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EPP2601: Applied Communication in Policing
May/June Examination Revision Guide 2026 — Covering 2023 to 2025
⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆
Police Practice – Department of Police Practice, UNISA
▷ Exam Revision Guide
EPP2601
Module Code:
Applied Communication in Policing
Module Name:
May/June Examination 2026
Exam Period:
May/June 2023, May/June 2024 & May/June 2025
Papers Covered:
100 marks per paper
Total Marks:
4 hours (open-book)
Duration:
Two essay questions (50 marks each)
Format:
Use this guide to revise thoroughly. Focus on understanding, not memorisation.
This revision guide covers all study units tested in examinations from 2023 to 2025.
⋆ Exam Revision Notes | EPP2601 | 2023–2025
,EPP2601 | Exam Revision 2023–2025 Applied Communication in Policing
About This Revision Guide
This document provides complete question-and-answer revision for EPP2601 (Applied Com-
munication in Policing) covering the May/June 2023, May/June 2024, and May/June 2025
examination papers. Each past paper question is reproduced, followed by a comprehensive
model answer calibrated to the mark allocation. The guide concludes with probable questions
predicted for the May/June 2026 examination.
Key Concept
Examination Format: EPP2601 is a 100-mark, 4-hour open-book examination. It
consists of two (2) essay-format questions, each worth 50 marks. Both questions must
be answered. Answers are submitted via the myExams platform as a single PDF docu-
ment. The exam is proctored via the Invigilator App.
Study Units Covered:
• Study Unit 1: Non-verbal communication – categories, benefits, problems, visual images
• Study Unit 2: Listening skills – benefits, barriers, interactive listening, group listening
• Study Unit 3: Communicating in diversity – culture, cultural diversity in the workplace,
ethnocentrism, stereotyping
• Study Unit 4: Persuasive communication – principles, ethos/pathos/logos, application in
policing
• Study Unit 5: Meetings – types, Batho Pele principles, effective meeting steps
• Study Unit 6: Report writing – informational reports, proposals, formal writing
Page 2 of 33 ⋆
,EPP2601 | Exam Revision 2023–2025 Applied Communication in Policing
MAY/JUNE 2023 EXAMINATION PAPER
EPP2601 – Applied Communication in Policing
100 Marks • 4 Hours • Open Book
First Examiner: Dr KN Tlou • Second Examiner: Dr RGD Rajin
Exam Tip
The May/June 2023 exam used a case study about the July 2021 civil unrest in
South Africa as the context for both questions. The case study described how South
African Police Service (SAPS) officers responded to the widespread looting and violence,
focusing on communication challenges. Always connect your essay answers back to the
provided case study or scenario.
Page 3 of 33 ⋆
, EPP2601 | Exam Revision 2023–2025 Applied Communication in Policing
Question 1 – May/June 2023 [50 marks]
Question: Based on the case study describing the July 2021 civil unrest in South Africa
and the SAPS response, write a four-page essay detailing the advantages and disad-
vantages of listening skills. Use practical examples from the case study and/or the
policing context to support your discussion. [50 marks]
Answer: Introduction
Listening skills refer to the active, deliberate process of receiving, interpreting, eval-
uating, and responding to spoken messages. In policing, listening goes beyond simply
hearing words; it demands focused attention, empathy, and the ability to process verbal
and non-verbal cues simultaneously. Effective listening is a cornerstone of professional
police communication, particularly during volatile situations such as the July 2021 civil
unrest in South Africa, where officers faced crowds, looting, and rapidly changing condi-
tions.
Key Concept
Listening is defined in the study guide as the deliberate effort to receive, process,
and respond to spoken messages. The EPP2601 study material distinguishes be-
tween passive listening (simply hearing) and active/interactive listening
(engaging with the speaker, asking clarifying questions, providing feedback).
Advantages of Listening Skills in Policing
1. Accurate Information Gathering
One of the most significant advantages of effective listening is the ability to gather accu-
rate and complete information. During the July 2021 unrest, SAPS officers who actively
listened to community members, informants, and fellow officers were better equipped to
assess the threat level and deploy resources appropriately. Captain Sondlo, for instance,
demonstrated effective listening by receiving reports from officers on the ground and re-
laying clear instructions to ensure officer safety. Accurate information gathering prevents
misunderstandings and enables commanders to make evidence-based decisions under
pressure.
