This module will begin by introducing students to the role of the police, criminal investigators and practitioners working in safeguarding. Thereafter, students will focus upon the legal and ethical challenges faced by practitioners during their work. Students are required to critically evaluate these subjects and actively engage in group discussions in both lectures and seminars. Through a variety of case studies and practical sessions, students will then develop and apply their knowledge of policing, criminal investigation and safeguarding. By the end of the module, students should have a broad awareness of the different circumstances that practitioners may face and possible solutions to these issues.

Students will be required to complete two pieces of summative assessment.

1. A formal oral presentation of 15 minutes on the role of specialist practitioner’s within the Criminal Justice System (in the UK). Students must critically evaluate highlight any ethical issues associated with their chosen topic. Support will be offered to students in the preparation of this assessment in the form of one-to-one and group tutorials. This assessment is worth 30% of the module grade. This assessment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3.

2. A 4500 word report will comprise 70% of the module grade FINAL

This assessment relates to one area of policing, criminal investigation or safeguarding, for which students will reflect critically on the issues associated with policing, criminal investigation or safeguarding in the UK, incorporating key case studies where appropriate (including issues relating to legal and administrative framework, and ethical considerations).

The assessment addresses learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3

The module will be delivered over 12 weeks through weekly two-hour lectures and practical sessions that include on-campus tuition and practice of policing, criminal investigation and safeguarding. Additional weekly one hour seminars will involve discussions centring on readings assigned to students the previous week, will allow consolidation and reflection upon the taught material and the opportunity for discussion and critical evaluation.

Students will follow a 12 week guided study programme and access support material via Blackboard. Students will also be required to find additional resources and readings during their independent study time. Formative assessment will be carried out in lectures, practical sessions and seminars in the form of practical tasks, quizzes and debates.

1) Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the role of policing, criminal investigation and safeguarding in the UK, in particular how they fit into the wider network of practitioners within the Criminal Justice System.
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, LEARNING, APPLICATION, COMMUNICATION)

2) Critically evaluate and display advanced knowledge of the current issues faced by practitioners and the methods employed to overcome these challenges, especially intelligence gathering, investigation and victim support.
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, LEARNING, ENQUIRY, ANALYSIS, COMMUNICATION)

3) Understand and critically evaluate the legal and ethical issues related to criminal investigations and safeguarding (both vulnerable children and adults).
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, LEARNING, PROBLEM SOLVING, ENQUIRY, ANALYSIS)