“Justice Begins with the First Word."
Professionalising Police Statements, Strengthening the Rule of Law.
The Designated Statement Officer Programme (DSOP) is a transformative, multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at addressing systemic deficiencies in police statement taking — long recognised as a critical weakness undermining the integrity of South Africa’s criminal justice system.
What is DSOP?
At its core, DSOP, aligned with the key objectives of the 2025 Policing Summit, seeks to professionalise the statement-taking process through the deployment of specially trained Designated Statement Officers with strong legal and linguistic proficiency. These officers will be embedded within police stations to ensure that the First Information of Crime (FIC) — captured in the A1 Statement — meets the highest standards of accuracy, clarity, and evidentiary rigour.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and SAPS Lieutenant General Khosi Senthumule look on as Dr Graham Wright, Chief Executive Officer of Business Against Crime South Africa, signs the Ministerial Business Pledge of Commitment in the lead-up to the 2025 Policing Summit.
Key Objectives of the DSOP
1. Enhance Legal and Language Proficiency
Through rigorous and ongoing training, DSOP officers will develop the expertise required to capture comprehensive, admissible, and coherent statements that withstand judicial scrutiny.
2. Digital Transformation of A1 and Related Forms
The DSOP includes the digitalisation of the A1 Statement and other critical forms to streamline documentation, minimise errors, and improve accessibility across the justice chain.
3. Improved Docket Management
A standardised, secure, and efficient docket management process will reduce loss of evidence and administrative delays.
4. Integration with Online Court Management Systems
Seamless integration between police systems and the judiciary’s digital platforms will promote real-time information sharing, enhance transparency, and support expeditious case handling.
Impact
The DSOP will:
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Significantly improve the quality of evidence presented in court.
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Enhance investigative and prosecutorial efficiency.
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Reduce case backlogs and delays.
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Foster public trust in the criminal justice process.
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Advance access to justice for all, including vulnerable populations.
The Designated Statement Officer Programme is not just a reform — it is a bold step toward rebuilding the foundations of justice by ensuring that every case begins with a statement that is truthful, thorough, and capable of delivering accountability.
