POL4022 - Policing Society

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
demonstrate professional and thorough investigative skills;
demonstrate and apply knowledge of appropriate legislation;
describe the role of a constable in combatting terrorism;
explain the concept of public protection and the role of a constable within that;
explain the theories and models underpinning the causes of conflict and the role of a constable in dealing appropriately with that;
demonstrate the appropriate use of personal protection equipment.

Content:

This module includes content relating to counter terrorism. Students will learn key counter terrorism terminology/concepts; key legislation relevant to counter-terrorism policing; be able to explain the function of key counter-terrorism operations that impact on front-line policing; understand the role of front-line local policing in gathering intelligence that can combat terrorism and identifying vulnerabilities in a counter-terrorism context and taking appropriate action for safeguarding; how to take appropriate measures in relation to personal safety and maintaining vigilance; and how to provide a first response to potential terrorist incidents.

The module also introduces students to the use of force and managing conflict. Students will learn about the types of situations where conflict may occur and the appropriate response; the ethical and moral implications of the police using force; the levels of tension within a conflict situation; the process for determining whether the use of force is necessary in a conflict situation; alternatives to using force when involved in a conflict situation; personal protection skills within a conflict situation; the use of personal protection equipment, physical and mechanical restraints; how to use personal protection equipment, physical and mechanical restraints; personal safety skills as determined by the specific role of the officer or designated operating environment; and how to account for, and justify the use of force in a conflict situation.

This links into the need to consider decision-making processes, and so the module will introduce students to the theories and models underpinning the causes of conflict within policing interventions; the role of discretion in the decision-making process; barriers to effective decision-making and strategies to mitigate these; the effect of bias on the decision-making process, the National Decision Model and how to apply that to a given situation, demonstrating effective professional judgement and decision making; and the significance of recording all decisions and the associated rationale.

The concept of evidence-based policing is taught and the potential sources of evidence that can be used as part of an evidence-based policing approach; what is best practice when conducting an investigation; how to conduct effective ethical and professional interviews, employing differing approaches according to the investigation and the interviewee; and specific considerations when interviewing victims/witnesses to take into account. 'Vulnerability' in the context of operational policing is also considered.

Public order legislation is taught, along with the role and responsibilities of a first responder to a major incident and the effectiveness of joint interoperability between the emergency services.

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. There are a number of practically based teaching sessions in this module also.

Lectures
Hours: 36
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Small group teaching
Hours: 56
Intended Group Size: 26

Practical teaching
Hours: 88
Intended Group Size: 26

Guided independent study
Hours: 20

Further details relating to assessment
There are two elements to the assessment for this module: the practical assessment and the practical scenario exam will build on the learning and assessment from POL4012 The Investigation Process. It will test the skills needed to deal with a number of operational situations, including counterterrorism, which will include knowledge of the law, communication skills and articulation of decision making and subsequent actions. Assessor devised questions may also be utilised.

The submission of an appropriate statement ensuring it meets the national standards and the legal requirements, complying with the rules of evidence and observation.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Stephen Forster
Level - 4
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - A CO-REQUISITE IS PASSING POL4012. POL4022 FOLLOWS POL4012 WITH NO BREAK
Semester(s) Offered - 4P323

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