1. To understand and apply the means by which evidence is gathered in the course of criminal investigations.
Knowledge & Understanding,
Learning
Application

2. To work with other bodies and agencies in investigating and prosecuting criminal cases
Enquiry,
Problem Solving

3. To evaluate evidence gathered in the course of criminal investigations
Analysis

4.To prepare and present written and oral evidence before the criminal courts
Communication, Reflection

The module includes content relating to the makeup of the UK Criminal Justice system, its processes and protocols used when giving evidence before the courts.

It covers key legislation, policy and authorised professional practice in relation to the conduct of criminal investigations leading up to prosecutions. This includes attending the crime scene, gathering evidence, constructing a prosecution case file and presenting findings before the courts.

Specific focus is on achieving best evidence through effective initial crime scene management, the interview of victim, witnesses and suspects and through working with other actors within the criminal justice system.

Related content includes legal principles such as arrest, application of charging standards, treatment and detention of suspects, the use of expert witnesses, dealing with defence teams and the disclosure of unused material.

The module will be delivered face to face by way of 11 X 2hr lectures, a I hour long small group tutorial session, a 1 x ½ hour practical exercise involving attending a murder scene as the First Officer and a 1 X ½ hour practical exercise interviewing the suspect under caution. Learning will be supported through the availability of pre-read material, the delivery of formative knowledge checks and the sequential provision of information/data to support building of the case file. Guided independent study will be required in relation to literature searches and research to identify and explore relevant legislation, policy and approved professional practice.

College of Policing (2013) ‘APP: Investigation’, available online from: https://www.app.college.police.uk/app-content/investigations/?s=

College of Policing (2013) ‘APP: Prosecution & Management’, available online from: https://www.app.college.police.uk/app-content/prosecution-and-case-management/?s=

Connor. P, Hutton. G, Johnson. D and McKinnon. G (2019) ‘Blackstone’s Police Investigators Manual’, Oxford University Press.

Crown Prosecution Service (2018) ‘The Code for Crown Prosecutors’, available online from: https://www.cps.gov.uk/publication/code-crown-prosecutors

Crown Prosecution Service (2018) ‘Disclosure Manual’, available online from: file:///C:/Users/pl7/Downloads/Disclosure-Manual-December-2018.pdf

Home Office (2018) ‘Police & Criminal Evidence Act 1984 Codes of Practice A – H’, available online from: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/police-and-criminal-evidence-act-1984-pace-codes-of-practice

Milne and Bull (2000) ‘Investigative Interviewing’ - Psychology and Practice, Wiley.¿

Ministry of Justice (2011) ‘Achieving Best Evidence in Criminal Proceedings’, available online from: file:///C:/Users/pl7/Downloads/best_evidence_in_criminal_proceedings(1).pdf

The National Archives (1984) ‘The Police & Criminal Evidence Act’, available online from: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1984/60/contents

The National Archives (1996) ‘Criminal Procedure & Investigations Act’, available online from: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/25/contents

Zander, M (2017) ‘Zander on PACE: The Police & Criminal Evidence Act 1984’, 8th Edition. Sweet & Maxwell.

Module Handbook¿
Blackboard VLE
Lecture room equipped with Internet access, PowerPoint, OHP and whiteboard¿
Tutorial rooms for small group work
The Crime Scene House
Body Worn Video Cameras
The Psychology Interview Suite (interview Rooms and Control room)
Neal Audio Recorders

None

Production of an abbreviated prosecution case file utilising MG forms (or other nationally approved police forms) that is assessed by presenting the evidence and defending the findings of the investigation i.e. examination and cross examination in a moot court. 30 minutes.
Learning Outcomes 1 - 4

On this module you will attend a simulated crime scene and act as the 'first officer attending' using current police technology and techniques. You will gather and analyse evidence including interviewing a suspect and then complete a crime file. The module culminates in your investigation being tested in a mock trial