POL6102 - Serious & Organised Crime

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

Understand the prevalence of technology and devices in modern society and their effect on policing

Examine types of internet-facilitated crimes, and individuals who may be especially vulnerable and the support available for investigators

Understand key counter terrorism terminology/concepts, legislation, and explain the organisational structures and functions of counter terrorism policing

Analyse the potential links between terrorism and other forms of criminal activity

Content:

This module will enable to understand this important area of policing – serious and organised crime with a particular focus on digital crime and counter terrorism. Students will explore policing technologies and the emerging prevalence of digitally facilitated crimes. Students will consider the role of the dark web, social media, hacking (and other forms of complex digital facilitated crimes) and the variety of devices being used in policing and crime contexts. Students will explore the key counter terrorism terminology and concepts and the organisational structures that exist in counter terrorism policing. There will be a particular focus on key legislation that is relevant to counter terrorism policing, gathering intelligence and how to prevent home grown terrorism.

Students will consider how technology may be used in everyday policing, from community engagement to data analysis and criminal investigations. They will be introduced to legislation and regulations concerning the use of policing technologies and specific legislation associated with digital-facilitated crimes. Common digital-facilitated crimes, such as: hate crime, sexting, revenge porn, anti-social behaviour, bullying, child grooming and online fraud will be examined, and how some individuals may be particularly vulnerable to them. The impact of digital-facilitated crimes on the individual and family will be considered. This module will cover the essential knowledge required to deal with the ever-growing threat of terrorism. The key counter terrorism terminology/concepts such as radicalisation, extremism and interventions will be explored. There will be critical discussions regarding the validity of the CONTEST strategy and other forms of interventions used to combat terrorism. The module will cover the different organisational structures and inter-relationships that exist in counter terrorism policing such as the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) and Special Branch. The key legislation relevant to counter terrorism will be covered in detail as well as the role of the police in gathering intelligence that can combat terrorism. The module will also analyse the potential links between terrorism and other forms of criminality.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Lectures
Hours: 40
Intended group size: 25-40

Guided independent study
Hours: 160

Further details relating to assessment
a) the practical case study (01) must be passed to meet professional requirements

b) The module must be passed (minimum 40) as a requirement of the College of Policing and cannot be condoned for marginal failure

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - PRS_CODE=
Level -
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered -

Click here to go back to previous page