Policing and Criminal Investigation BSc (Hons) BSc (Hons) BSc (Hons)

Introduction To Crime And Crime Prevention

Module code: SOCY40523

Policing Theory

The Policing Theory module introduces and enables a critical evaluation of the principles on which the police service of England and Wales operates. This includes gaining knowledge and understanding of the history, structure, values, ethics and objectives of the police force in England and Wales, in comparison with the structure of other police forces. This module also introduces policing science, in particular debates on evidenced-based policing. Further, the module uses contemporary case studies in crime, conflict and deviance to enable evaluation of the main theoretical concepts; providing a foundation for critical analysis. Students will examine the link between theory and practice in evidence-based policing in relation to crime. They will be encouraged to develop their critical thinking skills and look beyond the obvious and using their professional curiosity. Furthermore, students will be able to critically evaluate police powers, including investigation, arrest, stop and search, and emergency powers.Students will consider theories in relation to policing practice, policing strategies and crime prevention initiative, with the view of critically evaluating their success with regards to crime, victimisation and public support. Further, students will review and analyse police reforms impacting on structure, governance, accountability and leadership, with the recognition of an holistic approach to policing in terms of working with other agencies, and introducing students to the importance of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984).

Module code: FORE40364

Missing Persons Investigation

This is an optional module that provides a broad but integrated introduction to investigative methods used in the investigation of missing persons. It will enable students to have an understanding of the structure and techniques used during the course of such investigations. It includes a series of weekly lectures and case studies and will provides an overview of the various strategies Police and other agencies use when planning and conducting enquiries to trace missing persons.In addition to the above students are expected to add to the work undertaken in class by independent, directed study. They will also work in small groups, researching and then presenting the issues surrounding a study of a well-known missing persons case.The lectures are starting points providing sound foundations for the module. In addition, students are expected to develop their knowledge and skills through independent study. They will be directed to appropriate independent directed study, via textbooks, web pages and handouts given out during the lectures or distributed via electronic media. Students are expected to prepare for the forthcoming lecture by pre reading material

Module code: FORE40356

Crime Scene Processing

This module will provide you with a fundamental understanding of crime scene processing. During the module you will practise digital photography, utilising our Crime Scene House to give you a ‘real world’ setting to develop your skills. Alongside which we will give you the knowledge and skills you need to be able to protect a scene and fully document it through sketching, measuring and logs in addition to photography. You will also be introduced to the collection and appropriate methods of packaging for items of evidence. All of these skills will provide an excellent basis for a potential future career as a Crime Scene Investigator.

Module code: FORE40347

Media And Crime

Module code: SOCY40525

Essential Skills

This module is designed to equip the student with the necessary skills required to successfully complete this university degree. The module will provide students with the ability to resource and synthesise appropriate material; reference accurately; think, read and write in a critical manner; as well as becoming avid problem solvers. The module will include a focus on future employability and encourage students to engage with skills audits, self-reflection and career planning from an early point in their university education. This module will enhance students' academic writing, presentation and communication skills in order for them to succeed in their educational and professional roles. Assessment for this module will be a through a literature review and a reflective assignment.

Module code: FORE40365

Detection And Analysis Of Drugs

Would you like you know more about the analysis of drugs and alcohol? In this option module you will gain an understanding of what drugs of abuse are, their effects on the body, how they may be made and how they can be tested in an analytical laboratory. You will get practical experience of initial testing of seized samples and consider evidence

Module code: FORE40348

Digital Evidence Processing

Module code: FORE40358

Understanding Terrorism: Causes And Theories

What is ‘terrorism’? That is the question that frames this module. Since 9/11 the word ‘terrorism’ has become part of our daily vernacular and yet there is significant confusion and debate about its meaning and its causes. This module enters into these debates and begins by looking at various definitions of ‘terrorism’ and the different types of ‘terrorism’. Can we say we have entered into a new era of ‘terrorism’?With this grounding the module then moves onto look at various theories of ‘terrorism’ that attempt to offer some insight into the causes of ‘terrorism’. What are the religious, political, and socioeconomic dimensions of ‘terrorism’?This module is designed to give you a strong grounding in the sociology of terrorism and encourage you to continue with the study of terrorism.

Module code: SOCY50589

Risk And Vulnerability

In recent years there has been a shift in policing towards public protective services (College of Policing, 2020), where one of the primary roles includes assessing for risk and vulnerability. Police training is changing across England and Wales with an increased awareness of the importance of understanding vulnerability and risk. This module explores and evaluates the complexities in relation to vulnerable people in society and the implications these can have on policing. The module provides students with an understanding of vulnerability, and the theories and concepts relating to how people can become vulnerable and as a result, victimised. During the module, students explore contemporary vulnerability issues such as families with complex needs, missing persons, prostitutions, domestic abuse, sexual offences and mental ill health. The module evaluates evidence-based models of policing to protect vulnerable people, with specific reference to police policies and practices, victim and perpetrator perceptions and mental health. Reference will be made to how vulnerable people are supported by the police and other agencies and how risk is managed. Multi-agency working will be a theme throughout this module, introducing case reviews and the management of offenders.

