DC4018 - Operational Policing Practice (PCDA)

On this module you will primarily learn through placements and work-based learning; both involve learning that is derived from observing, reflecting, and doing a job of work and taking on a role in the workplace.

To support you during phases of work-based learning you will be supported appropriately by your tutor constable and the wider police department within which you will be working. Tutor constables provide support and encouragement with regard to your work-related experiences so that you can further develop those skills and abilities that are essential in an effective operational Police Constable. Tutor Constables will assist you to develop professional abilities necessary to undertake independent workplace experience in the range of practical policing situations you would be expected to deal with competently as a Police Constable in order to achieve Independent Patrol Status.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge and Understanding (K&U):

Interpret and act upon knowledge and understanding of key principles of policing practice and be able to apply those principles during operational deployment.



Intellectual/Professional Skills & Abilities (IPSA): 

Reflect on knowledge learnt and implement into policing duties including policing the roads and communities, and conduct investigations, effectively and ethically.

Demonstrate the practical ability and necessary standards required for the role of a Police Constable to achieve levels of competence needed to undertake Independent Patrol Status relevant to the role of a Police Constable.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA): 

Demonstrate the use of autonomy and professional discretion to the role of the Police Constable and in line with the standards of professional behaviour.

Summative Assessment

Assessment Component 001: Achieving Independent Patrol Status (IPS): the assessment of applied skills in the workplace will examine the links to underpinning theory, knowledge and understanding from the curriculum. This will be on a Pass/Fail basis. MLO 1, 2, 3, 4.

Opportunities for formative assessment and feedback include: ongoing feedback on performance during operational practice.



To achieve IPS, the Operational Competence Portfolio should provide evidence of the learner's continuing development of knowledge skills and experience (and, by implication, professional practice) throughout the first year of the programme, up to when the learner is put forward for Independent Patrol Status.

This evidence will be of two broad types:



Assessment criteria for Independent Patrol (IPS) will be collated in an Occupational Competency Portfolio (OCP).

Entries in the portfolio should provide evidence of safe and lawful professional practice around the criteria *1 to 10 (see OCP assessment)



Evidence supporting operational competence gathered and presented in the OCP at any stage during the learning programme should conform to the following key underpinning principles:



* Validity - The legitimacy of the evidence provided e.g. body-worn camera footage may be deemed more valid than the account of a fellow learner

* Authenticity - Is the evidence truthful and honest or has it been fabricated?

* Currency - Is the evidence relevant to what is currently being assessed?

*Sufficiency - Is there sufficient evidence on which to make an assessment judgement? 

N/A

N/A

This year long module culminates in an extended period of operational practice where you apply, in the workplace, skills and knowledge learnt on integrated year one modules. You demonstrate (under supervision) supported application and awareness of certain competencies relating to the role of the Police Constable. An extended period of (supported) operational patrol runs from approximately week 20 onwards in year one.



During this period, you will be introduced to a range of operational experience, and it is expected that you will achieve Independent Patrol Status (IPS) towards the end of level 4 (i.e., year one). Evidence presented in the OCP will be reviewed, approximately, on a five-weekly basis by the Assessor and constructive feedback will be given. Under the guidance and supervision of your Assessor, once you are satisfied that the evidence is sufficient you will submit it for summative assessment. The achievement of IPS at level 4 provides a gateway to level 5. Please note, as this is a degree-based apprenticeship, before being confirmed as having achieved IPS, apprentices must have successfully completed all degree modules containing learning and development and professional practice linked to IPS.