POL4002 - An Introduction to the Police Service and Your Apprenticeship

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, apprentices will be able to:
1 - describe and reflect upon the professional standards required of an apprentice police constable;
2 - demonstrate an understanding of the structure of the police service and the key principles by which it operates; and,
3 - illustrate a knowledge of appropriate communication techniques and referencing.

Content:

This module will enable students to understand the structure of the police service and the functions and the roles of members of the service.

They will develop understanding of the purpose of the police service and the responsibilities of those charged with delivering a professional service; will examine in detail the specific role of police constable, as articulated in the national apprenticeship standard; will exercise police powers and procedures fairly and without bias and be able to explain the concepts and principles of 'policing by consent'.

Students will understand the extent of police powers and how these powers are regulated; review the role of law enforcement agencies and how a police constable can support these agencies to deliver a safer UK. The module includes the presentation of the National Decision Model (NDM) in order that students can understand the rationale for development of this enabling them to explain the stages of the National Decision Model (NDM) and the flexibility of approach it provides.

This module will consider the criminal justice system and the legislation and processes that support it; the process for ethical recording of policing incidents; and the overall scope of the response policing role, including associated risks and pressures.

This module will enable students to understand the necessity for maintaining professional standards in policing, in both their personal and professional life. They will understand the internal processes and relevant governance, roles and responsibilities within the police service which support challenging and reporting unprofessional conduct. They will understand (and, where necessary, make use of) internal processes as well as explaining the process for dealing with external complaints and expressions of dissatisfaction against members of the service.

In line with British values, the module content includes the core principles of ethics, equality, diversity and human rights in professional policing in order that apprentices can challenge bias, prejudice, discrimination and stereotyping when performing the role of police constable.

The content of this module includes research methodology and skills, in order that apprentices can demonstrate skills in the use of resources and primary/secondary literary sources relevant to the degree programme; demonstrate a structured approach to studying, writing essays and referencing content; explain statistical tests and the interpretation of data, strengthening maths skills; apply key concepts in relation to models of learning and reflective practice; and demonstrate autonomy, as well as accountability and working with others, in a study skills context.

Further, students will explore a range of key concepts relating to criminology and explore the nature of, and relationship between, offending and victimisation in light of theoretical approaches to criminology.

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 and digital skills in police IT systems.

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.

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 apprentices. This will allow for more discussion-orientated teaching, facilitation and reflection.

Lectures
Hours: 36
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Small group teaching
Hours: 158

Minimum Self-Directed Off the Job Learning and Practical Training
Hours: 1

Guided independent study
Hours: 16

Further details relating to assessment
Apprentices will complete a 1,500-word reflective assignment on Professionalism in the Police Service.

There are several exam style formative knowledge checks, proficiency tests in IT skills and observed practical scenarios.

Please note that all assessments must be passed (at 40 for numerical marks) as a requirement of the College of Policing.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Jonathon Jackson
Level - 4
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NOT APPLICABLE
Semester(s) Offered - 4APS

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