POL4042 - Supporting Witnesses, Victims and the Vulnerable

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate legislation;
describe the drivers for the police strategy to support victims, witnesses and the vulnerable;
demonstrate an understanding of vulnerability and victimology using an academic approach;
describe and demonstrate ways in which they can provide an appropriate service to victims, witnesses and people who are vulnerable.

Content:

The module content includes teaching around vulnerability. Students will learn what is 'vulnerability' in the context of operational policing; the national drivers for the police service in providing a professional and ethical service to individuals who are, or may be, vulnerable, have suffered harm or be at risk of harm; the personal aspect of vulnerability; how extrinsic factors can result in harm, or risk of harm to a vulnerable person; the influences of risk factors on vulnerability; the importance of vulnerable people being appropriately supported by the police; key considerations when responding to, identifying and supporting a person who may be vulnerable; how a vulnerable person may respond to a police presence at an incident; appropriate initial action when dealing with a person who is, or may be, vulnerable; ways to foster personal resilience when dealing with cases of vulnerability; the importance of appropriate professional relationships with individuals who are or may be, vulnerable; and when Early Help is appropriate when dealing with vulnerable individuals.

Public protection forms a large part of this module content also. Students will learn key definitions, legislation and guidance associated with ‘public protection’ policing; the breadth of abuse incidents; the impact of abuse on a victim; how to identify a potential public protection incident when acting as a first responder to an unrelated incident; how to take appropriate initial actions when responding to a public protection incident; the importance of taking a multi-agency approach to public protection incidents; and how personal attitudes, values and biases can impact on a public protection investigation.

Dealing and supporting victims and witnesses is taught. Students will learn how to apply the law, policy and guidance in the treatment of victims and witnesses; the complexities associated with victim and witness care; good practice when dealing with the individual needs of victims and witnesses; appropriate behaviours and attitudes when dealing with victims and witnesses; the requirements of an initial assessment of the situation and consider the best approach to deploy as part of a first contact; appropriate on-going victim care after first response to incidents, crimes, disasters or investigations; the various types of justice outcomes, both judicial and non-judicial; appropriate processes to manage victims through the Criminal Justice System (CJS) post-judicial proceedings; appropriate policing approaches to dealing with vulnerable victims or witnesses in a criminal investigation; police responsibilities and procedures to support victims and witnesses through the criminal justice system; and ensuring at all times that police powers and procedures are used 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.

Lectures
Hours: 35
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 165

Further details relating to assessment
Student officers are required to submit their IPS portfolio identifying operational practice in line with the expectations of the employing Force, the College of Policing and Authorised Professional Practice. The entries identify reflective practice in line with Kolb, cycle of reflection.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Thomas Naden
Level - 4
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NOT APPLICABLE
Semester(s) Offered - 4P518S4P520S4P5224P523

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