PC0S006 - Police Law and Crime Investigation 01 Sep 2020 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 5

Associated Module Information

Module Code: PC0S006
Module Title: Police Law and Crime Investigation
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Policing and Criminology
Faculty Sub Group: Policing
Module Leader: Hilary Miller
Module Team: Daniel Welch, Janine Vickery, Helen Martin
First Intended Intake: SEP 2015 Final Year of Intake: 2024
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 3
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100486 - policing
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 5
Valid From 01 Sep 2020
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

To improve students’ understanding of the Criminal Justice System and the role, techniques and ethical principles of investigative practices using case studies.

To provide potential recruits with an introduction to PACE and ethical principles in investigation and their operational relevance.

Content Summary

Features of a criminal investigation. Types, sources, the techniques of gathering and protection of, and attrition of evidence.

The scope of forensic evidence and rules of forensic science.

Case studies.

Analysis of crime cases with special emphasis on investigation, the sifting and presentation of evidence and key issues raised in trials.

Introduction to PACE.

British Constitution
Capacity and mental health in the Criminal Justice System,

Introduction to evidence in criminal cases. The role of the police and the Crown Prosecution Service in the Criminal Justice System.
Introduction to ethical policing principles within investigations.

The progression of a criminal case from arrest, to custody office, finally to the Courts. Overview of Human Rights.

This module includes mandatory formative assessment activities, to support students learning and development prior to summative assessment tasks.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Practical classes and workshops 44
Independent Study 70
Directed Study 74
Formative Assessment - Independent 12
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate understanding of how ethical principles define both the responsibilities of police officers and the limits of police action within the criminal investigation process.
LO2 Define and explore a range of criminal investigative practices used within the Criminal Justice System.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Oral Assessment (CW) Presentation (CW) 1 Create and present an information broadcast to explain the different fields and techniques used in criminal investigations 10 N/A 50 No 40
Written Assignment (CW) Essay (CW) 1 Create an academic essay to explain the ethical principles that criminal investigators must consider in the course of an investigation 0 1000 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Presentation (CW) 1
Essay (CW) 1

Reading List

Connor, P. (2018). Blackstone’s Police Manual Volume 1: Crime 2018: Volume 1. Oxford: Oxford University Pres

Hutton, G. (2018). Blackstone’s Police Manual Volume 2: Evidence and Procedure 2018: Volume 2. Oxford: Oxford University Press

Paterson, C., and Pollock, E. (2012). Policing and Criminology, United Kingdom: Learning Matters Lt

Sampson. F. (2015). Preparing for Duty. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Zander, M. (2005). The Police and Criminal Evidence Act, 1984, United Kingdom: Sweet & Maxwell.

Hutton, G. (2018). Blackstone’s Police Manual Volume 2: Evidence and Procedure 2018: Volume 2. Oxford: Oxford University Press

Howitt, D. (2018) Introduction to Forensic and Criminal Psychology (6 ed) Pearson: London

Sampson. F. (2015). Preparing for Duty. Oxford: Oxford University Press.