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

Information, Intelligence & Evidence

Conducting Investigations

The module incorporates all the required learning outcomes and indicative content from the College of Policing.



See Appendix 1 for more information.

Students will be required to complete a 2000-word operational case study. This will review and reflect upon a complex investigation they have been involved in. It will include the application of theory, critical analysis, and use of recognised strategies, legislation, and Authorised Professional Practice (APP) to demonstrate their understanding complex investigations.

Learning for this module will be based around students committing 200 hours of study this being split between 40 hours of direct contact with teaching staff and 160 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 visualisation, and digital communication.

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

Knowledge and Understanding, Application


Understand 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 reflect on its application in effective operational decision-making.

Application, Reflection


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

Knowledge and Understanding, Application, Reflection

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

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) 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).

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).

CPS (2021) Victims and witnesses: Care and treatment, Victims and Witnesses: Care and Treatment | The Crown Prosecution Service. Available at: https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/victims-and-witnesses-care-and-treatment (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.

HMICFRS (2024) An inspection of the West Midlands regional response to serious and organised crime, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services. Available at: https://hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/publication-html/inspection-of-the-west-midlands-regional-response-to-serious-and-organised-crime/#regional-findings (Accessed: 11 June 2024

Home Office (2018) Serious and Organised Crime Strategy. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/752850/SOC-2018-web.pdf (Accessed: 9 June 2022).

Home Office (2018) Serious and organised crime: Home Office research priorities 2018/19 – 2020/21. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_d ata/file/901066/serious-and-organised-crime-research-priorities-horr105.pdf (Accessed: 9 June 2022).

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.

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.

NCA (2021) ‘National Strategic Assessment of Serious and Organised Crime’. Available at: https://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/who-we-are/publications/533-national-strategicassessment-of-serious-and-organised-crime-2021/file (Accessed: 9 June 2022).

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.

Roman-Urrestarazu, A. et al. (2019) ‘Brexit threatens the UK’s ability to tackle illicit drugs and organised crime: What needs to happen now?’, Health Policy, 123(6), pp. 521–525. doi:10.1016/j.healthpol.2019.04.005.

Blackboard VLE¿

MS Teams¿

University library and associated online learning materials.¿

Live streaming/recording equipment/software.¿

This module seeks to develop your knowledge and understanding in relation to a range of issues such as matters relating to serious and complex criminality, the impact of abuse on victims and decision making within the context of complex crime investigation. It also includes areas relevant to your operational work such as interviewing skills in complex investigations, briefing and disclosure and covert methods and authorities. There will also be a practical day to develop your presentation and briefing skills.



This module will be taught over one week and will be delivered by University lecturers and Police training staff.