DA4080 - Police Investigations and Processes (PCDA)

You will learn through participation in lectures, as well as interactive in-class tasks and discussions around problem solving and decision-making. Students will also participate in simulated interviews and searching of crime scene facilities. The module also includes a combination of methods to support learning, including lectures, practical seminar sessions, guided learning supported were appropriate by relevant cases studies. Topics will normally be introduced in the classroom and explored through theoretic and practical exercises (helping you develop the skills needed) and guided learning activities. You will be encouraged to develop independent learning skills.

The university library offers support for all students through its catalogue and an Ask4Help online service.

As a student officer you will be supported through on-going formative feedback related to participation in interactive class tasks and skills, both verbal and written. Academic tutors from the police force and the various departments within the university are engaged with the delivery of this module and offer additional support where needed.


You will be supported through active participation and discussions during classes, these offer a unique opportunity to fully understand the theory underpinning the principles and practices of a thorough and effective police investigation. All taught 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.

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 & Understanding (K&U):  

K&U 1

Examine fundamental principles, legislation and powers related to conducting investigations and how to operate within relevant legislation/guidance underpinning information and intelligence in policing.

 

Intellectual/Professional skills & abilities (IPSA): 

IPSA 1

Appreciate the ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities required of practitioners in these disciplines.

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

PVA 1

Communicate and present written investigative findings in such ways that they meet the expected standards.

Students will undertake two assessments for this module - one will be a multiple-choice examination to test their knowledge and understanding of investigation and intelligence. The other, will be the submission of a case file related document linked to a case study investigation.

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This module introduces criminal investigations and police processes. The module covers the various stages of the law enforcement process, from the legislation/guidance underpinning information and intelligence to the provision of materials for disclosure by the Crown Prosecution Service. In doing so the module examines broad themes such as how information and intelligence held by other agencies can help police operations to specific ones such as things to consider when responding to an incident. It necessarily covers the fundamental principles, legislation and powers related to such activities as well as the police processes that are derived from these.

The core of the module provides a detailed examination of the processes involved in conducting investigations. The module considers the appropriate approaches and/or processes for both responding to and attending incidents as well as gathering and managing evidence/information and carrying out investigations at the crime scene and elsewhere. In doing so it examines the nature and management of evidence and its use within court process.

In addition, the module considers police ethics and how the police support the vulnerable, victims and witnesses but also the responsibilities and procedures for detaining and escorting suspects to and once within custody. It also explores processes surrounding the building of effective case files such as the securing of evidence and the management of exhibits. It also considers the data protection and the general management of management of information and intelligence.



The module will take a Research Led and Orientated approach, the module is structured around subject content, and that content is based on the research and practices of a modern-day police service although it involves students actively enquiring, discussing, and engaging with the content.