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

Prevention & Problem Solving (Evidence Based Policing)¿

Communication skills ¿

Suspect/offender management



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 defined by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for Higher Education.

The assessment will be designed to assess both learning outcomes.

Students will be asked to write a literature review covering specific policing theories covered on the module.

Demonstrate the academic and research skills required to be a successful independent learner.

Learning, Application, Communication

Demonstrate understanding of key policing theories and information sources that can be used for policing research purposes.

Learning, Knowledge & Understanding, Analysis, Enquiry

Learning for this module will be based around students committing 40 hours of off-the-job learning this being split between 20 hours of direct contact with teaching staff and 20 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.

Alasuutari, Pertti., Bickman, L. and Brannen, Julia. (2008) The SAGE handbook of social research methods. Los Angeles, [Calif.]¿; SAGE.

Aromataris E, Fernandez R, Godfrey C, Holly C, Kahlil H, Tungpunkom P. Summarizing systematic reviews: methodological development, conduct and reporting of an Umbrella review approach. Int J Evid Based Healthc. 2015;13(3):132-40.

Hart, C. (2018). Doing a literature review: Releasing the social science research imagination. SAGE Publications.

Hempel, S. (2019) Conducting Your Literature Review. American Psychological Association. doi:10.2307/j.ctv1chs70n.

Lum, C.M. and Koper, C.S. (2017) Evidence-based policing¿: translating research into practice. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Ridley, D. (2012) The literature review: a step-by-step guide for students. 2nd ed. London: SAGE.

Snyder, H., 2019. Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines.¿Journal of business research,¿104, pp.333-339.

Spooner, E., Hughes, C. and Jones, P.M. (2022) Police research and evidence-based policing. 1st ed. Edited by T. Blockley. St Albans: Critical Publishing. ¿ ¿

Walliman, Nicholas. (2006) Social research methods. London: SAGE.

Policing Theory

Bryant and Bryant (2020) Blackstone’s Handbook for Policing Students: Oxford; Oxford University Press

Harrison, J. (2012). Study skills for criminology. London, Sage.

Finch, E., & Fafinski, S. (2012). Criminology skills. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press.

McLaughlin, E. and Muncie, J. (eds.) (2012). The Sage Dictionary of Criminology (3rd edition). London, Sage.

Treadwell, J. (2012) Criminology: The Basics. London, Sage.

College of Policing (2015), What works Briefing: Hotspot Policing, available at http://library.college.police.uk/docs/what-works/What-works-briefing-hotspot-policing-2013.pdf

College of Policing (2020), Hot Spots Policing, available at https://whatworks.college.police.uk/toolkit/Pages/Intervention.aspx?InterventionID=46

College of Policing (2020), Problem Orientated Policing, available at https://whatworks.college.police.uk/toolkit/Pages/Intervention.aspx?InterventionID=47

Maguire, Mike & John, Tim. (2006). Intelligence Led Policing, Managerialism and Community Engagement: Competing Priorities and the Role of the National Intelligence Model in the UK. Policing and Society, (16), 1 pp 67-85

Ratcliffe, J. (2016), Intelligence Led Policing, Routledge: Abingdon

Ponsaers, P. (2001), “Reading about community (orientated) policing and police models” in Policing and International Journal of Police Strategies and Management, (24): 4, pp. 470 -497.

Clarke, Ronald V., and Marcus Felson, eds. 1993. Routine activity and rational choice. New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers.

Clarke, R.V. and Cornish, D.B., 1985. Modelling offenders' decisions: A framework for research and policy. Crime and justice, 6, pp.147-185.

Cohen, L.E. and Felson, M., 1979. Social change and crime rate trends: A routine activity approach. American sociological review, pp.588-608.

Newman, G. and Clarke, R.V., 2016. Rational choice and situational crime prevention: Theoretical foundations. Routledge.

Piquero, Alex R., and Stephen G. Tibbetts, eds. 2002. Rational choice and criminal behaviour: Recent research and future challenges. New York: Routledge.

Clarke, R.V.G. (1980) ““Situational” Crime Prevention: Theory and Practice” in The British Journal of Criminology, (20): 2, pp 136-147

Clarke, R. & Cornish, D. (1986), “Understanding Crime Displacement: An Application of Rational Choice Theory” in Criminology, (25): 4, pp. 933-948.

Cohen, L. & Felson, M. (1979), “Social Change and Crime Rate Trends: A Routine Activity Approach” in American Sociological Review, (44): 4, pp. 588 – 608.

College of Policing. (2019). Crime Reduction Toolkit | College of Policing. [online] Available at: https://whatworks.college.police.uk/toolkit/Pages/BubbleMode.aspx#filter=0#stage=Reoffending

In this introductory module, you will begin to develop the essential academic skills and theoretical foundations necessary for success as an independent learner in the field of policing.

First and foremost, the module will equip you with the tools to cultivate effective study habits, critical thinking abilities, and proficient research and writing techniques. These transferable skills will empower you to navigate the academic landscape with confidence, enabling you to excel in your studies and future professional practice.

Alongside these fundamental academic competencies, we will explore policing theory. You will explore concepts, models, and frameworks that have shaped our understanding of policing practices and the criminal justice system. By examining these theoretical perspectives, you will gain insights into the complexities of policing, the challenges faced by policing, and the underlying principles that inform decision-making processes.

By the end of this module, you will have a solid foundation to support you in progressing to your next year of your study with knowledge that will equip you to tackle complex challenges in the ever-evolving landscape of policing.