Module HPO-2016:
PCDA Investigating organised criminality
Module Facts
Run by School of History, Law and Social Sciences
20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits
Semester 1 & 2
Overall aims and purpose
This module builds on experiences gained during the year 1 modules ‘Police Investigations and Response Policing’ and ‘Core Issues in Policing’. The module will examine several aspects of organised criminal behaviour and the related challenges in conducting investigations into it. Particular attention will be paid to the issue of counter terrorism and the key aspects of the information gathering process. The skills related to evaluating and analysing intelligence from various sources on criminal activity will also be critically discussed.
Course content
This module examines different aspects of police investigation and the intelligence gathering process. Classes will examine key theoretical and procedural aspects of investigating criminal behaviour. Students will reflect on current issues and the challenges faced in investigating terrorist activity.
Workshops
1 Conducting Investigations: Examining the investigation process
2 Conducting Investigations: Interview methods and processes
3 Information and Intelligence: Gathering and evaluating information and intelligence 1
4 Information and Intelligence: Gathering and evaluating information and intelligence 2
5 Counter Terrorism: Organisation and structure of counter terrorism policing
6 Counter Terrorism: Theories and research
7 Reviewing module content
8 Reviewing module content
In addition to the classes provided distance learning based material (this will include Panopto recordings, video resources and web based learning resources) will be provided via blackboard to supplement students learning. Students will be expected to access these resources following workshops in order to assist in the completion of assessment tasks and further explore key learning outcomes.
Assessment Criteria
good
Good work = Grades B+ to C-
Some critical analysis of relevant academic literature, legislation and police procedure
Use of relevant texts and academic literature (texts suggested in class)
General use of real world examples and experiences to illustrate theory in practice
Accurate use of citation and quotation
threshold
Acceptable work = Grades D+ to D-
Very little critical analysis of relevant academic literature, legislation and police procedure
Limited use of relevant texts and academic literature (texts suggested in class)
Heavy reliance on real world examples and experiences to illustrate theory in practice
Limited but accurate use of citation and quotation
excellent
Excellent work = Grades A* to A-
Significant critical analysis of relevant academic literature, legislation and police procedure
Use 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 practice
Accurate use of citation and quotation
Learning outcomes
-
Understand how to make use of sources of intelligence that can be obtained during a complex investigations - Learning outcome 2
-
Understand processes of investigating complex crimes - Learning outcome 1
-
Understand how to apply learning from previous investigations (and/or interviewing) to future investigations - Learning outcome 3
-
Review methods of gathering and evaluating relevant intelligence during complex investigations - Learning outcome 4
-
Examine the key principles and practices relating to counter terrorism policing - Learning outcome 5
Assessment Methods
Type | Name | Description | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Investigating Organised Criminality Essay | 50.00 | ||
Reflective coursework based on portfolio development | 50.00 |
Teaching and Learning Strategy
Hours | ||
---|---|---|
Workshop | Students will attend 8 half day workshops and review online learning resources |
28 |
Work-based learning | Development of the OCP and work as a Police Constable are a key part of the module. |
172 |
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
- Leadership - Able to lead and manage, develop action plans and objectives, offer guidance and direction to others, and cope with the related pressures such authority can result in
Resources
Talis Reading list
http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/hpo-2016.htmlReading list
Bammer, Gabriele; (2010), Dealing with Uncertainties in Policing Serious Crime, HYPERLINK "https://whel-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=TN_jstor_books_oaj.ctt24hbrf&context=U&vid=44WHELF_BANG_VU4&lang=en_US"Canberra: ANU E Press, Open Access Books (JSTOR)
Roth, Mitchel P. (2010), Global organized crime a reference handbook, Santa Barbara, Calif. : ABC-CLIO, Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL)
Jones, Seth G. ; Libicki, Martin C., (2008), How Terrorist Groups End - Lessons for Countering al Qa'ida, HYPERLINK "https://whel-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=TN_jstor_books_oamg741rc&context=U&vid=44WHELF_BANG_VU4&lang=en_US"Santa Monica, CA; Arlington, VA; Pittsburgh, PA: RAND Corporation Open Access Books (JSTOR)
Felia Allum ; Francesca Longo ; Daniela Irrera ; Panos A. Kostakos, (2010), Defining and Defying Organised Crime: Discourse, Perceptions and Reality, Taylor & Francis eBooks A-Z (Taylor & Francis Group)
Michael L. Benson ; Sally S. Simpson, (2009), White Collar Crime: An Opportunity Perspective, Taylor & Francis eBooks A-Z (Taylor & Francis Group)
Frank Madsen, (2009), Transnational Organized Crime, Taylor & Francis eBooks A-Z (Taylor & Francis Group)
Courses including this module
Compulsory in courses:
- L438: BSc Professional Policing Practice (Degree Apprenticeship) year 2 (BSC/PPP)