Policing and Criminal Investigation

Introduction To Crime And Crime Prevention

The module will explore the interdisciplinary nature of criminology and introduce key concepts and theories for crime and crime prevention. Students will also be introduced to the use of problem solving within a policing context. The module will challenge students to consider potential motivations for crime, and they will evaluate explanations of offending behaviour from a psychological and sociological perspective, through application to real world case studies. The nexus between offenders and victims will be explored, encouraging students to consider the complexities of crime and the associated difficulties of the police response. This module will cover:•Concepts related to criminology •Understanding concepts, theories and relationship surrounding victims and offenders•Motivations for offending•Impact of crime of individuals•Impact of diversity on the Criminal Justice System•Crime prevention theories and strategies•Problem solving techniques and their effectiveness •Reviewing specific initiatives of crime prevention

Module code: FORE40344

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. The module will be taken in teaching block one of the second semester. 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 in week 6 present 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: FORE40329

Facial Recognition: Scientific And Investigative Tools

Students will develop an understanding of the techniques available for facial identification including biometric and anthropometrical systems, 3-Dimensional facial recognition, and modelling systems and software generation of Identikit images. This module will equip students with an understanding of facial recognition software programmes and future developments in identification and verification of individuals. Specific case studies where facial composites and aged facial composites have been used to aid an investigation will also be examined in this module. Students will also develop an understanding of the reliability and accuracy of eyewitness statements. Factors affecting the accuracy of eye witness accounts including bias, faulty observation, lying, weapon focus, and post-event distortion will be investigated in this module. The module will contain an introduction to the cognitive processes that affect memory recall and false perceptions alongside specific case studies where research has been conducted into the degree in which the perception of the eye witness can be manipulated or affected. Students will also learn about the production of a witness statement followed by a comparison with eye witness statements from peer cohort, to develop an understanding of the potential inaccuracies that can occur.

Module code: FORE40257

Policing Science

In this module, students will study many of the scientific analytical techniques used in Policing and Criminal investigation. Topics covered will include What is Evidence based Policing, the `What Works` agenda, the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods, problem-based learning activity, ethics and the use of analytical and presentation tools such as SPSS and Excel. Previous policing research explored within sessions provides students with an understanding of the research field and inspiration for conducting their own mini-research project. The module equips students with the skills to think and write in a critical manner and conduct reflective practice within their research. Practical sessions provide the students with "hands on" experience, to support the theoretical principles of the techniques. The production of individual written analytical reports allows the students, the opportunity to interpret and process data derived from using contemporary and relevant analytical techniques.

Module code: FORE40331

Introduction To Forensic Science

The module begins with a discussion of the various definitions and public perceptions of forensic science, a review of the historical development of forensic science, and overview of the current structure and function of forensic science and police scientific support services in the UK. The roles of the FOA and SCI at the crime scene will be discussed, along with the fundamental principles of crime scene investigation and the importance of continuity of evidence, and an introduction to crime scene processing - protecting and documenting the scene, search, recovery, packaging and labelling of physical evidence. Crime scene management issues, and complexities such as multiple linked scenes, will be discussed, along with specialist types of crime scenes, such as fire and bomb scenes and clandestine laboratories.An overview will be given of the types of physical evidence submitted for forensic analysis, the analytical techniques used to examine them, and the types of information that this can reveal. The important issues of laboratory quality control and quality assurance will be discussed in context. The use of forensic evidence in serious crime investigation will be discussed, including the structure and function of the incident room and the HOLMES computer system, and corroborative versus intelligence-led approaches to forensic investigations.A brief introduction will be given to the legal system and the courts of law in the UK, the course of a criminal trial, and the use of forensic evidence in court, will be outlined. The different roles of the scientist appointed by the prosecution and defence will be discussed, along with written reports and the role of the expert witness.Alongside the content above, students will develop their study skills and develop their PDP in a series of tasks.

Module code: FORE40253

Introduction To Policing

This is a core module that provides a broad but integrated introduction to policing. The module will be taken in semester one and semester two. It includes weekly lectures and tutorials throughout the two semesters. It will provide you with an overview of the history, structures and objectives of the police in England and Wales and how the delivery of policing services is developing in the 21st century. It will analyse human rights, equality legislation and ethics and consider how these relate to investigatory powers such as arrest and stop and search. There will be an introduction to criminal law and the criminal justice system including input on the influence of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984) on police activities and procedures. The concept and application of ‘evidence-based policing’ will also be discussed.

