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, prostitution, 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.

Assessment 1: Students will produce an academic poster on a particular area of vulnerability and the police response to it.
Assessment 2: Students will present this poster verbally
Both elements together will address learning outcomes 1-5

Contact hours for lectures/tutorials
13 x 2 hour lectures and workshops introducing the information and developing discussion regarding the course material. 12 x 1 hour tutorials

Lectures will be led by the lecturer and used to deliver key concepts and learning within the module content. During these sessions, there will be interactive elements such as quizzes, short discussions, students asked for their thoughts or viewpoint and opportunities to ask questions to the lecturer.

Tutorial sessions will based around student centred learning, group discussions and case study exploration to aide students learning on the module.


162 hours of Independent study.
Non-contact time will involve extensive reading of the course material with a view to developing knowledge from recommended reading material to prepare for poster and poster presentation.

1. Explore the link between legislation, theory and practice in policing.
Knowledge and Understanding, Learning.
2. Describe the concept of policing by consent, core policing powers, and the importance of exercising these powers fairly and without bias.
Knowledge and Understanding, Learning.
3. Explain the purpose of the police service and the responsibilities of those charged with delivering a professional service.
Knowledge and understanding
4. Critically analyse policing powers with reference to the relevance of human rights.
Analysis

Blackstone’s Police (2021). Blackstone’s Police Manuals. Available at: https://www.blackstonespoliceservice.com/ackstone's Police (blackstonespoliceservice.com) (Accessed: 7th January 2021).

Brown, J. (2013). The future of policing. New Work: Routledge

Ingman, T. (2011). The English legal process. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Liebling, A., Maruna, S. and McAra, L. (2017). The Oxford Handbook of Criminology. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Newburn, T. (2012). Handbook of policing. 2nd edition. Abingdon: Routledge.

Roach, J. and Pease, K. (2016). Self-Selection Policing: Theory, Research and Practice. London: Springer

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).

The Policing Theory module introduces and enables a critical evaluation of the key sociological, biological and psychological theories in relation to crime, and their relevance to policing, along with the national crime preventative strategies and tools. This also includes an overview 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 and data collection methods. 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, victimisation, harm, the relationship between offenders and victims. 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 a 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).

N/A

Contact hours for lectures/tutorials
13 x 2 hour lectures and workshops introducing the information and developing discussion regarding the course material. 12 x 1 hour tutorials

162 hours of Independent study.
Non-contact time will involve extensive reading of the course material with a view to developing knowledge from recommended reading material to prepare for critical review of a policing theory.

Explore the link between theory and practice in policing. You will be able to demonstrate the biological, situational, sociological and psychological theories of crime and their relevance to policing.

Knowledge and Understanding, Learning.

Explain the political, sociological and political considerations of crime and crime control policies and practices. You will also develop the ability in being able to critically evaluate such considerations in relation to operational policing and decision making

Knowledge and Understanding, Learning.

Explore the implications of investigating crime, victimisation and harm, and the relationship between victims and offenders, including risk and vulnerability. ¿

Learning, Analysis and Communication.

Describe concept of policing by consent, core policing powers, and the importance of exercising these powers fairly and without bias.

Knowledge and Understanding, Learning.

Module handbook, and lecture and tutorial room equipped with means to fulfil the teaching strategies (PowerPoint and other visual presentation facilities, OHP, white board).

Aepli, P., Ribaux, O. and Summerfield, E. (2011). Decision making in policing: operations and management. Switzerland: EPFL Press.

Ashworth, A. and Redmayne, M. (2010). The criminal process. Oxford University Press, USA.

Blackstone’s Police (2021). Blackstone’s Police Manuals. Available at: https://www.blackstonespoliceservice.com/ackstone's Police (blackstonespoliceservice.com) (Accessed: 7th January 2021).

Brown, J. (2013). The future of policing. New Work: Routledge

Ferguson, A.G. (2019). ‘Predictive Policing Theory.’ In Lava, T. and Miller, E. (eds). The cambridge book of policing in the United States. Cambridge: Cambridge University. pp. 491-510.

Herring, J. (2014). Criminal law: text, cases, and materials. USA: Oxford University Press.

Ingman, T. (2011). The English legal process. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Kirby, S. (2013). Effective Policing?: Implementation of Theory and Practice. London: Palgrave MacMillan.

Liebling, A., Maruna, S. and McAra, L. (2017). The Oxford Handbook of Criminology. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Newburn, T. (2012). Handbook of policing. 2nd edition. Abingdon: Routledge.

Partington, M., (2019). Introduction to the English Legal System 2019-2020. USA: Oxford University Press.

Roach, J. and Pease, K. (2016). Self-Selection Policing: Theory, Research and Practice. London: Springer

N/A

The Policing Theory module introduces and enables a critical evaluation of the key sociological, biological and psychological theories in relation to crime, and their relevance to policing, along with the national crime preventative strategies and tools. This also includes an overview 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 and data collection methods. 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, victimisation, harm and the relationship between offenders and victims. You will be encouraged to develop your critical thinking skills, look beyond the obvious and use your professional curiosity. Furthermore, you 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. Furthermore, you will review and analyse police reforms impacting on structure, governance, accountability and leadership, with the recognition of a 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).