AP0419 - Effective Police Investigation

What will I learn on this module?

You will examine the fundamental principles and practices underpinning a police investigation. Beginning with the legislation and powers governing the recovery and use of investigative and potential evidential material, you will be equipped with the knowledge pertinent to the effective recovery of materials and information. Building through the module, you will study the progressive stages of an investigation: from the knowledge and mind-set required to plan and conduct an investigation, including investigative concepts and decision making models, through to developing and testing an investigative hypothesis, ensuring all appropriate evidence gathering opportunities are explored and full disclosure completed. Learning when to involve other areas, you will become familiar with the roles and knowledge available from other key actors involved in investigations, such as the CPS,forensic specialists, victims and witnesses, ensuring that you have familiarity to support a thorough investigative and interview strategy.

CoP pre-join curriculum learning outcomes: CoP February 2026 v3.0

Core National Learning
Victims and witnesses 6.2
Criminal justice system 1.1, 1.2; 2.1–2.5; 3.1–3.3; 5.1
Neighbourhood, community and partnership working 2.2, 2.3, 2.6–2.9
Information and intelligence 1.1–1.3; 1.1–1.4; 2.1–2.5
Conducting investigations 1.1, 1.2; 2.1–2.1a; 3.1–3.5; 4.1; 5.1; 6.1, 6.2; 7.1–7.2

Core National Supplementary Information
Supporting/Supplementary Material
Conducting investigations

Legal/Reference Material
Conducting investigations

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through a series of different delivery styles which will include traditional taught lectures to cover theoretical aspects, supplemented with seminar and workshop sessions, where you will be a more active learner, applying the theory into practice.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported through active participation and discussion during seminars and workshops. These offer a unique opportunity to fully understand the theory underpinning the principles and practices of a thorough and effective police investigation. All lecture, seminar and workshop material will be available on the University’s eLearning Portal, supplemented with guidance on further reading relevant to the subjects.

Written assessment feedback will also be provided to allow you to understand how you performed and how you can build on this performance in subsequent assessments within your programme.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding: 1. You will acquire the necessary knowledge and understanding to conduct a lawful, safe and effective investigation Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities: 2. You will develop practical skills in the design and implementation of PEACE based interview 3. You will demonstrate knowledge of the relationship between the criminal justice system and policing Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA): 4. You will understand and put into practice the fundamental responsibility of the police service to identify and support those who are vulnerable or at risk

How will I be assessed?

Assessment 1 - coursework Design an Investigative strategy for a given scenario (K&U 1; IPSA 2)
Assessment 2 – coursework 2000 word written assessment on a series of questions designed to illustrate knowledge of the CJS and the requirements for a lawful, safe and effective investigation (K&U 1, 4; IPS 2; PVA 1)

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module provides the theoretical and practical knowledge required to undertake a thorough and effective police investigation. Enriched with the latest research on investigative techniques, you will explore the concepts relating to intelligence based policing and decision-making. Supported by knowledge of the legal and investigative powers in policing, you will cover and practice the range of techniques and methods adopted from the recovery of evidence at a scene through to implementing a PEACE interview strategy. You will become familiar with the roles and knowledge available from other key actors involved in investigations, such as the CPS,forensic specialists, victims and witnesses, ensuring that you have familiarity to support a thorough investigative and interview strategy.

Course info

UCAS Code Z085

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time

School Humanities and Social Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

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The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies. 

 

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