questionnaire were developed and completed by 327 experimental group respondents, 57 comparison group members and 32 presenters. Results: Through the triangulation of measurements it was determined that the Managing Stress Effectively programme had a practical significant effect on the respondent's knowledge, attitude and behaviour. It was thus an effective tool in the hands of Police Social Work Service that not only empowered SAPS personnel to lead more productive professional lives, but one that also enhanced their personal well-being.Master