POL4023 - Communication, Decision Making, Discretion and Investigation Overview

Objectives:

Assessment tasks are designed to enable students to demonstrate the Learning and Employability outcomes for the relevant level of study. Level Learning Outcomes are embedded in the assessment task(s) at that level. This enables a more integrated view of overall student performance at each level.

Content:

Students will explore the fundamental skills required for effective investigation, and identify, articulate and demonstrate skills necessary for maintaining professional standards in policing, and relevant governance. Students will analyse how the police have developed policies and procedures to reduce the possibility of professional malpractice; then review the progress being made within the police service to improve professional standards. Students will examine the NDM and the role of discretion in the decision-making process and analyse the effect of bias. They will explore principles of risk, and effective risk management, and critically review policing incidents in this context. They will understand the importance of effective leadership and team-working in an investigative environment.

This module will also introduce Authorised Professional Practice (APP) to the students, which is the official source of professional practice for policing. In particular, the Code of Practice to the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act (CPIA) 1996, which defines criminal investigation.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Lectures
Hours: 20
Intended Group Size: 25-60

Workshops
Hours: 20
Intended Group Size: 25-60

Guided independent study
Hours: 260



Further Details Relating to Assessment

Component 1: Practical Case Study Scenario: Students will engage in a group practical skills practice, evaluating their decision making, teamwork skills and professionalism in a timed environment to bring a sense of ‘real’ pressure. This will assist in consolidation of knowledge throughout each stage of a ‘live’ scenario.

Component 2: Written Assignment: Students will critically review a ‘miscarriage of justice’ using the principles of professional standards, risk, NDM and discretion. Students will be given topics to choose from or can negotiate their own case study with the module lead.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Donna Eastham
Level - 4
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4S2

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