CRI2601 Assignment 2 Semester 1 2025 (861656)
QUESTION 1
1.1 Role of the Crime Administration System (CAS) in SAPS
The Crime Administration System (CAS) is an important tool used by the South
African Police Service (SAPS) to keep track of reported crimes. Think of it as a giant
digital filing system where every reported case is recorded, stored, and updated as
the investigation progresses.
Here’s how it works in practice:
Case Registration: When a crime is reported at a police station, it is
immediately logged into CAS, and a unique reference number (CAS number)
is assigned to that case. This number helps officers keep track of the case
throughout the investigation.
o Example: If a person reports a stolen car in Johannesburg, the police will
enter details like the time, location, and description of the vehicle into
CAS.
Case Monitoring & Updates: CAS allows police officers to track the
progress of investigations, ensuring that cases are not forgotten or mishandled.
o Example: If detectives need to check the status of a robbery case, they
can simply look it up in CAS instead of searching through paper files.
Evidence & Suspect Information: The system stores important details such as
witness statements, forensic reports, and suspect profiles, making it easier
to connect similar crimes and identify patterns.
o Example: If a suspect arrested in Cape Town has committed similar
crimes in Durban, CAS helps link those cases.
, Court Processing: Once a case goes to court, CAS keeps records of court
proceedings, bail conditions, and sentencing outcomes to ensure a smooth
transition between police investigations and the justice system.
o Example: If a suspect is released on bail, CAS will have all the details so
that officers can monitor them if needed.
In summary, CAS helps SAPS manage crime investigations efficiently, ensures no
case is overlooked, and allows for better coordination between police stations
and the courts.
1.2 Role of the Incident Registration Information System (IRIS) in SAPS
The Incident Registration Information System (IRIS) is another important digital
system used by SAPS, but it focuses more on recording and managing non-crime-
related incidents. While CAS deals with criminal cases, IRIS is used for incidents that
might not be crimes but still require police attention.
Here’s how it helps SAPS:
Incident Recording: IRIS is used to record incidents such as accidents,
protests, natural disasters, and missing persons cases.
o Example: If a community protest turns violent, police officers record details
in IRIS to track how the situation develops over time.
Resource Management: It helps SAPS allocate resources effectively by
tracking where and when incidents occur, ensuring that police officers,
vehicles, and equipment are sent where they are needed most.
o Example: If there are frequent traffic accidents at a particular intersection,
IRIS helps SAPS deploy more traffic officers to that area.
Coordination with Other Departments: The system is linked to other
government and emergency services, such as hospitals and fire departments,
ensuring a quick response when needed.
QUESTION 1
1.1 Role of the Crime Administration System (CAS) in SAPS
The Crime Administration System (CAS) is an important tool used by the South
African Police Service (SAPS) to keep track of reported crimes. Think of it as a giant
digital filing system where every reported case is recorded, stored, and updated as
the investigation progresses.
Here’s how it works in practice:
Case Registration: When a crime is reported at a police station, it is
immediately logged into CAS, and a unique reference number (CAS number)
is assigned to that case. This number helps officers keep track of the case
throughout the investigation.
o Example: If a person reports a stolen car in Johannesburg, the police will
enter details like the time, location, and description of the vehicle into
CAS.
Case Monitoring & Updates: CAS allows police officers to track the
progress of investigations, ensuring that cases are not forgotten or mishandled.
o Example: If detectives need to check the status of a robbery case, they
can simply look it up in CAS instead of searching through paper files.
Evidence & Suspect Information: The system stores important details such as
witness statements, forensic reports, and suspect profiles, making it easier
to connect similar crimes and identify patterns.
o Example: If a suspect arrested in Cape Town has committed similar
crimes in Durban, CAS helps link those cases.
, Court Processing: Once a case goes to court, CAS keeps records of court
proceedings, bail conditions, and sentencing outcomes to ensure a smooth
transition between police investigations and the justice system.
o Example: If a suspect is released on bail, CAS will have all the details so
that officers can monitor them if needed.
In summary, CAS helps SAPS manage crime investigations efficiently, ensures no
case is overlooked, and allows for better coordination between police stations
and the courts.
1.2 Role of the Incident Registration Information System (IRIS) in SAPS
The Incident Registration Information System (IRIS) is another important digital
system used by SAPS, but it focuses more on recording and managing non-crime-
related incidents. While CAS deals with criminal cases, IRIS is used for incidents that
might not be crimes but still require police attention.
Here’s how it helps SAPS:
Incident Recording: IRIS is used to record incidents such as accidents,
protests, natural disasters, and missing persons cases.
o Example: If a community protest turns violent, police officers record details
in IRIS to track how the situation develops over time.
Resource Management: It helps SAPS allocate resources effectively by
tracking where and when incidents occur, ensuring that police officers,
vehicles, and equipment are sent where they are needed most.
o Example: If there are frequent traffic accidents at a particular intersection,
IRIS helps SAPS deploy more traffic officers to that area.
Coordination with Other Departments: The system is linked to other
government and emergency services, such as hospitals and fire departments,
ensuring a quick response when needed.