Module code: FORE40256

Recording The Crime Scene

You will learn about how photography is used to document the crime scene and any evidence found there in, by means of using overview, approach and close-up photographs. You will gain an understanding of the different types of measuring and sketching methods available for documenting a scene, identifying their pros and cons for given situations and/or locations along with the creation of contemporaneous notes and evidence sheets/logs. Students will also learn to recover digital evidence from the crime scene.

Module code: FORE40239

Offender Management

The module allows students to research the functions of the Ministry of Justice, and Her Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS), prisoner escort contracts, Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) and their subcontractors, Contracted Prisons and Young Offenders Institutions (YOIs), Secure Training Centres, Secure Children Homes and Youth Offending Teams. The module follows the progression on an offender through the offender management system. Issues covered include: 1. Delivering the sentences and orders of the court 2. Establishing positive, safe, secure and decent environments for managing offenders and delivering offender services reducing reoffending and protecting the public. 3. Radicalisation 4. Theories around Control and restraint 5. Deaths and the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman6. Drug abuse 7. Mental Health 8. Prison reform 9. Governance 10. Escort Services

Module code: LAWS41709

Crime And Dishonesty

An understanding of descriptions of the various criminal offences, including those covered by the theft act; burglary and theft as well as other elements of dishonesty. An understanding of crime appertaining to the offences against the person (OAP) act and public order offences and the use of warrants and ASBOS. Sexual and racially and religiously aggravated offences. Crimes involving the use of poisons, explosive or corrosive substances and arson. Students will be informed of the relevant acts of law pertaining to crime. Case studies will be used to show problems and difficulties relating to the investigative requirements when dealing with terrorist and CBRN (Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear) incidents. Students will study and understand the sensitive requirements relating to the investigation of sexual offences, racist and hate crime.

Module code: FORE50259

Research And Professional Skills For Policing Students

The module seeks to develop the research and associated employability skills of students through delivery of a range of lecture, tutorial and practical sessions relating to effective retrieval of information, analysis of data and the writing of reports. Content includes searching for reference material and writing of literature reviews, together with the use of appropriate research methods and data handling techniques which will be assessed in an end of semester exam. Extensive use is made of SPSS or similar statistical packages. Having devised research proposals, students are required to present their findings to an audience of academics and their peers.

Module code: FORE50247

Drugs Of Abuse

Gain an understanding of the current drug legislation in England and Wales, with particular reference to the Misuse of Drugs Act. Identify issues with legislation such as the impact that the development of new drugs has on policing illegal drug use. Gain experience in the processing of crime scenes involving drugs and related paraphernalia, including the Health and Safety implications and the recovery and packaging of evidential items. Develop an appreciation of the current issues associated with policing illegal drug manufacture, use and trafficking. Gain an understanding of the role of forensic analysis within drug related investigations including outlining the analytical techniques available for identification and association of illegal drugs. Introduce the impact that drug use has socially and economically, highlighting examples of drugs in sport and the relationship between drug use and criminal activity. Examine methods used in workplace testing of drugs and roadside testing for drugs and alcohol, including calculating blood alcohol levels. Specific case studies will be discussed with relation to illegal drugs in sport, in the media and with particular reference to policing and investigative enquiries.

Module code: FORE50316

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: FORE50319

Community Safety

The module name derives from legislation that regarded the term ‘crime prevention’ purely as a police mandate. Community safety therefore became an inclusive strategy that involved all authorities including councils, police, housing, and importantly communities in tackling local crime issues. You will examine theoretical strategy and practical examples of developing environmental crime and anti-social behaviour reduction. Every crime has a place, therefore how can you develop that ‘place’ in order to reduce future opportunity for crime?

Module code: LAWS51932

Families: Crime, Abuses And Inequalities

This module aims to explore a sociological understanding and global perspective of the variety of nuclear and non-nuclear family models. We will consider the impact of social policy and legislation upon the family unit and think about international differences. We will also discuss crimes conducted within the family sphere such as child, domestic and elder abuse and related victimology. We will analyse power and control within the family context and equality by thinking about how gender roles and childhood are socially constructed and the division of labour within the home. We will think about the impact and experience of troubled families, trouble in the family and families in trouble. We will critically discuss various agencies and institutions engaged with supporting families, as well as considering the police connection and responses to families. We will explore state and non-state solutions to family issues.

Module code: SOCY50577

Contemporary Policing

This is a core 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 includes weekly lectures plus one tutorial in both semesters. It will provide you with an explanation of the history and current challenges of policing in the UK and includes references to the international perspective.

