Overview

This module introduces students to the workings of the criminal justice system and the main theoretical approaches in the contemporary study of crime and victimisation. The theories examined will be relevant to crime prevention strategies and operational policing and include environmental and life-course theories.

-Introduction to the criminal justice system and its constituent parts -Introduction to concepts of crime, victimisation, vulnerability and harm -Introduction to the main theories in relation to criminal behaviour - criminal careers and desistance; rational choice theory and situational crime prevention -Understanding vulnerability and how to respond to public protection incidents -Understanding how to deal with victim and witnesses from initial contact to support through the criminal justice system -Understanding of digital crime and the processing of digital evidence

Assessment Strategy

-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

-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

-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

• Critically assess the main criminological and sociological theories and their impact on policing practice including theories of policing such as procedural justice.

• Critically discuss the workings and legal frameworks of the criminal justice system, its constituent parts and the police service's role within it.

• To be able to explain in depth the importance of evidence-based policing in practice and critically discuss its application to policing practice.

• To discuss in depth the key offences and legislation relating to digital policing and to be able to act appropriately to gather and process digital evidence.

• To understand and be able to discuss in detail the key terms and offences relating to 'public protection' policing as well as the vulnerabilities of those involved and when to draw on multi-agency support available in managing public protection incidents.

• To understand and be able to discuss in detail the range of factors that can contribute to vulnerability and to be able to apply appropriate actions to support and safeguard individuals who are vulnerable, have suffered harm and/or are at risk of harm and to conduct yourself in an ethical and professional approach in such incidents.