1. Demonstrate understanding of the criminal justice system together with legislation, policy and practice used in the investigation of crime and dealing with digitally enabled offending. Knowledge and Understanding
Learning
Reflection

2. Apply legislation, policy and authorised professional practice relating to the criminal justice system, investigation of crime and dealing with digitally enabled offending.
Application
Reflection

3. Evaluate and reflect upon processes utilised in investigative practice.
Analysis
Reflection

4. Gather and present evidence in relation to the conduct of an investigation.
Problem Solving
Enquiry
Communication

1. Preparation of authority to charge documentation 50% 1000
2. Reflective Diary 50% 1000 words

1. Preparation of an authority to charge document: Students are required to analyse a given hypothetical scenario involving a criminal investigation whereby they will be seeking authority from the Crown Prosecution Service to charge the defendant. Learning outcome 4 will be assessed

2. The reflective diary will allow the student to critically analyse how evidence is gathered, managed and utilised in a policing context. Students will show understanding of the topic and ability to critically consider how this aligns within the requirements of the criminal justice system and the Victim’s Code. This assessment will address learning outcomes 1,2 and 3.

This module introduces the learner to investigative practice. This is a core module that provides a broad but integrated introduction to investigative practice utilised by the police. Students will specifically learn about supporting victims and witnesses, managing suspects, conducting investigations, investigating digitally enabled crime, building prosecution case files and giving evidence at court.

This module incorporates all the learning outcomes and indicative content from the College of Policing, Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship Curriculum for the following areas:

Criminal Justice:
2.1 – 4.3 Inclusive
8.1 – 13.5 Inclusive
Conducting Investigations:
1.1 – 9.11 Inclusive

Appendix 1 details all the learning and indicative content covered in this module.

The below is a brief summary of what the content includes:
Indicative content provides an introduction to investigative practice, focusing on aspects relating to counter-terrorism, criminal justice, conducting investigations and digital policing, including the following:
• Key legislation relevant to counter-terrorism policing
• Process for recording of policing incidents
• Supporting victims and witnesses through the criminal justice system
• Managing offenders including arrest, caution detention and charging of suspects
• Use of out of court disposal options
• Building of prosecution case files
• Disclosure of unused material in prosecution cases
• Giving evidence in court
• Principles, legislation and powers in conducting criminal investigations
• Use of investigative actions and best practice in conducting investigations
• Conducting interviews with victim’s witnesses and suspects
• Key legislation, policy and practice relevant to digital Investigation
• Digitally enabled offending
• Role of the Police in preventing digitally enabled crime
• Evidential processes when using data or devices as part of a case file, including disclosure of unused material

This module utilises blended learning strategies, including the delivery of lectures (face to face and distance), small group tutorial sessions, face to face and online peer discussion together with digitally aided independent study. A total of 40 hours protected learning time will delivered over the course of the first week followed by a period of operational deployment in a work area associated with investigation and/or intelligence management. This period of operational deployment is utilised to undertake relevant work-based learning and guided independent study prior to completement of assessment at the end of the module.

Academic support (face to face and online) will be available throughout the module.

There will be regular formative knowledge checks and other sessions of formative assessment.

College of Policing (2018) ‘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=

College of Policing (2017) ‘APP: Digital Investigation & Intelligence’ available online from: https://www.app.college.police.uk/app-content/digital-investigation-and-intelligence/?s=

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

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

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

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

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

Ministry of Justice (2015) ‘Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (section 23(1)) Code of Practice’, available online from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-procedure-and-investigations-act-code-of-practice

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

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

Blackboard VLE
University library and associated online learning materials.
Teaching spaces equipped with computer, projector, screen, white boards etc.
Live streaming/recording equipment/software.
Learning space for completion of practical assessment/simulated scenarios.