Students will be introduced to a wide range of legislation, powers, principles, terms and definitions which relate to conducting investigations. Students will learn about the criminal justice system and processes which support it; explore a range of investigative techniques encapsulating evidence gathering opportunities from complainants, witnesses, crime scenes and passive data within appropriate regulatory frameworks particularly the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984; and understand treatment of victims and witness and the complexities associated with their care.

The module will cover:

Functions and purpose of the criminal justice system and the police role within it

The function and legislative requirements of detention and court processes thereafter

Structures, definitions, principles and powers applicable to conducting investigations

Processes for gathering and managing different types of evidence and information pertinent to an investigation

Key legislation, terms, codes of practice, guidance and policies when dealing with victims and witnesses

Impact of investigations on victims, witnesses, investigators

Learning from reviews including serious case reviews and domestic homicide reviews

What constitutes justice and reasons why cases may not go to court

Criminal Justice – 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, .1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 4.1, 4.2, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 11.1, 11.2
Police Investigation – 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.6, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12,
Victims and Witnesses – 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3
Vulnerability and Risk – 1.4, 8.1, 8.2

1. The reflective diary will assess students understanding in relation to their learning about the treatment of victims and witnesses during police investigations. This assessment will address learning outcomes 4 and 5.

2. The examination will be unseen and will test students knowledge and application of the content within this module. The exam will last for a duration of 1.5hours. This assessment will assess learning outcomes 1,2,3,4.

13 x 2 hour lectures

12 x 1 hour tutorials

1. Explain the criminal justice system and the legislation and processes that support it including the responsibilities associated with detaining, escorting a suspect and giving evidence in court.

Knowledge and Understanding, Communication

2. Examine fundamental principles, legislation and powers related to conducting investigations

Enquiry, Learning

3. Explain the structures, processes and types of evidence obtained in relation to conducting an investigation

Knowledge and Understanding, Communication

4. Interpret and be able to apply the law, policy and guidance in the treatment of victims and witnesses

Learning, Application, Communication

5. Explain the complexities associated with victim and witness care in the context of the various types of justice outcomes.

Knowledge and Understanding

Blackboard VLE, Lecture Theatre, PowerPoint, Kahoot, Box of Broadcasts, Crime Scene House, Interview Rooms and Audio/Visual recording facility.

Blackstone’s Police Manuals - available online via the library website or via the following link:

http://www.blackstonespoliceservice.com.ezproxy.staffs.ac.uk/

College of Policing. (2018) Authorised Professional Practice Content. (online) Available at: https://www.app.college.police.uk/

College of Policing. (2018) Code of ethics. (online) Available at:

https://www.college.police.uk/What-we-do/Ethics/Ethics-home/Pages/Code-of-Ethics.aspx

Police & Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and Codes of Practice A - H¿

Additional reading available from the online reading list.