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

Valuing Diversity and Inclusion¿

Decision Making & Discretion

Protecting the Public¿

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.

Practical assessment of the student officer's operational competence and the ability to practice with autonomy and conduct patrol with minimal supervision - pass/fail weighted at 0%. The assessment is conducted by suitably qualified police assessors and evidenced in an ‘FOC’ operational portfolio¿



Failure of this module prevents student from progressing through the Apprenticeship Gateway.

Demonstrate operational competence and an ability to practice with autonomy, conducting patrol with minimal supervision as prescribed by the College of Policing.

Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Problem Solving, Application, Reflection.

Learning for this module will be based around students committing to 90 hours of off-the-job learning.
The module builds upon the practical application of learning from a range of topics from the College of Policing National Policing Curriculum delivered across all Level 5 modules, Policing Practice & Police Culture, Response and Policing the Roads, Conduction Investigations, and Research Skills, Policing Theory, and Local Problem Solving
The FOC portfolio is undertaken in the workplace and is assessed by suitable qualified police assessors. It must be completed within the second 12 months of the programme and is a prerequisite of progressing into year 3. This is a pass or fail module.
Students will link learning in the classroom to professional practice and provide evidence from operational portfolios to demonstrate this.
Time is allocated, and academic support provided within the module protected learning blocks delivered throughout year 2 of the programme. The student officer will be further supported by a Work-Based Education Officer allocated by the University who will support their progress throughout the year through schedules tr-partite reviews which will also involve the employer.

Blackboard VLE

MS Teams

University library and associated online learning materials.

Live streaming/recording equipment/software.

You should revisit the reading lists of preparatory modules in this year and your first year of study with particular attention to:

Blackstone's Police Manual, Volume 1: Crime (2024)

Blackstone's Police Manual, Volume 2: Evidence and Procedure (2024)

Blackstone's Police Manual, Volume 3: General Police Duties (2024)

Please refer to any annual updates that supersede these editions. All are accessible through the University Library.

This module complements the work student officers will undertake to achieve Full Operational Competence (FOC). The module begins on day one of year two and must be concluded by week 52 of the same year. Many students will complete their FOC Portfolio well ahead of the 52-week completion date.

This module utilises the learning that learners will have completed both in the classroom and in the workplace over a 12-month period. This module recognises the application of key competencies in the workplace that have been assessed by a qualified assessor and to the require standards expected of a competent police constable.

The module will allow student officers to develop their operational skills, communication skills, team working abilities and demonstrate a knowledge of any underpinning guidance, legislation, research or academic theory and apply these in an operational setting. This is a pass or fail module and a prerequisite of progression into year 3 of the programme.