CRI2601
Assignment 1
Due 2025
,Introduction to Crime Information Management Systems for Policing
QUESTION 1
Discuss five types of questions police officials could use to gather information,
with examples.
Effective questioning is essential in policing because it helps officers collect accurate
and detailed information during interviews, investigations, and statements. Below are
five types of questions commonly used, including their purposes and examples:
1. Open-Ended Questions
Purpose: These questions encourage respondents to provide detailed
responses in their own words, offering richer and more descriptive information.
Example: “Can you explain what happened when you arrived at the scene?”
2. Closed-Ended Questions
Purpose: Closed questions confirm specific facts and typically require short
responses such as “yes” or “no.”
Example: “Did you see the suspect leave through the front door?”
3. Probing Questions
Purpose: Used to follow up on previous answers to gain clarification or
additional details.
Example: “You mentioned a car parked outside—can you describe its colour or
make?”
, 4. Leading Questions
Purpose: These questions subtly guide the respondent toward a particular
answer. They should be used cautiously to avoid bias or influencing the
response.
Example: “The suspect was wearing a red jacket, wasn’t he?”
5. Hypothetical Questions
Purpose: Such questions explore possible scenarios or test the respondent’s
understanding by presenting “what if” situations.
Example: “If someone escaped through the back door, where do you think they
might have gone?”
Summary:
A combination of these question types ensures comprehensive, accurate, and unbiased
information gathering during investigations.
QUESTION 2
Explain the role of the Crime Administration System (CAS) in the South African
Police Service (SAPS) with practical examples.
The Crime Administration System (CAS) is a computerized national database used
by SAPS to record, manage, and monitor all reported crimes. It is a critical tool for
improving accountability, transparency, and efficiency in law enforcement processes.
Key Roles of CAS:
1. Recording Reported Crimes
Assignment 1
Due 2025
,Introduction to Crime Information Management Systems for Policing
QUESTION 1
Discuss five types of questions police officials could use to gather information,
with examples.
Effective questioning is essential in policing because it helps officers collect accurate
and detailed information during interviews, investigations, and statements. Below are
five types of questions commonly used, including their purposes and examples:
1. Open-Ended Questions
Purpose: These questions encourage respondents to provide detailed
responses in their own words, offering richer and more descriptive information.
Example: “Can you explain what happened when you arrived at the scene?”
2. Closed-Ended Questions
Purpose: Closed questions confirm specific facts and typically require short
responses such as “yes” or “no.”
Example: “Did you see the suspect leave through the front door?”
3. Probing Questions
Purpose: Used to follow up on previous answers to gain clarification or
additional details.
Example: “You mentioned a car parked outside—can you describe its colour or
make?”
, 4. Leading Questions
Purpose: These questions subtly guide the respondent toward a particular
answer. They should be used cautiously to avoid bias or influencing the
response.
Example: “The suspect was wearing a red jacket, wasn’t he?”
5. Hypothetical Questions
Purpose: Such questions explore possible scenarios or test the respondent’s
understanding by presenting “what if” situations.
Example: “If someone escaped through the back door, where do you think they
might have gone?”
Summary:
A combination of these question types ensures comprehensive, accurate, and unbiased
information gathering during investigations.
QUESTION 2
Explain the role of the Crime Administration System (CAS) in the South African
Police Service (SAPS) with practical examples.
The Crime Administration System (CAS) is a computerized national database used
by SAPS to record, manage, and monitor all reported crimes. It is a critical tool for
improving accountability, transparency, and efficiency in law enforcement processes.
Key Roles of CAS:
1. Recording Reported Crimes