Module code: FORE50334

Investigative Skills

This is a core module which is taught during semesters 1 and 2. In semester 1 the module provides a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the legal framework of investigation via the Police and Criminal, Evidence Act 1984. In semester 2 students 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: FORE50339

Youth Crime And Justice

This module aims to develop in the student a critical understanding of the discourses surrounding youth offending and the multi-agency responses to youth offenders and youth offending in England and Wales within a social constructionist and cross-cultural perspective. Through discussion of recent research, legislation and policy, students will be encouraged to consider the response of the criminal justice agencies to children and young people in conflict with the law in England and WalesThe module will:•explore associated areas of concern such as education, welfare, young people’s services, juvenile justice and the police service. •explore the current partnership arrangements for delivering a service to young offenders •explore young offenders’ behaviour in the context of school, family, care arrangements and local communities' expectations. •analyse the construction of youth and childhood with a contemporary and historical focus.

Module code: SOCY50573

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: FORE50327

Cyber Crime

This final year module will explore the complexities of cyber crime. It will look at the types of activity that constitute cyber crime and consider who and how such crimes are investigated. Learning will take place through interactive lectures including some supported by a range of specialist guest speakers.

Module code: FORE60350

Doing Drugs: Policing Illegal Drug Use

The module explores the history and comparative anthropology of drug use and abuse. It offers an assessment of social morality as it applies to drug use. You will study drug use and abuse in terms of deviance and conformity, crime and punishment, identity and community. You will also explore police work and the control of the misuse of drugs in a range of social contexts, drug abuse in various areas of social life including sport and "recreational" use.

Module code: SOCY60340

Independent Project In Policing And Criminal Investigation

You will devise, plan, execute and report on a substantial piece of independent work in criminal investigation or a related aspect. The topic should be something which is aligned with the course and of interest to the student, and will need to be agreed with an academic supervisor. The project will be in the nature of primary or secondary research and will entail you accessing or collecting information from disparate sources concerning your allocated case study. It will require you to source your literature from a variety of sources to inform your project, design a piece of research, collect primary or secondary data using systematic methods, and critically evaluate all the data which you have assembled; drawing appropriate conclusions and recommendations. In all cases, the project should reflect the investigative and forensic nature base of the Policing and Criminal Investigation award. The topic will not normally overlap significantly with other independent work at level 6. The module will allow you to develop skills in defending your work through a viva-voce examination. You will need to select, deploy and adapt techniques, critically interpret and evaluate data, and present your findings both in writing and orally.

Module code: FORE60363

Practical Methods Of Crime Detection

This module will allow you to use equipment designed for the analysis of forensic evidence through a series of practical exercises as specified below.Fingerprints; dusting, enhancing and identification using AFIS.Footwear marks: Analysis of casts and inked footwear marks to establish order.Document Analysis: Use of ESDA to reveal indented writing to order pages in a report.Use of Gas Chromatography in Analysis of Drugs. Analysis of blood spatter and DNA profiling.Crime scene investigation and processing of a mock crime scene.

Module code: FORE60333

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 a suspect and then complete a crime file. The module culminates in your investigation being tested in a mock trial

Module code: FORE60364

Transnational Organised Crime

This module examines the forms of transnational organised crime in the contemporary world, paying particular attention to forms of organisation, the Mafia, drugs, people and arms trade, states and illegal practices, transnational corporations and illegal practices and academic approaches to understanding these phenomena.. You will consider consider case studies in depth. Module Code: SOCY60370

Module code: SOCY60370

Analysis And Investigation Of Tereff Incidents

Types of firearms and ammunition, examination of suspect firearms, spent projectiles and cartridge cases, and collection and analysis of gunshot residues. Internal, external and terminal ballistics. Fires and their spread (initiation, growth, flashover), problems of fire fighting, evidence collection and analysis, fire scene investigation. Classification of explosives, types of explosives, pyrotechnics, types and extent of damage by explosives and evaluation of oxygen balances and explosive power. Terrorism including CBRN Incidents, examples of terrorist incidents, identification and collection of evidence. Intelligence gathering and application in the prevention of major crime and terrorist incidents. Post bomb scene management and examination, evaluation of witness statements and evidence analysis.

Module code: FORE60320

Criminal Justice And Punishment

For students who thoroughly enjoy the criminal law module and enjoy learning about crime and punishment. This module is packed with thought provoking sessions about how the state investigates crimes, prosecutes defendants and punishes offenders. You will learn about all the different agencies that make up the criminal justice system and reflect on how the system has got it wrong in the past. You will analyse how victims and vulnerable witnesses are treated by the criminal justice system. This module is a ‘must’ for anyone seeking employment in agencies such as the Crown Prosecution Service, HMCTS, Prisons or the Probation Service

Module code: LAWS61601

Intelligence Led Policing And Major Crime Investigation

Intelligence Led Policing and Major Crime Investigation are linked to the National Intelligence Model (NIM) which is the foundation upon which policing is based. Students will be provided with a full understanding of 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, manslaughter and terrorist incidents as well as the role of the Home Office Live Major Enquiry System (HOLMES) used to administer such incidents will play a significant part in the module. A thorough tour of the Murder Investigation Manual which forms national guidance for Major Crime Investigation will be conducted. The use of expert witnesses and specialist services together with the examination of policies and procedures together with the use of the media in Critical and major Incidents.