Module code: FORE50373

Advanced Digital Evidence Processing

Module code: FORE50361

Vehicle Collision Investigation

Vehicle collisions are a common occurrence, and their effective investigation involves a range of forensic techniques and investigative processes. The more serious collisions are managed by a Lead Investigating Officer who is responsible for appropriately resourcing the scene and the resulting investigation. The module will initially focus on the roles of the collision investigator and vehicle examiner who are responsible for the collection and preservation of evidence and the reconstruction of the collision. Methods which assist in establishing what factors contributed to the collision, whether they be human, mechanical or environmental, will allow greater understanding of how and why collisions occur. The role of the lead investigating officer will be examined, along with others key roles involved in the investigation of the Collison and the policy decisions made during the investigation.

Module code: FORE50368

Working With Victims

Do you have the knowledge and skills to work with victims and encourage them to tell you their story and seek further support? This module provides you with relevant theory, policy and best practice information and the space to practice core communication skills pertinent to working with victims of crime. We will cover vulnerability and risk, trauma informed care, disclosure, and restorative justice. We will also build capability in listening skills, question techniques, note taking and making referrals for further support. You will be taught innovatively by a series of online podcast lectures and skills practice campus-based workshop sessions.

Module code: SOCY50587

Law, Practice And Procedure

This is a core module which is taught during semester 1. During semester 1 the module provides a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the legal framework of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 as well as providing an understanding and description of various criminal offences, including those covered by the Theft Act 1968, Offences Against the Person (OAP) Act 1861 as well as the investigation of sexual offences, arson and criminal damage. Case studies will be used to illustrate problems and difficulties relating to the investigative requirements

Module code: FORE50381

Crime Harm And Victimisation

Using victimological theory, this module investigates concepts such as: conventional victims, non-conventional victims, victimisation, victimology and zemilology; to examine harm and victimisation beyond traditional frameworks; to investigate crime and harm committed by the powerful; and to examine regulatory frameworks and to assess the extent to which they deliver criminal and/or social justice and to acknowledge and understand resistance and redress

Module code: SOCY50585

Prison And Probation Law And Regulations

You will study the law relating to prisoners as adults or young offenders and how this extends to their release into the community. You will gain a basic knowledge of the Prison Act 1952, the current Prison Rules and how regulations are made and developed. You will consider the implications of Prison Service Orders (PSOs) and Prison Service Instructions (PSIs) Probation Instructions and the Ministry of Justice Policy frameworks. This module is designed to provide you with an invaluable knowledge about the important rules that regulate the lives of offenders and service users. Tutors will facilitate learning about key area of the law and regulations that govern the offender’s progression with the criminal justice system specifically post sentence, the custodial setting, parole and release into the community.

Module code: LAWS51953

Offender Management

This module is a core module on the Offender Management pathways and has been designed to provide you with a detailed knowledge of contemporary offender management policies and procedures. The module will prepare you for employment in the custodial sector and many of the sessions are delivered by staff from HMPSS. You will have the opportunity to test your skills in role-play scenarios.

Module code: LAWS51952

Firearm Investigations

Ever wondered how firearm crime gets detected and solved when no one reported it to police? This cross-disciplinary module focuses on the criminal use of firearms, ammunition and other weapons used to commit violent and serious crime. You will consider the methods used in detecting, linking, investigating, solving and preventing various firearm-related offences in both UK and international contexts. You consider the criminal justice process from policing, forensic and judicial perspectives and will develop a court room aide that helps you explain to a mock jury, the relevant aspects of a simulated firearm-related case.

Module code: FORE50362

Contemporary Policing

This is an option module that provides a broad but integrated introduction to current policing challenges, including police reform (e.g. governance, accountability, professionalisation, involvement of private and voluntary sector) and changes to the way policing is understood and delivered (e.g. vulnerability, protest, public safety and technology). It will provide students with an explanation of the history and current challenges of policing in the UK and includes references to the international perspective.

Module code: FORE50369

Forensic Archaeology

This module will examine the role of the forensic archaeologist, both within UK criminal investigations and international mass death scenarios. The fundamental principles of search, recovery and post-recovery analysis will be explored and the various scenarios in which forensic archaeologists can become involved in investigations centred around buried or concealed remains will be discussed. Students will be introduced to the various methods that can be employed by forensic archaeologists at crime scenes, such as intelligence gathering, remote sensing, geophysical survey and excavation. Case studies involving the search for, and recovery of, human remains, drugs, weapons and other clandestinely buried items will be presented, whilst specific sessions focusing on the logistical and environment factors that may hinder these investigations will be delivered. Sessions discussing the variety of trace evidence and samples that can be taken from a grave and their evidential value will allow the students to consider the methods introduced to them in other modules, such as Introduction to Forensic Science and Science For Justice, in the context of the burial environment. Practical sessions in geophysics and excavation will complement the taught components and provide the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of the methods discussed. Lectures by specialist practitioners regularly involved in case work will offer a `real-world' perspective. Additionally, students will be expected to critique specialist reports in order providing an opportunity to understand up-to-date developments within the discipline, and as enhance their research and analytical skills.

