Professional Policing BSc (Hons)

During this module you will explore the principles that underpin research design and planning, information retrieval and critical appraisal of scientific evidence, data collection, basic statistical analysis, and dissemination of research findings. You will also gain module experience in drafting a research proposal.

Do you know how particular groups of people may be considered as being ‘vulnerable’. This vulnerability can be different in nature and can be caused by a variety of societal, personal and contextual factors. It can be exploited by types and groups of offenders. This module then explores that relationship in more detail in the context of vulnerability – and how an understanding of the theories/concepts involved can make you a more effective practitioner. This will also mean that you will have to think about your own personal standards and attitudes when dealing with vulnerable people as a policing practitioner. 

 There are a variety of procedures and arrangements that exist to ensure that vulnerable people are protected from harm. You will learn about how Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) are in place to monitor and deal with risky and potentially dangerous offenders, and how Multi Agency Safeguarding Hubs (MASH) work to ensure Safeguarding arrangements for potentially vulnerable adults and children. You will understand how policing plays a role in these processes, together with the importance of working with other agencies. 

Develop understanding, skills and capabilities to handle intelligence, investigate crimes and consider more complex issues which impact on conducting investigations and gathering information/intelligence.

 Conducting Investigations: ‘volume and priority’ crime and ‘serious and complex’ investigations; gathering information/intelligence and extend your understanding of psychological and physiological influences on memory and how this impacts upon interviewing. 

Information and Intelligence: developing, gathering and storing of intelligence, legal frameworks, using intelligence in complex enquiries, maintaining information integrity and security. You will explore the legislation applicable to the gathering of information and intelligence, including the correct use and application of search warrants; learn how to use the National Intelligence Model (NIM), the concepts of risk (Actionable intelligence, Developmental intelligence), management of risk in law enforcement and methods of analysis and evaluation of information and intelligence; and the police tasking and co-ordination process. 

Digital Policing: how criminals engage in complex internet-related crime (Hacking, Malware, Denial of service, Data manipulation, etc); digital investigative opportunities (including: Using IP (Internet Protocol) resolution, Services used, for example, social media, emails, messaging, Data held on devices, for example, smartphones, satnavs, laptops); the role of specialists in retrieving information/intelligence or evidence from devices and how to understand and interpret results of specialised reports.  

You will enhance your understanding of the complexity and challenges of modern operational policing by examining specific challenges faced by response officers in complex situations and contexts exploring the complex types of digital-facilitated crimes and their impacts (e.g. Hacking; Malware; Phishing: Browser hi-jacking; Data manipulation; Cryptocurrency and CryptoLocker offences). Researching the effect of roads-related anti-social behaviour offences on victims and families and on groups of people who are especially vulnerable in the road’s environment. 

The module will enhance your understanding of the appropriate powers to stop and search a person as well explain the potential impact of a search or stop on individuals and communities. It will enhance your understanding of the purpose and value of community engagement. The aims and benefits of community engagement and the typology of community engagement. 

This will increase understanding of street gang culture and their power within communities. Reducing knife crime. It will explain strategies for how those involved in response policing can remain effective in an increasingly challenging environment. 

Does Policing have a unique and challenging place within contemporary society? The role that police play in preventing crime is always changing and evolving, particularly in the face of some modern issues. Vulnerable victims being exploited by criminal gangs and organised crime groups operating in communities, are two of the problems that will be looked at in this context.

Crime prevention is a topic that has been looked at throughout the degree. In this module it will be considered from the point of view of how it can make a difference in preventing young people potentially getting involved in crime. It will also be looked at through the aspect of media coverage – and how effects people’s perception of crime and their understanding the police role in preventing crime.

The road network is also a place where criminality can potentially flourish. The police also have a responsibility to work collaboratively with other agencies to make the road networks safer and reduce the levels of collisions and deaths. How relevant strategies are developed to deal with these is another of the contemporary challenges that will be looked at in this module. 

Acquire the skills to investigate complex and serious crimes, understand the legislation, assessment and management of potential vulnerabilities of victims/witnesses/suspects, and the impact of trauma on victims, and witnesses. The investigation of serious and complex offences can impact wellbeing, therefore you will learn about welfare of yourself and others during an investigation. You will develop the skills and behaviours of interviewers, how these would need to be adjusted for the nature of the investigation and liaison with interview advisers in the context of complex investigations. 

You will extend your learning on application of the National Intelligence Model (NIM) and its use as a business model, types of assessments in NIM, strategic operations, good practice and areas for development. You will also consider and analyse the potential links between terrorism and other forms of criminality 

Policing by consent is achieved by working within a professional framework to identify policing issues of local concern to the community and of national concern to the country and working with the community and partners to resolve these. Where the police are effective in doing this and communicating the outcomes to the public, confidence and police effectiveness improves. This module will develop your skills in this area, focussing on using an internationally accepted model (SARA) and applying the latest evidence base and research approaches to resolve problems. Using real data and local policing issues you will research approaches and develop potential solutions and interventions to resolve these.