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 (EBP)¿¿¿

Victims & Witnesses¿¿¿

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

Students will produce a recorded 20-minute oral operational briefing concerning a complex investigation they were involved in. They are required to address the following points 1) How did legislation, policy, or APP shape their approach to witness care, 2) How did intelligence help the investigation or what gaps did they identify, 3) How did they approach victim, witness, or suspect interviews and why.

This assesses all the module learning outcomes.

Demonstrate the application of investigative actions including the planning, management, and tasking of complex investigations

Knowledge and Understanding, Application

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the specialist knowledge and support available when conducting complex investigations and interviews

Knowledge and Understanding

Manage and escalate critical information and intelligence during dynamic situations and apply it effectively to operational decision-making

Communication, Application

Learning for this module will be based around students committing 80 hours of off-the-job learning this being split between 25 hours of direct contact with teaching staff and 55 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.

Blizard, R.A. and Bluhm, A.M. (1994) ‘Attachment to the abuser: Integrating object-relations and trauma theories in treatment of abuse survivors.’, Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 31(3), pp. 383–390. doi:10.1037/0033-3204.31.3.383.

Bryant, R. and Bryant, S. (2020) ‘Cybercrime’, in Blackstone’s Handbook for Policing Students 2021. 15th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 521–532.

Bryant, R. and Bryant, S. (2020) ‘Incidents Involving Deaths’, in Blackstone’s Handbook for Policing Students 2021. 15th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 242–245.

College of Policing (2024) Major Investigation and Public Protection, College of Policing. Available at: https://www.college.police.uk/app/major-investigation-and-public-protection (Accessed: 11 June 2024).

Connor, P. (2024) Blackstone’s police investigators’ manual 2024. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Cook, T., Hibbitt, S. and Hill, M. (2016) Blackstone’s Crime Investigators’ Handbook. 2nd edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

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).

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

Nilsen, J.-A., Aaserud, T. and Filstad, C. (2018) ‘Learning how to lead police investigations’, International Journal of Police Science & Management, 20(3), pp. 185–195. doi:10.1177/1461355718793662.

NPCC (2021) Major Crime Investigation Manual (MCIM 2021). Available at: https://library.college.police.uk/docs/NPCC/Major-Crime-Investigation-Manual-Nov-2021.pdf (Accessed: 10 June 2024).

Risan, P., Binder, P.-E. and Milne, R. (2016) ‘Regulating and coping with distress during police interviews of traumatized victims.’, Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 8(6), pp. 736–744. doi:10.1037/tra0000119.

Building on the foundations of year 1 and 2, this module explores advanced skills and specialist support relating to complex investigations. With a focus on real-time and dynamic investigations students will learn to effectively manage and escalate critical investigations and intelligence while drawing on a variety of experts to achieve appropriate outcomes. The module emphasises the value of collaborative working and the use of experts to resolve complex live or cold cases. Viewed through the lens of advanced and specialist investigations, techniques and theory are linked back to volume and priority crime to encourage innovate approaches to routine police activities.