Module code: FORE60251

Techniques In Identification Of Human Remains

This module will provide you with advanced theory and knowledge of advanced forensic techniques that are involved in human identification. The module will specialise in:Victim identification and the problems encountered,Concepts of facial reconstruction will also be investigated along with Biometric analysis for identification andHuman identification protocols in Mass disaster environments will be considered.You will be expected to think analytically and be aware of new research presented in journals. The module will also allow you to develop your own analytical approach within moral and ethical grounds in relation to research in forensic scienceAs well as acquiring knowledge of specialised techniques,you will be made aware of current research and potential future developments in forensic science.Expertise from external lecturers will be employed to bring you 'cutting-edge' forensic presentations.

Module code: FORE60322

Forensic Multimedia

This module will develop your depth of understanding in a variety of techniques and concepts including many aspects of acquiring, processing, enhancement, manipulation and presentation of a wide variety of common digital evidence platforms; Imaging, Image processing, Video, Audio, Forensic graphics 2D and 3D.Introduction to national guidelines for dealing with forensic evidence including issues around authenticity and integrity.Topics taught will include an introduction and discussion around current, new and emerging technologies, multimedia and software that currently exist within the forensic industry for the purpose of investigative functions.Horizon scanning of the latest technological advancement in forensic technology and multimediaPractical elements will include using software for hands on experience of processing and preparation of digital evidence for investigation and presentation in courts.

Module code: FORE60351

Science For Justice

Module code: FORE40332

Equality Matters: Issues For A Diverse Population

This module encourages students to explore the ways in which Equality matters to people’s everyday lives. Students are introduced to Thompson’s (1998) PCS model, and encouraged to apply this model to people’s daily lives in order to better understand the significant role that prejudicial attitudes, power and discrimination can have in impacting on people’s everyday lives. Each week students are introduced to current Equality Legislation and policy that has been designed protect and improve people’s lives. Students are encouraged to evaluate how successful these legislative measures have been in key areas of inequality, such as gender, sexual orientation, disability, race and ethnicity, religion, and age. Students are also encouraged to critically reflect on the daily experiences of groups of others (refugees, asylum seekers, gypsies and working-class) whose lives are not protected by equality legislation. The module incorporates an E-learning week where no face-to-face teaching takes place but learning continues through watching an e-lecture, completing guided reading and contributing to a discussion forum on Blackboard.

Module code: SOCY50356

Forensic Science: Methods Of Crime Detection

Module code: FORE50315

An Anthropology Of Evil: Deviance, Conformity, Morality And Responsibility

Studies of social morality encompassing notions of good and evil, crime and punishment, conformity and violence, social control and social responsibility, rights and obligations, community. A range of illustrative materials and ethnographic case studies will be explored. The case studies are drawn from a representative sample of theoretical and philosophical orientations, ranging from variants of structural positivism to post-modernism. The emphasis of the module will be upon comparing a range of different cultural orientations to the opposition of good and evil, encompassing the study of community, social morality, belief systems including magic, sorcery, shamanism and legal systems. The relationship between social structure and the individual will also be looked at.

Module code: SOCY60567

Field School In Forensic Archaeology

This module will allow students to participate in a field course where the knowledge gained as part of the Forensic Archaeology module can be applied to an actual case study site. This fieldwork is likely to be residential and students will work for 10 days, for 8 hours a day. Practical work in field survey, geophysics, excavation and recording will be undertaken, thus providing an introduction to the practical applications of the methods discussed in taught sessions. Additionally, students will be expected to demonstrate competency in generic skills such as team working, communication and time management.Forensic archaeology is a very practical subject area but the opportunities for casework experiences are limited for students. This represents a unique opportunity for the student's to apply their theoretical knowledge as part of an active research project and to gain first-hand experience of some of the issues involved in the study of crime scenes at which buried evidence exists. This field course also represents an opportunity for students to collect data for their third year project, subject to prior agreement with the module leader, thus offering an applied research and publication opportunity.Note: This field course also represents an opportunity for students to collect data for their third year project, subject to prior agreement with the module leader.

Module code: FORE60348