POL5032 - Advanced Investigative Skills

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
demonstrate how to gather, analyse, evaluate and use intelligence for effective police use;
demonstrate an understanding of the complexities of some investigations;
use an evidence-based approach in investigations;
demonstrate investigative skills from an informed position and develop reflective practice as a result.

Content:

This module covers the investigation process in more depth, specifically information and intelligence, interviewing, an evidence-based approach to investigations and considers serious and complex criminality.

In respect of information and intelligence, students will learn how to gather and evaluate relevant intelligence from a range of sources as appropriate to a policing operation; to analyse and evaluate information and intelligence that would be suitable for a given policing operation; how to employ analytical products provided by intelligence specialists during the course of an investigation; how to develop information and intelligence for the purpose of informing the tasking and coordination process; and how to make use of the additional sources of intelligence that can be obtained during a complex investigation.

In respect of interviewing, students will learn about complex circumstances when conducting interviews; the importance of the concept of memory upon interview methods and processes; overseas enquiries/ investigations; and apply learning from previous investigations (and/or interviewing) to future investigations.

In respect of evidence-based policing, students will learn about potential constraints associated with an evidence based policing approach and identify best practice; how to systematically review and critically evaluate available evidence; and how to optimize opportunities to obtain the best available evidence, evaluate options and develop the most appropriate solution to a given policing problem.

Students will also learn the difference between ‘volume and priority’ crime and ‘serious and complex’ crime and its relevance to the investigative process; and the potential links between serious and organised crime and public protection issues.

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.

Lectures
Hours: 36
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 164

Further details relating to assessment
Students are required to consider ‘What Works’ – an assessment of practice through the use of a case study approach and review considering reflective practice

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Jacob Thandi
Level - 5
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NOT APPLICABLE
Semester(s) Offered - 5P322

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