POL5042 - The Skilful Officer

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, apprentices will be able to:
1 - Compose effective and appropriate communication skills in a practical situation; and,
2 - Draw on effective and appropriate decision-making skills in a practical situation in the context of a team briefing.

Content:

This module is centred around teamwork, communication and decision making.

Students will learn a range of theories and practices associated with communication; non-verbal communication skills for use in professional contexts; appropriate and effective presentation skills; and the process for conducting an operational briefing.

In respect of decision making, students will learn to evaluate decisions made whilst on operational duty and the impact upon the outcome of the use (or otherwise) of the National Decision Model; the importance of accountability in assessing risk; the impact of risk aversion and risk avoidance on the ability of the police to deliver a service; how varying circumstances can exert influence upon the decision-making process; how varying circumstances can exert influence upon the decision-making process; and review policing incidents in which ethical considerations have been crucial to the decision-making process.

In respect of teamworking, students will learn team-building skills based on objective analysis of models currently being deployed within the police; theories of team dynamics as a means of developing team cohesion; and why interpersonal conflicts can occur within a team and develop strategies to enhance individual and team performance.

This module will encourage students to reflect on where knowledge associated with British Values, Prevent, Healthy Relationships and Safeguarding have been developed.

English language, and where appropriate maths skills, will be developed through this module. The skills associated with the above subjects are developed to enable students to understand the importance of accountability; the impact of risk aversion and risk avoidance on the ability of the police to deliver a service; how varying circumstances can exert influence upon the decision-making process; and to review policing incidents in which ethical considerations have been crucial to the decision-making process.

Digital skills will be developed through the utilisation of online resources such as the University's VLE, e-Portfolio system and Leeds Trinity University Library system.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Utilising the pre live post model, students will have preparation for the taught element, with a focused lecture-based input and discussion, allowing for the development and exploration of ideas. This will be followed by additional self-directed learning to enhance their initial teaching.

Independent study time should be spent on specific pre learning (on-demand learning – available to all students on Moodle), for example, engaging in specific background reading of the topic and online exercises. Post learning activities will be provided by the module tutor, but these will generally be assessment focused enabling the learner to achieve the assessment requirements.

All activities and materials provided on Moodle will support the module content for the module delivery including pre, live and post activities and resources.The sequencing of the sessions will provide re-enforcement of the theoretical concepts developed during the delivery in a progressive pattern, aimed at developing knowledge and overall understanding.

Lectures
Hours: 36
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 164

Further details relating to assessment
Students will create and deliver an operational briefing pack, adhering to national standards and incorporating theory and practice, followed by Q&A.

Formative assessment is captured through Q&A with tutors and peers throughout the module to ensure learning and understanding of the topics covered and identify and gaps or trends. Decision making and problem-solving activity allows for students to apply their knowledge practically, allowing for both feedback and feed-forward opportunities to develop student’s confidence and ability in applying their learning within a controlled learning environment.

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 - Katie Oxley
Level - 5
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NOT APPLICABLE
Semester(s) Offered - 5P523S5AP5AP5AP

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