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

Abstract

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.