Module SXY-1012:
Police Investigations
Module Facts
Run by School of History, Law and Social Sciences
20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits
Semester 1 & 2
Organiser: Mr Graham Talbot
Overall aims and purpose
This module introduces students to the principles, purpose, and skills of conducting criminal investigations. Students will examine the fundamental principles and legal frameworks of conducting investigations and will learn about crime scene examination and collecting evidence. This will include crime scene investigation as well as the principles and legislation relating to conducting interviews with suspects and victims of crime.
Course content
Indicative course content:
-Principles and legal framework of investigating crime in England and Wales -Crime Scene preservation -Evidence gathering including interviews with suspects, search and entry powers, etc -Interviewing Suspects – the PEACE process -Technology and its use in the investigation process -Investigation processes for specific types of crime – e.g. hate crime, domestic violence, public order, etc
Assessment Criteria
excellent
Comprehensive knowledge. Original interpretation. New links between topics are developed. New approach to a problem Detailed understanding of the subject area. Extensive background study. No factual/ computational errors Highly focused answer and well structured. Logically presented and defended arguments All claims are supported and evidenced from valid sources. Sources are cited and referenced to Harvard standards
good
Knowledge of key areas/principles. No original interpretation. Only major links between topics are described. Limited problem solving Understands the main elements of the subject area. Limited evidence of background study. Has several factual/computational errors Answer focused on question but also with some irrelevant material and weaknesses in structure. Arguments presented but lack coherence Some claims are supported with evidence from valid sources. Some sources are cited/referenced to Harvard standards
C- to C+
Knowledge of key areas/principles only. No original interpretation. Only major links between topics are described. Limited problem solving Weaknesses in understanding of the subject area. Limited evidence of background study. Several factual/computational errors Answer only poorly focused on question and with some irrelevant material and poor structure. Arguments presented but lack coherence Most claims are unsupported or supported only by evidence from invalid sources. Little content is cited and referenced to Harvard standards Many weaknesses in presentation and accuracy
Learning outcomes
-
- Understand the legislation and supporting principles relating to police interviews
-
Understand the difference between 'volume and priority' crime and 'serious and complex' crime and the relevance to the investigative process
-
- Understand the types of evidence that may be obtained during an investigation
-
- Examine fundamental principles, legislation and powers related to conducting investigations
-
- Understand the structure and processes in relation to conducting an investigation
-
- Explain the appropriate processes for gathering and managing evidence/information that may be pertinent to an investigation
Assessment Methods
Type | Name | Description | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Explaining the investigative processes | 50.00 | ||
Interview scenario | 50.00 |
Teaching and Learning Strategy
Hours | ||
---|---|---|
Seminar | Weekly Interactive seminars and workshops with student interaction |
28 |
Lecture | Weekly Lecture |
22 |
Private study | private study |
150 |
Transferable skills
- Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
- Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
- Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
- Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
- Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
- Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
- Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
- Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
- Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations
- Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
- Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
- Mentoring - Able to support, help, guide, inspire and/or coach others
- Caring - Showing concern for others; caring for children, people with disabilities and/or the elderly
- Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
- Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
- Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
Subject specific skills
- Crime investigation processes, criminal justice, and complex crimes
- Apply different policing models and communication skills as situations require
- Understanding of national decision model and the Code of Ethics in Policing to guide discretion
- Recognise individuals' vulnerabilities and situations of risk (to self and others)
- Ability to locate, manage, and analyse secondary data, as well as generating and evaluating empirical evidence
- Appreciate the complexity and diversity of the ways in which crime is constituted, represented and dealt with; and making reasoned arguments
- Assess the merits of competing theories relevant to crime, victimisation and policing as well as other responses to crime and deviance
Resources
Resource implications for students
nil
Talis Reading list
http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/sxy-1012.htmlReading list
e books and books available from library
Courses including this module
Compulsory in courses:
- L436: BSc Professional Policing (Pre-join) year 1 (BSC/PP)