2. De-escalation of Conflict
Effective listening facilitates de-escalation by demonstrating respect and empathy to
Page 4 of 33 ⋆
]]
EPP2601: Applied Communication in Policing
May/June Examination Revision Guide 2026 — Covering 2023 to 2025
⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆
Police Practice – Department of Police Practice, UNISA
▷ Exam Revision Guide
EPP2601
Module Code:
Applied Communication in Policing
Module Name:
May/June Examination 2026
Exam Period:
May/June 2023, May/June 2024 & May/June 2025
Papers Covered:
100 marks per paper
Total Marks:
4 hours (open-book)
Duration:
Two essay questions (50 marks each)
Format:
Use this guide to revise thoroughly. Focus on understanding, not memorisation.
This revision guide covers all study units tested in examinations from 2023 to 2025.
⋆ Exam Revision Notes | EPP2601 | 2023–2025
,EPP2601 | Exam Revision 2023–2025 Applied Communication in Policing
About This Revision Guide
This document provides complete question-and-answer revision for EPP2601 (Applied Com-
munication in Policing) covering the May/June 2023, May/June 2024, and May/June 2025
examination papers. Each past paper question is reproduced, followed by a comprehensive
model answer calibrated to the mark allocation. The guide concludes with probable questions
predicted for the May/June 2026 examination.
Key Concept
Examination Format: EPP2601 is a 100-mark, 4-hour open-book examination. It
consists of two (2) essay-format questions, each worth 50 marks. Both questions must
be answered. Answers are submitted via the myExams platform as a single PDF docu-
ment. The exam is proctored via the Invigilator App.
Study Units Covered:
• Study Unit 1: Non-verbal communication – categories, benefits, problems, visual images
• Study Unit 2: Listening skills – benefits, barriers, interactive listening, group listening
• Study Unit 3: Communicating in diversity – culture, cultural diversity in the workplace,
ethnocentrism, stereotyping
• Study Unit 4: Persuasive communication – principles, ethos/pathos/logos, application in
policing
• Study Unit 5: Meetings – types, Batho Pele principles, effective meeting steps
• Study Unit 6: Report writing – informational reports, proposals, formal writing
Page 2 of 33 ⋆
,EPP2601 | Exam Revision 2023–2025 Applied Communication in Policing
MAY/JUNE 2023 EXAMINATION PAPER
EPP2601 – Applied Communication in Policing
100 Marks • 4 Hours • Open Book
First Examiner: Dr KN Tlou • Second Examiner: Dr RGD Rajin
Exam Tip
The May/June 2023 exam used a case study about the July 2021 civil unrest in
South Africa as the context for both questions. The case study described how South
African Police Service (SAPS) officers responded to the widespread looting and violence,
focusing on communication challenges. Always connect your essay answers back to the
provided case study or scenario.
Page 3 of 33 ⋆
, EPP2601 | Exam Revision 2023–2025 Applied Communication in Policing
Question 1 – May/June 2023 [50 marks]
Question: Based on the case study describing the July 2021 civil unrest in South Africa
and the SAPS response, write a four-page essay detailing the advantages and disad-
vantages of listening skills. Use practical examples from the case study and/or the
policing context to support your discussion. [50 marks]
Answer: Introduction
Listening skills refer to the active, deliberate process of receiving, interpreting, eval-
uating, and responding to spoken messages. In policing, listening goes beyond simply
hearing words; it demands focused attention, empathy, and the ability to process verbal
and non-verbal cues simultaneously. Effective listening is a cornerstone of professional
police communication, particularly during volatile situations such as the July 2021 civil
unrest in South Africa, where officers faced crowds, looting, and rapidly changing condi-
tions.
Key Concept
Listening is defined in the study guide as the deliberate effort to receive, process,
and respond to spoken messages. The EPP2601 study material distinguishes be-
tween passive listening (simply hearing) and active/interactive listening
(engaging with the speaker, asking clarifying questions, providing feedback).
Advantages of Listening Skills in Policing
1. Accurate Information Gathering
One of the most significant advantages of effective listening is the ability to gather accu-
rate and complete information. During the July 2021 unrest, SAPS officers who actively
listened to community members, informants, and fellow officers were better equipped to
assess the threat level and deploy resources appropriately. Captain Sondlo, for instance,
demonstrated effective listening by receiving reports from officers on the ground and re-
laying clear instructions to ensure officer safety. Accurate information gathering prevents
misunderstandings and enables commanders to make evidence-based decisions under
pressure.
2. De-escalation of Conflict
Effective listening facilitates de-escalation by demonstrating respect and empathy to
Page 4 of 33 ⋆
