1. Identify and evaluate the overall developing strategic context of policing and relevant national policing strategies including partnership collaboration.¿¿

Examine and explain how to apply professional approaches to policing, demonstrating fairness, ethics and integrity including ethical recording of incidents.¿

Critically examine the role of discretion and barriers in effective decision making and the strategies to mitigate them

Critically examine how new legislation and policy introduces new powers and procedures relating to the governance of the Police Service.¿¿

Written Assessment Links to learning outcomes 1 to 4.

This assignment will see students critique the police response to a high-profile case or event, applying their knowledge of contemporary policing policy and practice.¿

The module will build on the knowledge from the level 4 module Introduction to Core Policing Principles and will enable the student to meet the above learning outcomes.¿

In this module students will study national and strategic policing policy, practice and guidance which impacts upon the development and delivery of a professional police service.¿ They will learn about the roles and responsibilities of those charged with ensuring that the police deliver an unbiased, ethical and fair service ensuring that the police approach must value inclusivity, diversity and recognising vulnerability will be emphasised. This will include the College of Policing, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary Fire & Rescue, Independent Office of Police Conduct and Police & Crime Commissioners.¿ Cases will be examined where professional standards may have fallen below acceptable levels. Students will also apply learning about professional decision making, utilising the National Decision-Making Model and the application of The College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice and guidance to given scenarios, and explore the concept of police discretion and the barriers to effective decision making.¿¿

¿This module will cover:¿

Strategic and professional context of policing¿

Theories and concepts of ethical and professional approaches to policing, including the recording of police incidents¿

Police governance, accountability and professional standards¿¿

Discretion and decision-making strategies, including the National Decision Model¿

Partnership collaboration with respect for offender rehabilitation¿¿

College of Policing curriculum content:¿¿
Understanding the Police Constable Role – 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 9.1¿
Valuing Difference and inclusion – 2.1, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9
Maintaining professional standards – 2.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.6, 4.1, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 7.1, 7.2, 8.1, 8.2, 9.1, 9.3
Public protection – 7.1, 7.2
Decision making and discretion – 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3¿
Criminal Justice – 2.1, 2.2, 12.1,12.2, 12.3, 12.4
Policing communities – 1.5

This module will cover national and strategic policing policy, practice and guidance which impacts upon the development and delivery of a professional police service.¿ It will outline roles and responsibilities of those charged with ensuring that the police deliver an unbiased, ethical and fair service ensuring that the police approach must value inclusivity and diversity. Cases will be examined where professional standards may have fallen below acceptable levels. Students will also have the opportunity to apply learning about professional decision making.

It will include sessions where students apply their knowledge and understanding when examining a number of key critical incidents, cases and policing scenarios. The inclusion of discussions of developing policing issues and associated media items will ensure that the module remains up to date and contemporary thereby positioning the students to successfully explore a career in law enforcement.

¿There will be one written assessment of a 2000-word assignment where students will critique the police response to a high-profile case or event, applying their knowledge of contemporary policing policy and practice.¿

15 x 2h interactive lectures/seminars delivered by departmental staff on the indicative content outlined above. There will also be 4 x 1 hr smaller tutorial group sessions in the module. (size depending on course numbers) to discuss further the assessment requirements. Non-contact independent study will be directed to reading lecture notes and the literature to support knowledge and understanding.¿ To assist students in their preparation for the examination there will be a formative examination in semester one and feedback will be provided. Sessions will also be held to discuss and develop student’s approaches to essay writing. Academic writing and practice are also covered at level four.¿

Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and National Police Chiefs Council (2016) Policing Vision 2025. Available at: Policing Vision.pdf (npcc.police.uk)

College of Policing. (2014) Code of Ethics. Available at: Code of Ethics | College of Policing

Various Authors. (2020) Blackstone’s Police Manuals. Oxford: OUP Available at:

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

Additional reading available from the online reading list.