DC5004 - Complex Investigations (PCDA)

What will I learn on this module?

In this module you will delve deeper into investigations, exploring complicating factors that can influence your actions.  

 

You will be given the opportunity to review and analyse a serious complex investigation in an operational context, looking at the initial police response including initial attendance, gathering, and sharing information and intelligence with other agencies, the complexities of a multi-agency response and the concept of community trauma.  

 

In addition, you will explore the challenges of reducing deaths and injuries on the roads particularly in relation to the ‘fatal four’. You will consider any additional actions that may be required according to the complexity of the investigation including coroners’ courts, multi-cultural differences and international enquires. There will also be discussion of the impact of dealing with such investigations on your own wellbeing; the organisational support that is available will be identified. 

 

As part of this module, you will undertake a 2-week attachment to Durhams Prisoner Handling Team, where you will use the skills you have developed during your initial training and operational deployment phase to investigate and interview suspects of crime. You will gather and collate evidence, design interview strategies, and interact with legal representatives and custody staff prior to interviewing suspects. Communicate with, and reassurance of, victims and witnesses will be another important element of your role. You will complete case files for submission to the Crown Prosecution Service.  



The module will cover the following College of Policing learning outcomes:

Core National

Community Policing and Partnership Working year 2 1.1-3.2

Response policing year 2 1.1-3.1

Roads policing year 2 1.1-4.1

Information, Intelligence and Evidence year 2 1.1-2.1

Conducting investigations year 2 1.1-3.1

Core Local

Community Policing and Partnership Working 5.1, 7.1, 7.2

Roads policing 1.1

Information, intelligence and evidence 2.1, 4.1, 5.1 

How will I learn on this module?

This is a dynamic module that will draw upon a wide range of teaching techniques in order to enrich your learning experience. Delivery will include classroom sessions led by subject matter experts and trainers through a blended delivery approach which includes interactive practical exercises. The assessment process will help you to apply academic knowledge to real-world situations. You will also undertake 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.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

As student officers you will be supported through a variety of means including active participation and discussion during classroom sessions. All materials will be available on Blackboard, supplemented by guidance on further reading.  

You will also learn on your attachment with the Prisoner Handling Team where you will be able to utilise your experience and skills in investigation in real situations. You will be able to gain guidance from your module tutor, assessor and workplace coach through Progress Review Meetings and individual tutorials. Written or verbal assessment feedback will be used to enable students to understand how they performed and which aspects can be improved in subsequent assessments. 

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. 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)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding (K&U):  

Critically analyse the police’s responsibilities to a multi-agency response to serious and complex investigations and understand the wider impact on the community. 

Reflect analytically on the impact of serious investigations on responders and understand organisational responsibilities to staff welfare and well being 



Intellectual/Professional skills & abilities (IPSA): 

Demonstrate the ability to manage diverse sources of information and intelligence to formulate effective strategies and a co-ordinated response to a serious and complicated multi-agency incident  

 

Show critical awareness and apply best practice when conducting a serious and complex investigation and apply this practice for building case files and managing exhibits. 



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

Demonstrate ethical and professional approaches to complex investigations and use these to participate in interviews, employing differing strategies according to the investigation.

How will I be assessed?

Group Interactive electronic ‘paper-feed’ – based around a real life or fictitious serious incident.



Prisoner Handling Team Investigative workbook – to be completed on PHT attachment.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module will introduce you to the range of factors that need to be considered when conducting an investigation into a complex incident. Using a case study approach, you will consider the appropriate relationships with, and responses to, all the agencies, members of the public and colleagues involved.

Course info

Credits 40

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 30 months Full Time

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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