The learning strategy for this module requires students to commit 150 learning hours (including assessment). This will include 18 hours of class support and 132 hours of independent and self directed study.

The class sessions will delivered in 6 x 3 hr study blocks, to cover the key aspects of the module content, including a summary of the blended learning material, the type of formative feedback available both through Moodle and the Module Tutor. The nature of the summative assessment will also be examined.

Students are expected to regularly engage with the blended learning material on Moodle, by working through the material. This will include reading the material, undertaking additional research and formative exercises to reinforce the learning. Students will have additional support from the Module Tutor via email and phone.

Summative
Seminar presentation, including preparation of a short briefing paper (400 words) and supporting evidence (1,000 words) 100% Learning Outcome 1-3

Students will prepare and present a 20min seminar (to include time for questions), based on a case study related to managing risk in the criminal justice sector. This will include the preparation and dissemination of a short briefing paper prior to the seminar (400 words). They will also produce a written assignment of 1,000 words which demonstrates their research and preparation of accurate, current and appropriate information for the seminar.

Both summative elements must be passed in order to pass the module.

Formative
Students will receive formative feedback from peers and tutors during class-based sessions and from tutors during personal tutorials regarding assignment preparation.

Criminal justice practitioners, including those who work in custodial services, have a duty of care for the colleagues, offenders and other individuals they work with. Numerous research studies, Prison Service Orders and policy documents link offending behaviour with risk factors including drug and alcohol misuse, mental ill health, learning disabilities and difficulties and other social issues such as homelessness, unemployment and low educational attainment (e.g. Prison Service Order 2700, 2007; Konrad et al., 2007; Prison Reform Trust, 2009). These characteristics occur much more frequently amongst offenders than the general population, and offenders are also much more likely to self harm, and attempt and commit suicide, both when in prison and after their release. (In 2007, there were 22,459 apparent incidents of self harm and 83 self inflicted deaths in custody (Justice Committee, 2009)). The effective management of mental ill health, learning disabilities and difficulties, self harm, suicide prevention, drug and alcohol misuse, and bullying, intimidation and victimisation, is therefore central to increasing safety and minimising risk in custody and related criminal justice settings.

Against this backdrop, students will also be asked to consider the risk that offenders themselves may pose to the general public. The relative safety and risk of custodial and non-custodial sentences will be explored, as well as the need to manage risk in relation to those who are released from custody. The contribution of the media to the public perception of the risk of crime will also be considered.

This module will also investigate the relationship between safer custody, safer practice and individual and social risk indicators. Students will explore how national and local policy designed to reduce risk to staff, offenders and other individuals is informed by a research evidence base. They will consider the effectiveness of risk assessment tools, and explore how local strategies and initiatives support practitioners, offenders and individuals to successfully manage risk.

Jewkes, Y. (2007) Handbook on Prisons, London: Willan Publishing.
Towel, G., Snow, L., McHugh, M. (2002) Suicide in Prisons, London: Wiley-Blackwell.

Online resources/websites:

Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health (2009) Diversion A better way for criminal justice and mental health, SCMH: London
Department of Health (2009) The Bradley Report Lord Bradley¿s review of people with mental health problems or learning disabilities in the criminal justice system, DH: London
Prison Reform Trust: http://www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk/
Prison Service (Service Orders):
http://www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk/resourcecentre/psispsos/listpsos/index.asp?startrow=51