Abstract
M.A.
Policy is considered one of the most stressfull occupations, which often results in psychiatric disorders, divorces, misuse of alcohol and suicide. The researcher has been motivated by the possible changes that a social group work programme can
bring about in the general functioning of members of the South- African Police.
GOAL OF THE STUDY
The description of the experience of the participants of a group work programme with emphasis on scientific development of group work within the South-African Police Service.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
3.1. The discription from the literature as to the nature and influence that a police official's working conditions affect him as a person.
3.2. The discription from the literature as to the nature and the process of social group work as well as the factors that need to be considered within the social work group.
3.3. Discription of participants experience with the implimentation of the group work programme.
3.4. The recommendations to further develop programme contents scientifically.
METHOD OF STUDY
For the purpose of this study the descriptive method of research was used. Qualitative methods of data gathering were used.
METHODS OF DATA GATHERING
A literature study in respect of the police official and the influence of his working conditions on himself as well as that of the social work group was conducted.
Questionnaires were completed after completion of each group session and after completion of the programme by members of the target group.
ACHIEVEMENT OF GOALS
Above mentioned goals were conclusively achieved. These conclusions can be summarised as follows: The police official is as a result of the nature of his work exposed to traumatic happenings that is beyond the norm that is normally experienced. This tension as well as the tension of which the level is unknown , eg. salaries, disparity, etc. can result in shortcomings in role functioning. Through scientific handling of the group process and relations in a group the social worker can develop
possibilities for group members to grow, change and develop better social functioning.
Exposed from group session description and programme description it is evident that the skills of members for example their selfesteem, commumication skills, conflict handling, budgeting skills and handling of stres, shown great improvement.
7. RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations were specifically made in terms of further use of the group work programme in the SAPD. All members of the South-African Police Service can be
exposed to the groupwork program. Group sessions can be programmed for junior members of the South-African Police Service at college level for preperation in advance.
The impact made through social group work to members are to such extend that social workers in the SAPS can make more use of this social work method in enhancing
general functioning of members.