Assignment 2 Semester 2 2026
Unique number:
Due date: 7 September 2026
QUESTION 1: THE ROLES OF VARIOUS CRIME INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN
POLICING
Introduction
Modern policing depends heavily on accurate information because police officials
must understand where crime occurs, who may be involved, how offences are
committed and what risks are developing before resources can be deployed
properly. Crime information systems make this possible by collecting, storing,
connecting and analysing information that would be difficult to manage through
paper records alone. The CRI2601 Study Guide explains that South African policing
uses several systems for recording cases, identifying suspects
, QUESTION 1: THE ROLES OF VARIOUS CRIME INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN
POLICING
Introduction
Modern policing depends heavily on accurate information because police officials
must understand where crime occurs, who may be involved, how offences are
committed and what risks are developing before resources can be deployed
properly. Crime information systems make this possible by collecting, storing,
connecting and analysing information that would be difficult to manage through
paper records alone. The CRI2601 Study Guide explains that South African policing
uses several systems for recording cases, identifying suspects, mapping crime,
analysing trends, circulating wanted persons and coordinating operations. These
systems support both investigation and prevention because information from one
source can strengthen information obtained from another source (CRI2601 Study
Guide, 2021:16–18). The importance of this information-led approach is also
consistent with the constitutional duty of the police to prevent, combat and
investigate crime and to protect people and property (Constitution of the Republic of
South Africa, 1996).
Crime Administration System and Integrated Case Docket Management
System
The Crime Administration System has traditionally been used to record reported
crime across police stations. Important details include the type of offence, the
location, the complainant, known suspects, the weapon or instrument used and the
date and time of the incident. This information gives detectives, crime intelligence
officials and station commanders a common record from which they can work. The
system also supports crime statistics and makes it easier to monitor the progress of
cases. The study guide explains that the Crime Administration System has
progressively been replaced by the web based Integrated Case Docket Management
System, which manages criminal cases, inquests and enquiries from registration
until final disposal (CRI2601 Study Guide, 2021:18–19). A practical example would
be a series of house robberies reported in one policing area. When the cases are
recorded consistently, investigators can compare the times, addresses and methods