SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Conduct an Investigative Interview 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253982  Conduct an Investigative Interview 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Resolving of Crime 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
117456  Conduct an Investigative Interview  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for learners in the field of law enforcement and private investigation who conduct investigative interviews. They will be able to use a systematic approach in the search for truth regarding a crime or an alleged crime. Learners will gain an understanding of sound and structured methodologies which they may use to extract the maximum possible amount of information from victims, informers, witnesses or suspects. This unit standard will enable learners to apply a structured methodology which allow for the successful planning, conducting and concluding of an interview with a victim, informer, witness or suspect utilizing the P.E.A.C.E. Model.

A learner credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Prepare for the interview.
  • Conduct an interview.
  • Conclude the interview. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication NQF Level 4. 

  • UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    P.E.A.C.E. Model refers to:
  • P = Planning and Preparation.
  • E = Engage and Explain.
  • A = Account Phase.
  • C = Closure.
  • E = Evaluation of all information. 

  • Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare for the interview. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Although this outcome will be assessed as part of a structured scenario, learners must be guided by the specific circumstances at hand which may vary between a pre-determined structured written plan or a spontaneous plan as the interview progresses (i.e. instances where the investigator did not initiate the interview). 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Preparing for an interview also includes planning the interview. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Information is analyzed in order to plan for the interview. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Information may refer to the current status of files, dockets, exhibits, evidence, actual crime scene and statements. It may also include the analysis of crime (elements of the crime), evidence, instructions (judicial officials and commanders), outstanding matters, progress, objectives and goal.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A written plan is compiled in order to establish a framework for the interview questions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Plan may include but is not limited to a time schedule, interview style, introduction, agenda and questions.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The format of the process to be followed during the interview is determined by analyzing the circumstances at each interview. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Interviewing techniques and aids are selected according to the nature of the interview to be conducted. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Conduct an interview. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Interviews may be conducted in person (one-on-one), telephonically, via e-mail and questioning techniques. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Conducting the interview must include both initial and investigative interviewing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Purpose of the interview is established in line with the identified investigation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Interview is structured around the pre defined objectives of the interview. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The opening question is assessed to determine whether it is in line with to the developed plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Information is interpreted in order to establish what should be recorded for possible future use. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Information refers to but is not limited to the responses of the interviewee.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Interviewee's responses are analysed in order to determine interview priorities and topics. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Interviewee's responses may refer to physical responses, verbal responses, and body language.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Information gained by the interview is evaluated in order to determine its relevance in a specific investigation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Recognised topics are summarized for potential investigative purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Potential discrepancies in the interviewee's responses are identified in order to inform future questions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Interviews are analysed to determine whether the interview-plan needs alteration. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Flexibility may be required when the interviewee displays irrational behaviour or widens the scope of the interview when unexpected information is revealed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Soft-skills are demonstrated during interviewing process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Soft skills includes but are not limited to awareness and acknowledgement of emotions, empathy, sympathy, understanding and acceptance.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    The next stages in the process are explained to the interviewee. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Conclude the interview. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    To conclude an interview does not imply finality or exclude the possibility of a follow-up interview in the future but includes the analysis of information gained during the conducting phase of the interview. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Concluding the interview must include both initial and investigative interviewing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Detail and outcomes of the interview are interpreted against the initial interview plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Details of the interview is recorded in the prescribed format. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Recording may refer to but is not limited to:
  • Taking down of statements, sworn statements and or warning statement.
     

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    An interview is evaluated to establish whether the planned goal and objectives where met and to inform post interview processes. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any individual who wishes to be assessed against this unit standard (including assessment of RPL) may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA. Assessors must be competent in the outcome of the Unit Standard.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the relevant ETQA procedures. 

  • UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Plan and prepare for the interview.
  • Analyzing information.
  • Compiling written plan.
  • Format of the process to be followed during the interview.
  • Interviewing techniques.
  • Initial and investigative interviewing.
  • Purpose of the interview.
  • Structure interview.
  • Pre defined objectives of the interview.
  • Opening question.
  • Interpreting information.
  • Take notes.
  • Analysing interviewee's responses.
  • Determine interview priorities and topics.
  • Recognise topics.
  • Summarized potential exploration purpose.
  • Potential discrepancies in the interviewee's responses.
  • Flexibility when the interview-plan needs alteration.
  • Soft Skills.
  • Awareness and Acknowledgement of Emotions, Empathy, Sympathy, Understanding and Acceptance.
  • Stages in the process to the interviewee.
  • Outcome of the interview.
  • Interview is recorded in the prescribed format.
  • Taking down of statements, sworn statements and or warning statement. 

  • UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions, using critical thinking, have been made. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization or community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical, and/or language skills in the modes of written and/or oral presentation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
  • Must be competent in the outcomes of this unit standard.
  • Must have well-developed subject matter expertise.
  • At least 2 years practical experience.
  • Must be a registered assessor with the relevant ETQA. 

  • REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 117456, "Conduct an Investigative Interview", Level 5, 4 credits. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  59989   National Certificate: Resolving of Crime  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2016-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Elective  66869   National Certificate: Home Affairs Services  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  PSETA 
    Elective  61729   National Diploma: Policing  Level 6  NQF Level 06  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. AFRIC POLICING INSTITUTE 
    2. BOLTON BUSINESS COLLEGE & COMPUTER STUDIES 
    3. BROOKLYN CITY COLLEGE (PTY) LTD RUSTENBURG CAMPUS 
    4. BROOKLYN CITY COLLEGE (PTY) LTD 
    5. BROOKLYN CITY COLLEGE (PTY) LTD - PRETORIA 
    6. Brooklyn City College - Polokwane 
    7. Chithi Holdings 
    8. CRANE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY DURBAN 
    9. CRANE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY MIDDLEBURG 
    10. CRANE INTERNATIONAL BURGERSFORT 
    11. DAM SCHOOL OF POLICING 
    12. DAM SCHOOL OF POLICING POLOKWANE 
    13. DAM SCHOOL OF POLICING PRETORIA 
    14. DAM TECHNICALCOLLEGE PTY TD 
    15. DECENTRALISED TRAINING DURBAN 
    16. HILLCROSS BUSINESS COLLEGEPTY LTD 
    17. HJN POLOKWANE BRANCH PTY LTD 
    18. HJN PROTORIA BRANCH 02 
    19. HJN TRAINING CC 
    20. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE: EAST RAND 
    21. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE: VAALRAND 
    22. JEPPE COLLEGE OF COMMERCE AND COMPUTER 
    23. SHEPPERD ACADEMY 
    24. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BASIC TRAINING PROVISION 
    25. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BASIC TRAINING PROVISION INSTITUTION GRAA 
    26. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BASIC TRAINING PROVISION INSTITUTION OUDS 
    27. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPEMENT CENTRE PIETER 
    28. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE IN SERVICE TRAINING PROVISION INSTITUTION 
    29. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE TRAINING INSTITUTION ALL SAINTS 
    30. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE TRAINING INSTITUTION NORTH WEST PROVINCE 
    31. STRATEGIC INVESTIGATIONS AND SEMINARS 
    32. The Department of Home Affairs Learning Centre 
    33. Thembi Penelope Vilakazi 
    34. Tsoelopele Leadership Consulting (Pty) Ltd 



    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.