Run by School of History, Law and Social Sciences

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Prof Martina Feilzer

This module provides students with training on how to evaluate and analyse different approaches in evidence based policing. Students will learn to evaluate different options and solutions to a range of policing problems. Additionally, students will learn how to design research questions and conduct empirical research. The module is designed to take students through all aspects of the research process, beginning with debates concerning the philosophy of research, issues of research design, quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis as well as contemporary issues relating to the online world and the politics of research. The module will include training on how to apply qualitative and quantitative techniques and interpret findings from criminological and policing research.

Indicative course content:

-Evidence based policing – concept and use in contemporary policing -The foundations of research methods -Research questions and design -Quantitative methods and analyses – surveys, ‘big date’, content analyses -Qualitative methods and analyses – interviews and focus groups, visual data -Mixed Methods research -Limitations of evidence based policing

good

C- to B+ Assessment is based on the degree of engagement with academic literature and student's ability to summarise and critically analyse theory. For a good and very good grade, there will be good engagement with the academic literature, reflected in the use of a wide range of academic sources; the discussion of the academic theory will go beyond mere description and there will be a critical analysis of theory and how it is applied to policing practice.

excellent

A- to A+ Assessment is based on the degree of engagement with academic literature and student's ability to summarise and critically analyse theory. For an excellent grade, there will be extensive engagement with the relevant academic literature; a sophisticated presentation of academic theory and a well developed critical analysis of theory. Students will show an excellent grasp of how theory relates to practice.

threshold

D- to D+ Assessment is based on the degree of engagement with academic literature and student's ability to summarise and critically analyse theory. For a threshold grade, engagement with the academic literature is weak; the student's ability to summarise theory will be mainly descriptive; and there will be little critical analysis and understanding of how theory relates to policing practice.

1. Examine the strengths and weaknesses of a range of research methods

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the foundations of research methods

3. Show a critical understanding of the range of research methods available for evidence based policing

4. Show a critical appreciation of the issues involved in the design, planning, conduct, and end product(s) of research methods

5. Demonstrate an understanding of the issues around the management, analysis and presentation of data from research methods

6. Be able to apply particular methods or a selection of methods appropriately with regard to evidence based policing

Type	Name	Description	Weight
	Literature Review		50.00
	Research Proposal		50.00

		Hours
Laboratory	4 two-hour computer lab sessions	8
Workshop	2-hour workshop	24
Private study		168

• 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
• 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.
• Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
• 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

• Competence and confidence in using evidence in policing including identifying and deploying a range of research strategies including qualitative and quantitative methods and the use of published data sources and to select and apply appropriate strategies for specific research problems
• Understanding the role of strategic planning, mentoring, and leadership in policing
• 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
• Gather, retrieve and synthesise data and information; reporting and presenting data analyses graphically and in writing

Compulsory in courses:

• L436: BSc Professional Policing (Pre-join) year 2 (BSC/PP)