POL5042 - The Skilful Officer

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
demonstrate effective and appropriate communication skills in a practical situation;
demonstrate effective and appropriate decision-making skills in a practical situation;
conduct themselves appropriately in a team;
reflect on their skills in respect of decision making, communication and team working using academic theory to support their reflection.

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.

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 will create and deliver an operational briefing pack, adhering to national standards and incorporating theory and practice, followed by Q&A

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Beth McCarthy
Level - 5
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NOT APPLICABLE
Semester(s) Offered - 5P518S5P5205P522

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