POL4032 - Investigative Skills

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
demonstrate an understanding of the criminal justice system and the role of constable within that;
demonstrate an ability to utilise a range of disposal options for offenders;
operate within the relevant legislation and guidance when handling information and intelligence;
describe the role of a police constable when providing a response to digital crime including advice, support and investigation;
apply appropriate knowledge of legislation to a range of scenarios.

Content:

In this module, students will look in more depth at the criminal justice process. They will be taught the processes and authorisations associated with bail; the processes for building effective case files and managing exhibits; the processes for provision of materials for disclosure by CPS; the stages of the court process and the responsibilities associated with giving evidence at court; and interpretations and analysis that can be drawn from evidence given.

Management of data, information and intelligence is taught in this module and students will learn the relevant legislation/guidance underpinning information and intelligence in policing; an understanding of practical issues pertaining to the collection, retention and sharing of information and intelligence; how information and intelligence held by other agencies can help police operations; data protection regulations and their impact on professional policing; the issues that can arise when data management protocols are not adhered to; the rights of the individual in respect of information held about them; and the considerations associated with handling information and intelligence about vulnerable people.

A section of this module centres around digital policing. Students will be taught about the prevalence of technology and devices in modern society and their effect on policing; the personal and organisational risks associated with using personal devices and being a member of law enforcement; types of internet-facilitated crimes, and individuals who may be especially vulnerable; the role of the police in providing crime prevention advice for crimes with a digital element; an appropriate initial police response to a report of an incident involving digital devices; and how to employ appropriate evidential processes when using data or devices as part of a case file.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The large cohort is split into 3 smaller groups of approximately 26 students for this module who will rotate around the core subjects of digital policing, investigative skills and the criminal justice process. This will allow for greater interaction, discussion, facilitation and plenary to explore these key concepts.

Small group teaching
Hours: 140
Intended Group Size: 26

Guided independent study
Hours: 60

Further details relating to assessment
The 6-day scenario centres around an offence of racially aggravated criminal damage. Students spend 6 days working through the scenario – from attendance at the scene and taking the report and victim’s statement, taking a witness statement, arresting the suspect, conducting an interview, preparing the file for court, and then presenting evidence in court. West Yorkshire Police will manage and run this scenario. Summative assessment will include: 1. The arrest and presentation of the suspect; 2. The interview and structure of that and; 3. Summary and statement for the file.

Formative assessment will include the peer feedback delivered during the debrief on observations of formative practice sessions.

The digital policing assessment will require students to conduct research on the internet to establish some information and intelligence to demonstrate proficiency when conducting digital research. WYP staff will run this module and so carry out the assessment.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Beth McCarthy
Level - 4
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NOT APPLICABLE
Semester(s) Offered - 4P426

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