POL4012 - The Investigation Process

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, apprentices will be able to:
1 - describe the role and powers of a constable at the initial attendance of an incident;
2 - demonstrate the appropriate use of personal protection equipment showing understanding of supporting decision-making models; and,
3 - demonstrate professional and thorough investigative skills adhering to legislative powers and force policies.

Content:

The module introduces students to the proportionate use of force and managing conflict in line with British values. 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.

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.

English skills are developed when writing concise accurate reports for court case files.

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. Some of the teaching in this module is practically based and will also be delivered in smaller groups.

Planned LTU Off-the-Job Delivery Learning
Hours: 94
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Minimum Self-Directed Off the Job Learning and Practical Training
Guided independent study
Hours: 106

Further details relating to assessment
The practical scenario will test the skills needed to deal with a confrontational operational situation. Students will need to demonstrate knowledge of the law, communication skills and articulation of decision making and subsequent actions. Assessor devised questions may also be utilised.

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 - Naweed Hussain
Level - 4
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NA
Semester(s) Offered - 4AP

Click here to go back to previous page