1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the internal and external factors which influence the way in which the police effectively operate
Learning, Knowledge and Understanding

2. Critically consider and assess the role of risk in Policing
Analysis, Application

3. Apply critical thinking to problems and address these with novel solutions
Enquiry, Problem solving, Reflection

4. Evaluate the emerging threats to vulnerable people and the policing of such issues
Enquiry, Application, Analysis

5. Provide informed views of how the social sciences can affect decision making and policing. Analysis, Communication, reflection

1. An individual presentation delivered to the class on an emerging threat to vulnerable people; applying critical thinking to the problem to address the issue with a novel solution. Students should show understanding of some of the internal and external factors which may affect the policing of this issue. This assessment will address learning outcomes 1, 3 and 4.

2. A critical case study applying knowledge about the role of risk in policing to a scenario or case study, addressing learning outcomes 2 and 3.

3. A Blog post showing the student’s reflection and views on the role of social sciences influence on policing decision making and operational policing. Students should demonstrate the foundations and development of their view point through the referencing of appropriate literature. Students will have the opportunity to comment on other’s posts, addressing learning outcomes 5.

This module focuses on individual and organisational aspects which may influence policing; investigation of crime, dealing with offenders; supporting victims and empowering communities. Students will learn about influences of bias; the effects of personal experience; the importance of procedural justice; as well as how politics, accountability and governance impact on the policing landscape. This module will provide students with a knowledge and understanding about the role of risk in policing; about developing innovative ways to problem solve; and the needs and support police can provide to vulnerable people.

This module will cover:
• The relationship between community engagement and crime
• The constitutional role of the police in society and the criminal justice system
• The benefits of sociology and criminology on operational decision making
• The influences of risk factors on vulnerability
• The impact of Early Intervention on offending
• Complexity and challenges of operational policing
• The effect of bias on decision making
• Risk aversion and risk avoidance

College of Policing curriculum content:
Criminology and Crime Prevention – 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4
Vulnerability and Risk – 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 10.1, 10.2, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4
Response policing – 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6
Decision making and discretion – 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3

Learning for this module will be based around students committing a total of 150 hours, split between 39 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 111 hours of directed study. Student will be taught in a mixture of lectures and tutorial session, each having a one-hour whole group lecture per week and a two-hour smaller group tutorial session per week. In the lectures, students will be introduced to the general concepts and theories. Tutorials will be linked to the lecture and involve subjects for discussion and case studies. The purpose of the smaller group sessions is to help students assess their understanding of a topic and to develop their analytical skills.

Formative assessment will include feedback during class discussions and debates.

Charman, S. (2017). Police Socialisation, Identity and Culture. Becoming Blue. Basingstoke, Palgrave MacMillian,

Loftus, B. (2012). Police Culture in a changing world. OUP

Newburn, T. (2014). Handbook of Policing. Willan Publishing.

Peak, K. & Glensor, R. (2017). Community and Problem-Oriented Policing: Effectively Addressing Crime and Disorder. 7th Ed. Pearson.

Additional reading available from the online reading list.

- Lecture rooms equipped with PowerPoint, OHP and whiteboard
-Tutorial rooms for small group work
- Blackboard VLE

This module focuses on individual and organisational aspects which may influence policing; investigation of crime, dealing with offenders; supporting victims and empowering communities. Students will learn about influences of bias; the effects of personal experience; the importance of procedural justice; as well as how politics, accountability and governance impact on the policing landscape. This module will provide students with a knowledge and understanding about the role of risk in policing; about developing innovative ways to problem solve; and the needs and support police can provide to vulnerable people.

This module will cover:
• The relationship between community engagement and crime
• The constitutional role of the police in society and the criminal justice system
• The benefits of sociology and criminology on operational decision making
• The influences of risk factors on vulnerability
• The impact of Early Intervention on offending
• Complexity and challenges of operational policing
• The effect of bias on decision making
• Risk aversion and risk avoidance