'n Posontleding vir blitspatrollielede in die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiediens

Abstract

As a result of social, political and economic changes in South Africa, correct screening procedures are essential for fair personnel practice in organisations. A job analysis is regarded as the starting point for fair and just personnel practice. This implies that every unique post should be analysed in terms of the inherent job requirements for the post. Specific attention should be given to the skills or competencies that are essential for executing the tasks of the post at an acceptable level of performance. The different types of duties, which often have to be performed under difficult conditions, complicate the service provided by the lying squad in the South African Police Service. Duties could be life threatening and members are never sure what to expect when investigating a reported incident. No validated screening process currently exists for members of this section. In order eventually to arrive at a process by means of which a job analysis can be compiled, a thorough understanding of the inherent requirements for the post of a flying squad member who performs field service is required. The aim of this study is therefore to perform a job analysis on flying squad members who perform field service in the South African Police Service in Gauteng with a view to compiling a competency profile. Survey research was used as research subject. The test group consists of members who perform field service, shift commanders and unit commanders of the different flying squad sections in Gauteng. Different methods of data collection for the competency profile were used, namely the Job Specification Index, the ldentification Criteria for Success and the behavioural event interview method. Statistical data processing was used as basis for the analysis and interpretation of the research data. Before a final competency profile could be compiled for a flying squad member who performs field service, the aspects involved in a job analysis had to be studied, as well as which methods of data collection can be used, how to describe the work performed, which factors concerning the working environment are involved, what the nature of competencies are, as well as how a competency profile can be developed. The results of the different methods of data collection are used to draw conclusions concerning those competencies the flying squad member who performs field service should have. The discussion of the results of the empirical investigation explains the aim, functions, duties and critical tasks for which the flying squad member who performs field service is responsible. This is followed by a discussion of the different factors in the working environment as well as of the competencies the flying squad member who performs field service must have. The results of the study indicate that the flying squad member who performs field service is responsible for four different functions within the flying squad. In order to be able to perform these functions effectively, critical tasks as well as the working environment were investigated, which resulted in the identification of twenty different competencies this member should have. The conclusions of the study can be aligned directly with the subject literature and the empirical study and are explained according to the different research objectives. Specific deficiencies in the study are described and recommendations for further research are made.