First officer attendance – the five building blocks of an investigation
Securing and preserving scenes (cordons and logs)
Identifying victims, witnesses and suspects
Investigative strategies Hypotheses Investigatory bias affecting decision making
Professional curiosity
Golden hour principles
Fast track actions
Taking a crime report
Initial investigation of a simulated crime scene
CCTV retrieval and viewing
Mobile phone downloads and kiosks
Voluntary interviews
National Intelligence Model – info and intelligence intro
Finding material, seizing exhibits and continuity

1) Initial Report - Skills-based simulation – Students will be given a simulated exercise whereby they are the first investigator on scene dealing with a complaint from a victim. Students will be required to apply the principles of investigation and the 5 building blocks (Obtaining an initial account, assessing the scene and securing best evidence).

2) Investigative Plan – Apply the principles of an investigative plan from the first attendance at the scene of an incident (building on the scenario of the first assessment) and critically examine their performance using police doctrine and academic research.

Sessions will include a mixture of lectures, workshops, simulated activities, tabletop exercises and tutorials to support your learning throughout the module. Sessions will be interactive to promote engagement and support your learning. We will not only focus on theory but also real world practical application and practice undertaken by agencies when faced with problems. You will get opportunities to practice your skills for the assessment within taught sessions using cases akin to your assessment and be provided with example best practice to follow in your own summative assessment.

1. Reflect on your knowledge and skills development in relation to investigations.

Reflection; Personal development & entrepreneurship

2. Apply the principles of first attending investigator strategies to real-world scenarios demonstrating professional curiosity in the investigation.

Application & problem solving

3. Explain the structures and processes in developing an investigation from the initial contact with victims and witnesses including digital processing of evidence and demonstrating an awareness of bias.

Knowledge & understanding; Digital Literacy

4. Apply the law, policy and guidance in attending incidents and speaking with victims and witnesses.

Application & problem solving

- Simulation suite – for exercises in attending as the first investigators
- Immersive room – for skills-based knowledge in practicals and decision making for investigation

Allsop, C. and Pike, S. (eds.) (2023) The Routledge international handbook of homicide investigation. First Edition. New York, NY: Routledge.

Cook, T. (2023) Blackstone’s Senior Investigating Officers’ Handbook. Sixth edition. Oxford University Press.

Hibbitt, S. and Shaw, G. (2023) Crime investigators’ handbook. 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Newburn, T., Williamson, T. and Wright, A. (2007). Handbook of criminal investigation. Cullompton, Uk ; Portland, Or.: Willan.

NPCC (2021). Major Crime Investigation Manual (MCIM 2021). [online] Available at: https://library.college.police.uk/docs/NPCC/Major-Crime-Investigation-Manual-Nov-2021.pdf.

Ever wondered what happens in those critical first moments after an incident is reported? This module puts you in the shoes of the first investigator on scene and gives you the practical tools to make decisions that can shape an entire investigation. If you’re aiming for a career in policing, criminal investigation, or intelligence analysis, this is where your journey begins. These are the core skills employers look for in policing, criminal justice, and investigative roles. You’ll gain hands-on experience in decision-making, evidence handling, and intelligence-led strategies—skills that translate directly into operational readiness and career progression. Think like an investigator and act with confidence in real-world scenarios, apply structured strategies to uncover the truth and secure justice and use technology and intelligence to stay ahead in fast-moving investigations.