Overview

This module introduces students to the concepts of vulnerability and risk in the context of the criminal justice system.

Vulnerability and risk are at the core of criminal justice practice – from policing to sentencing in the courts. Using real-life case studies, students will develop their understanding of how different forms of vulnerabilities can affect how victims, witnesses and suspects experience the criminal justice system. Students will apply risk assessments to individuals using scenario-based work.

The module provides real insights into the workings of the criminal justice system and how this is experienced differently by vulnerable individuals. Vulnerabilities and risks relate to personal, social and situational circumstances that students will be able to relate to.

You will learn how individual experiences of the criminal justice system are shaped by conceptions of vulnerability and risk and how vulnerabilities and risk factors can impact on criminal justice outcomes.

The module will be assessed by completing a vulnerability assessment and a risk assessment applied in the criminal justice process, scenarios will be provided.

Students will gain knowledge and understanding of policing in a number of areas including: • The context of contemporary policing, police culture, models of policing (including community policing and evidence-based policing). • The development, role, organisation and governance of efforts to reduce and prevent crime and harm, and to ensure personal and public safety and security in different locations. • Trends in crime and victimisation; different forms of crime and their social organisation. • Different theoretical approaches to the study, analysis and explanation of vulnerability and risk.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Have a basic knowledge of key definitions, legislation and guidance associated with vulnerability, risk and public protection in the context of operational policing. Be able to provide a basic account of the strengths and weaknesses of key policing policies and procedures. Have a basic understanding of the drivers for dealing professionally and ethically with vulnerability, risk and public protection matters in the context of operational policing. (D)

-good -Have strong knowledge of key definitions, legislation and guidance associated with vulnerability, risk and public protection in the context of operational policing. Be able to provide a basic account of the strengths and weaknesses of key policing policies and procedures. Be able to provide an account of the strengths and weaknesses of key policing policies and procedures and national guidance that shows engagement with the extant literature. Have the ability to present and interpret the drivers for dealing professionally and ethically with vulnerability, risk and public protection matters clearly and concisely. (B)

-excellent -Have a comprehensive knowledge of key legislation and research associated with vulnerability, risk and public protection and be able to critically engage with these. Be able to provide an account of the strengths and weaknesses of key research in these areas that demonstrates engagement with the extant literature. Demonstrate the ability to present and interpret research findings critically and concisely in the context of national drivers for dealing professionally and ethically with vulnerability, risk and public protection. (A)

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of vulnerability and risk in operational policing, including in public protection and public order policing

• Examine how vulnerable people may respond to policing and wider criminal justice

• Identify the personal and external factors influencing vulnerability and risk and how these may interact in the context of crime, victimisation and the criminal justice system

• Thoroughly understand the concept and assessment of risk and its use in sentencing, probation and prison