Module code: FORE50365

Research Methods

This module is designed to equip the student with knowledge and understanding of research development: from the initial research idea; to formulating a research question; research methods utilised for a policing context; and finally, methods of both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. The module also provides students with invaluable practical application of data collection methods and experience of data handling techniques. This module builds upon skills acquired in the level 4 module, Academic Study Skills, enhancing students' knowledge and application of Evidence Based Policing practice.

Module code: FORE50378

Fairness In Policing

Throughout policing and the criminal justice system fairness and justice are associated with legitimate action, which in turn has implications for the relationship between law enforcement agencies and various individuals’ groups and communities. In this module, students will examine concepts of legitimacy and procedural justice as well as the role of ethics and professional standards in policing and the wider criminal justice system. Students will evaluate the impact that the use of certain police powers and legislation can have upon public perceptions of the police. Case studies of both legitimate and illegitimate forms of policing will be discussed, along with their short and longer-term impacts upon police-public relationships. Students will also consider how our knowledge of fairness in policing may be implemented into police practice, and what the future may look like in relation to ‘fairness in policing’.

Module code: FORE50370

Organised Crime

The purpose of this module is to examine different forms of organised crime in historical and contemporary settings. Particular attention will be given to the complex nature of organised crime, mafias, drugs, people and arms trades, as well as the role of states and corporations in relation to organised criminal activity. There will be a range of case studies, theoretical concepts, and other critical issues for students to work through in order to demonstrate their understanding of core content.

Module code: SOCY50588

Practical Methods Of Criminal Investigation

This is a core module which provides a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the legal framework of investigation relative to arrest, search, detention, identification and interviewing of suspects in accordance with the Police and Criminal, Evidence Act 1984. Students will also apply their knowledge through a series of practical exercises regarding interviewing the complainant, witness and suspect about a variety of criminal offences before producing a portfolio of evidence. The module concludes with the student giving evidence on their portfolio before a Moot Court.

Module code: FORE50372

Contemporary Terror Movements: Classifications And Responses

This module provides students with the systematic theoretical and empirical study of new and old types of terrorism and political violence. The module also covers types of new terrorism with a focus on terrorism in the twenty-first century. Using various terror networks, the modules analyses and interrogates key debates in terrorism such as: the meaning and politics of terrorism; the relationship between terrorism and the media; and the drivers of terrorism. Moreover, policy responses to terrorism and counter terrorism and their relationship with human rights will form part of this module.

Module code: SOCY60575

Transnational Organised Crime

Progressing from the activities of organised crime groups previously covered (the ‘who’), this module examines numerous thematic processes associated with organised crime (the ‘what’). Crucially, the organised crime paradigm itself will be critically interrogated in order to examine how crime develops and thrives in otherwise legitimate structures, markets, and businesses. Throughout the module, a focus will be maintained on transnational issues and potential interventions. A core aim of the module is to situate organised crime within its various historical, political-economic, legal, and socio-cultural settings, thereby critiquing the value of an ‘organised crime’ framework in explaining the phenomena under consideration. In turn, this critique will enable students to develop rigorous assessments concerning the nature, organisation, and governance of organised crime within contemporary settings. Some of the subject content may change from year to year due to continuous developments in the field.

Module code: SOCY60579

Case File To Court

On this module you will attend a simulated crime scene and act as the ‘first officer attending’ using current police technology and techniques. You will gather and analyse evidence including interviewing the suspect and then complete a court file. The module culminates in your investigation being tested in a mock trial.

Module code: FORE60376

Intelligence Led Policing And Major Crime Investigation

Intelligence Led Policing and Major Crime Investigation is an optional module which is taught in Semester 1. Students will examine the National Intelligence Model (NIM) which is the foundation upon which policing is based. Students will explore the NIM including the requirement of strategic Intelligence development linked to problem oriented policing and the use of Intelligence functions in Major Crime Investigations. The use of covert and overt techniques of investigation will be examined together with the links to partnership working. Scrutiny of major crime incidents including murder and manslaughter as well as the role of the Home Office Live Major Enquiry System (HOLMES) will be conducted. Students will consider aspects of the Murder Investigation Manual which forms national guidance for Major Crime Investigation. The use of expert witnesses and specialist services together with an examination of policies and procedures and the use of the media in Critical and Major Incidents will be undertaken.

