Overview

This module explores the identification and differences in complex and major crime and the Police responses within murder and homicide cases. In addition the module also deals with newer developments such as prison crime revolving around organised crime. The module will cover the key roles of an investigation and the considerations of an SIO dealing with a reactive serious complex and major crime. Students will research the different investigative strategies, responses, and structure of an investigation.

The module syllabus with examine these key areas:

Understanding complex and major crime and contributory factors in relation to murder/ homicide investigations and prison crime in relation to organised crime networks.

Criminal Law Procedures - key roles, responsibilities, responses to complex and major crime investigation such as murder and prison crime around Organised Crime Groups.

Managing reactive complex and major crime - the role of an SIO and critical incident management, decision-making an accountability.

Managing effective multi-agency partnership working in this specialised area.

Managing community reassurance and impact of serious and major crime investigation.

Managing the resilience and well being of staff, witnesses and victims in the management of crime investigation in these traumatic environments.

Assessment Strategy

50-59% / C- to C+ -Threshold / Pass Students should be able to describe, understand and reflect on the management of processes within criminal investigation of complex and major crime in the specialised fields of study. Students present written work that is generally comprehensible and focuses on the question directly.

60-69% B- to B+ -Good/Merit Students should be able to explain with accuracy and critically appreciate and reflect on the management of processes within criminal investigation of complex and major crime in the specialised fields of study, and apply them to current topic/s and locate these within a wider social and political context; show evidence of understanding of a range of complex material and summarise arguments with accuracy.

70% + / A- to A* -Excellent/distinction Students should be able to engage in critical analysis and reflection on a wide and complex range of material and summarise the arguments with accuracy; relate an understanding of reflect on the management of processes within criminal investigation of complex and major crime in the specialised fields of study. Present written work of a high level of accuracy, fluency and sophistication.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically assess and explain the structures of investigative responses and roles within the Police and other agencies.

• Critically evaluate the role of a Senior Investigating Officer in the management and leadership of criminal investigations.

• Gain a systematic understanding and evaluate the management of Police response to serious and major crime.

• Outline and critically evaluate the contributory factors to serious and major crime.

• Systematically demonstrate critical and advanced decision- making skills within processes and current practices in leadership and management of serious and major crime investigations.