Policing, Law and Investigation BSc (Hons) (Top-Up)

The aims of this module is to provide an opportunity for students to carry out an in-depth study of a topic or issue based in, or closely allied to Policing by independent study. The module will continue to develop students skills in the role of research in Policing and examine some of the main theories and methodologies used in social science and develop an understanding of the application of theory and methodology to research practice.

The student will then develop their ability to understand and define clearly a problem or area for further study. The students will develop the ability to extract relevant material from an in depth literature review using primary and secondary sources, using this information to inform the deign of their research study, in order to undertake an original investigation using acceptable research methodologies. Finally, the student will critically analyse and interpret results, to present a coherent and critical account of the work developing time management skills and achieving a measure of independence, demonstrating proficiency in academic writing/referencing.

The aim of this module is for the student to consider the chronological development of the nature and threat from international serious and organised crime and the impact it is having on 21st century society law enforcement, and communities. Students will study the origins and evolution of Serious Organised Crime, the key characteristics and the synthesis of crime type and crime groups. The impact of Human Intelligence on Serious Organised Crime, and how the criminal use of technology is central to the threat. 

The module covers the topics of emergence of serious and organised crime as a social problem, an examination of its history and scale; the typology of crime, its actors, causes and objectives; high policing response to national and transnational organised crime. An examination of the key roles and responsibilities of responsible institutions and influential policy and politics; Local, National and Transnational intelligence sharing and offender management across permeable and open borders. The challenges presented to communities and neighbourhood policing, and approaches to community engagement, reassurance, and the interpretation and application of threat analysis.

This module aims to develop a critical evaluation of the effect drug and alcohol abuse has on individuals and society in the United Kingdom (UK). Students will apply sociological, historical, psychological, and cultural issues which influence the use of such substances and the political strategies to address the harm caused by both alcohol and controlled drugs. Students will critically interpret the influence of the media and glamourisation, in addition they will compare the effectiveness of the UK police and multi-agency approaches when compared to decriminalisation and rehabilitation approaches of other countries. 

Students will study the impact of alcohol abuse on individuals and society; Alcohol the driver of crime and disorder; Alcohol and associated strategies; Glamorisation of alcohol use; The political and economic influence of policing alcohol use; Rehabilitation methods and other approaches to alcohol use. Additionally, the impact of drug abuse on individuals and society; History of the criminalisation of drug use in the United Kingdom; Drug Strategies and the impact of drugs on crime and disorder.

The aim of this module is to acquaint students with knowledge and understanding of the key issues and debates with regards to multi-agency working in the context of protecting vulnerable children and adults who become or are at risk of being victims of crime. During this module, key guidance and preventive models will be discussed which will lead to the recognition of what are the key issues that prevent effective multi-agency working and their impact on service delivery.

This module will focus on all aspects of public protection in terms of how police manage criminal investigations and reduce the risks to the individual. Additionally, the prevention of risk towards the victim and how offenders are managed identifying key issues, which students will need to analyse and evaluate in terms of multi-agency working. The module outlines key processes in criminal justice, including risk assessment and the planning and delivery of interventions to tackle dangerous offending. Students will critically review the term ‘safeguarding’ and how interventions can be put in place to reduce the risk to individuals and protect the public.

Students will use the Hydra Immersive Learning Suite, which is directly relatable to their assessment. Students will use this facility for ecological validity, to enhance their decision making skills for future practice. 

This module builds on previous investigation-based learning in the IP6620/IP6614 modules and prepares the student for a career in an investigative environment. The module aims to enable students to understand and identify legislative, ethical and professional considerations and demonstrate the application (through a case study) of the highly technical skills required when conducting digital crime investigation evaluating the relevant legislation, national policy and specialist support structures available to investigators and the support of vulnerable victims and witnesses. The student will recognise and acknowledge community and business considerations when conducting digital crime investigations whilst keeping a balanced, professional and objective approach.