Module code: FORE60370

Cybercrime

The Cybercrime module will consider the ideas, concepts and law connected to cybercrime. The role of police and other agencies to investigate such crimes will be explored, as will the challenges of such investigations. Learning will take place through interactive lectures and tutorials including some supported by a range of specialist guest speakers.

Module code: FORE60380

Rehabilitation Of Offenders

You will gain a more advanced knowledge of academic theories about rehabilitation within the context on the HMPSS and NPS’s practical application of theory. You will learn about cross-cutting social issues that lead to criminal behaviour such as poor mental health, drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness, debt and poor education and how theories have been developed to cut crime, tackle reoffending, support victims and keep the public safe. On completing the module, you should be able to effectively provide effective rehabilitation services that address criminogenic needs including mental health and addiction.

Module code: LAWS62060

Community Justice

You will learn about the probation service and how community sentences are facilitated by both public and private sector organisations. You will reflect on how community justice is essential to cutting crime, tackling reoffending, supporting victims and keeping the public safe. You will consider the efficacy of combining the right sentences with new technology. You will learn how probation staff work more closely with local authorities and the NHS to help offenders find a stable home and medical treatment so that they can access employment and education.

Module code: LAWS62044

Policing Complexity

This module focuses on five areas of policing which demonstrate the complexity of the policing landscape; public protection, response policing, police investigation, vulnerability and risk, and counter terrorism.

Module code: FORE60378

Mass Death Scenarios

How do forensic archaeologists and anthropologists respond when a mass death incident occurs? On this module you will learn about the variety of search and recovery methods used in the during and after cases of genocide, mass violence, conflict, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, migration and the Covid-19 pandemic. Through a range of case studies from incidents that have occurred in the 20th and 21st century, you will be introduced to the specific challenges posed by these events at a range of crime scenes. You will be taught by forensic practitioners who will share first-hand experiences of working in mass death environments.

Module code: FORE60371

Mental Health Assessment For Non-Mental Health Professionals

There is growing recognition that mental health is a crucial factor that influences an individual’s overall health and wellbeing. The need to view mental health as a priority with a status equal to that afforded physical health is increasingly reflected in health policy. Furthermore, there is growing acceptance that mental health issues are not only the remit of specialist services but rather demand attention from all services, individuals and professionals who work with the public.This module is designed to facilitate the development of your knowledge and skills in mental health assessment and relevant referral pathways appropriate to your role and scope of practice. Your learning will be facilitated by specialist practitioners via a flexible approach that utilises both face to face contact and distance learning. The module assessment will provide you with the opportunity to apply your enhanced understanding as part of a case study focusing on mental health assessment.

Module code: NURS60769

Policing And Society

This module focuses on individual and organisational aspects which may influence policing both internally and externally to the organisation, including misconduct and culture. Students will learn about bias and discrimination and how to effectively challenge these to improve policing. Students will study theories of justice such as procedural justice and organisational justice, as well as how community differences, values and norms, alongside politics, accountability and governance impact on the policing landscape. The module reviews how local and high-profile cases can affect the police’s ability to foster and maintain community cohesion. This module will provide students with a knowledge and understanding about the value of community policing in community engagement

Module code: FORE60379

Project In Policing And Criminal Investigation

This module provides students with the opportunity to devise, plan, execute and report on a substantial piece of independent work in policing or criminal investigation or a related aspect. The module requires students to source literature from a variety of sources to inform their project, design a piece of research, collect primary or secondary data using systematic methods, and critically evaluate all the data which have been assembled, drawing appropriate conclusions and recommendations. This is the culmination of the learning and skills acquired from earlier stages of your degree and an opportunity for students to research a topic of their choosing that they are passionate about.

Module code: FORE60375

Sociology Of Crime

This module is designed to provide students with an introduction to the sociological causes of crime and criminal behaviour. In this module we will explore the role media has to play in crime, moral panic, and theories of crime. We will also explore and critically analyse different crime prevention policies, including situational, environmental and community approaches to crime prevention. Case studies will be used throughout the module to ensure application of theory to contemporary crime challenges.

Module code: LAWS31316

Introduction To Critical Thinking And Argument

Module code: LAWS31322

Academic Skills

What are the core differences between an essay and other types of academic writing? Why is important to make this distinction? How do I improve my own writing skills? In this module, we will be answering all of these questions and more. Law and its application across the justice sector is intrinsically connected to language.. We will be considering how language is adapted to suit a variety of audiences, whether that is writing an academic essay, or writing a formal letter.We will be examining the core features of legal English and its use across the justice sector, which will form the foundations for your degree and future career.

Module code: LAWS31318

Theories Of Criminality And An Introduction From Crime Scene To Courtroom

Module code: LAWS31324

Crime In Context

Module code: LAWS31320