POL4012 - The Investigation Process

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
describe the role and powers of a constable at the initial attendance at an incident and during the investigative process;
demonstrate and apply knowledge of appropriate legislation in particular relating to frequently used powers, roads policing, managing offenders and the investigative process;
explain the need for police to support those who are vulnerable; and communicate in a manner expected of a constable.

Content:

In relation to response policing, students will learn the practical skills needed when attending an incident as a first responder; understand how to establish grounds and authority for carrying out a lawful search/entry and search; conduct a safe and lawful search of a person, vehicle or premises; understand and apply appropriate powers to stop and search a person under Section 1 PACE 1984 and understand how to deal with issues of vulnerability when attending the scene of an incident as a first responder. They will learn the key protocols of radio communication.

In relation to roads policing, students will consider the core policing functions and strategies relating to policing the roads; learn legislation, police powers and the most common offences associated with policing the roads; consider the effect of roads-related anti-social behaviour offences on victims and their families; understand and implement the checks that should be carried out at the scene of a roads-related incident; engage in drink/drug driving investigations; consider how to examine a vehicle at the roadside in relation to potential construction and use offences and apply a range of problem-solving processes to investigate small-scale incidents and collisions on the roads.

In relation to managing offenders, students will understand and be able to apply procedures for managing offenders and suspects and recording significant information; apply procedures and rules for caution and arrest; describe the alternative options to arrest available to a police constable; understand and apply the processes for detaining and escorting a suspect to custody; explain statutory processes relating to a person detained in police custody; and study 'out-of-court' disposal options and/or restorative justice, as appropriate.

In relation to conducting investigations, students will examine the fundamental principles, legislation and powers related to conducting investigations; consider appropriate investigative actions when responding to and attending an incident; use appropriate processes for gathering and managing evidence/information that may be pertinent to an investigation; understand the types of evidence that may be obtained during an investigation and the processes for managing the evidence; and explain the importance of information and intelligence to key areas of policing.

As an introduction to public protection matters, students will study key definitions, legislation and guidance associated with ‘public protection’ policing and 'vulnerability' in the context of operational policing. They will understand the need to exercise police powers and procedures fairly and without bias.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module will be taught in a variety of ways: some of the input will be delivered as lectures but it is intended that the large cohort will then be split into smaller groups of approximately 26 students. This will allow for more discussion-orientated teaching, facilitation and reflection. Some of the teaching in this module is practically based and will also be delivered in smaller groups.

Lectures
Hours: 5
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Practical teaching
Hours: 14
Intended Group Size: 26

Small group teaching
Hours: 149
Intended Group Size: 26

Guided independent study
Hours: 32

Further details relating to assessment
The integrated portfolio will incorporate the learning from this module and Policing Society module which follows directly on from this module.
The module will incorporate some formative assessments such as knowledge checks, radio communication tests and file document submission.
Summative assessment will take place at the end of the Policing Society module which will include practically based scenarios to test learning in a more sophisticated and realistic context.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - PRS_CODE=
Level - 4
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NA
Semester(s) Offered - 4P2124P2134WP29

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