This is a wide-ranging module that consolidates learning about the concepts and practicalities of being a Police Constable, including:

Suspect / Offender Management¿

Community Policing & Partnership Working¿

Information, Intelligence & Evidence¿

Conducting Investigations¿

This module descriptor was formulated with due reference to:

The required learning outcomes and indicate content set by the College of Policing in the National Policing Curriculum.

The Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours required by the National Apprenticeship Standard for the Police Constable role.

The subject benchmark statement for policing is defined by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for Higher Education. A

Students will complete an operational knowledge check comprising 50 questions that assess their knowledge and understanding of all the module learning outcomes.

Understand and apply the building blocks of an investigation to various policing scenarios, including the conduct of interviews of victims, witnesses, and suspects.

Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Application, Problem Solving.

Demonstrate knowledge of the role of intelligence in the context of crime prevention, investigations, and community safety.

Knowledge and Understanding, Learning

Determine the systems and legislation that govern the gathering, retention and dissemination of police information.

Knowledge and Understanding, Learning

Learning for this module will be based around students committing 80 hours of off-the-job this being split between 40 hours of direct contact with teaching staff and 40 hours of independent study and workplace learning.

The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, and practical exercises. Students will be encouraged to engage in group discussions, peer review, and communication exercises. There will be regular sessions of formative assessment and academic support/tutorials will be available throughout the module. They will also have access to online resources and guidance for academic writing, data visualization, and digital communication.

Blackboard VLE

MS Teams

University library and associated online learning materials.

Live streaming/recording equipment/software.

Bryant, R. and Bryant, S. (2020) ‘Criminal Investigation’, in Blackstone’s Handbook for Policing Students 2021. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 561–578.

Bryant, R. and Bryant, S. (2020) ‘Forensic Investigation’, in Blackstone’s Handbook for Policing Students 2021. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 604–630.

Bryant, R. and Bryant, S. (2020) ‘Intelligence’, in Blackstone’s Handbook for Policing Students 2021. 15th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 541–559.

Bryant, R. and Bryant, S. (2020) ‘Investigative Interviewing’, in Blackstone’s Handbook for Policing Students 2021. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 579–602.

College of Policing (2013) Information management, College of Policing. Available at: https://www.college.police.uk/app/information-management (Accessed: 10 June 2024).

College of Policing (2013) Intelligence Management, College of Policing. Available at: https://www.college.police.uk/app/intelligence-management (Accessed: 10 June 2024).

College of Policing (2013) Investigation, College of Policing. Available at: https://www.college.police.uk/app/investigation (Accessed: 10 June 2024). Specifically; Overview, Investigation Introduction, Investigation Process, Managing Effective Investigations, Forensics, Working with Victims and Witnesses, Working with Suspects, and Investigative Interviewing

College of Policing (2023) Victim and witness care, College of Policing. Available at: https://www.college.police.uk/app/prosecution-and-case-management/victim-and-witness-care (Accessed: 11 June 2024).

CPS (2022) Disclosure manual, Disclosure Manual | The Crown Prosecution Service. Available at: https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/disclosure-manual (Accessed: 11 June 2024).

Farrugia, L. and Gabbert, F. (2019) ‘Vulnerable suspects in police interviews: Exploring current practice in England and Wales’, Journal of Investigative Psychology and Offender Profiling, 17(1), pp. 17–30. doi:10.1002/jip.1537.

Hartwig, M. et al. (2006) ‘Strategic use of evidence during police interviews: When training to detect deception works.’, Law and Human Behavior, 30(5), pp. 603–619. doi:10.1007/s10979-006-9053-9.

Hoogesteyn, K., Meijer, E.H. and Vrij, A. (2020) ‘Detainee and layperson’s expectations and preferences regarding police interview rooms’, PLOS ONE, 15(11). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0241683.

Howes, L.M. (2019) ‘Interpreted investigative interviews under the Peace Interview Model: Police Interviewers’ perceptions of challenges and suggested solutions’, Police Practice and Research, 21(4), pp. 333–350. doi:10.1080/15614263.2019.1617145.

ICO (no date) A guide to the data protection principles, ICO. Available at: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/data-protection-principles/a-guide-to-the-data-protection-principles/ (Accessed: 10 June 2024).

Jackson, A.R.W. and Jackson, J.M. (2017) Forensic science. 4th edn. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited.

Maguire, M. (2008) ‘Criminal Investigation and Crime Control’, in T. Newburn (ed.) Handbook of Policing. 2nd edn. Cullompton: Willan, pp. 430–465.

Raaijmakers, N., Bosma, A.K. and Scholte, R.H.J. (2024) ‘Better Safe Than Sorry? Police Officers’ Identification of and Responses to Vulnerable Crime Victims’, Policing and Society, pp. 1–16. doi:10.1080/10439463.2024.2347660.

This module introduces students to the underpinning principles of police investigations and the role of intelligence in enhancing decision-making, approaching crime prevention, and public safety. The module covers a breadth of practical knowledge including the challenges, and the legal, ethical, and operational considerations when investigating crime. Students will be introduced to the concept of interviewing and explore its practical application, as well as supporting theories such as psychological and physiological factors that may influence memory recall.