Overview

This module provides students with an understanding of the ways in which, within England and Wales, crime comes to the attention of the authorities, how crime is measured, how crime is policed, how accused persons are brought to trial, and those who are convicted are sentenced and punished. Additionally, it introduces students to the main theoretical frameworks developed to explain crime and victimisation. It explores criminal careers, risks and vulnerabilities among victims and offenders; and environmental criminological theories such as rational choice theory. Building on these frameworks, students will learn about the main forms of crime prevention used in England and Wales as well as key policing models used to prevent and respond to crime.

This module introduces students to the workings of the criminal justice system and the main theoretical approaches in the contemporary study of crime and victimisation. The theories examined will be relevant to crime prevention strategies and operational policing and include environmental and life-course theories.

-Introduction to the criminal justice system and its constituent parts -Introduction to concepts of crime, victimisation, vulnerability and harm -Introduction to the main theories in relation to criminal behaviour - criminal careers and desistance; rational choice theory and situational crime prevention -Understanding vulnerability and how to respond to public protection incidents -Understanding how to deal with victim and witnesses from initial contact to support through the criminal justice system -Understanding of digital crime and the processing of digital evidence.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Acceptable work = Grades D+ to DVery little critical analysis of relevant academic literature, legislation and police procedureLimited use of relevant texts and academic literature (texts suggested in class)Heavy reliance on real world examples and experiences to illustrate theory in practiceLimited but accurate use of citation and quotation

-good -Good work = Grades B+ to CSome critical analysis of relevant academic literature, legislation and police procedureUse of relevant texts and academic literature (texts suggested in class)General use of real world examples and experiences to illustrate theory in practiceAccurate use of citation and quotation

-excellent -Excellent work = Grades A* to ASignificant critical analysis of relevant academic literature, legislation and police procedureUse of relevant texts and academic literature (including the texts suggested in class + other students have found through independent study)Where relevant use of real world examples and experiences to illustrate theory in practiceAccurate use of citation and quotation

Learning Outcomes

• Critically assess the main criminological and sociological theories and their impact on policing practice including theories of policing such as procedural justice; and theories on offending behaviour.

• Critically discuss in detail the key terms and offences relating to 'public protection' policing as well as the vulnerabilities of those involved and when to draw on multi-agency support available in managing public protection incidents.

• Critically discuss in detail the range of factors that can contribute to vulnerability and to be able to apply appropriate actions to support and safeguard individuals who are vulnerable, have suffered harm and/or are at risk of harm and to conduct yourself in an ethical and professional approach in such incidents.

• Critically discuss the workings and legal frameworks of the criminal justice system, its constituent parts and the police service's role within it.

• Explain in depth the importance of evidence-based policing in practice and critically discuss its application to policing practice.

• Summarise the key offences and legislation relating to digital policing and to be able to act appropriately to gather and process digital evidence.