PC3H011 - Digital Investigators: Digital and Cyber Crime Investigation 01 Sep 2024 - 31 Aug 2030 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: PC3H011
Module Title: Digital Investigators: Digital and Cyber Crime Investigation
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Policing and Criminology
Faculty Sub Group: Policing
Module Leader: Alun Davies
Module Team: Daniel Welch, Helen Martin
First Intended Intake: SEP 2024 Final Year of Intake: 2029
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 10 Credit Level: 6
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module: N/A
HECOS codes:
HECOS Code Weighting:

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2024
Valid To 31 Aug 2030

Module Aims

To equip students with a comprehensive understanding of digital crime investigation practices, digital policing, and the challenges associated with e-crime. This module will also provide students with knowledge of key legislation and regulations governing digital technology's role in criminal investigations.

Content Summary

This module aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of digital crime investigation practices and principles. It explores the complexities associated with digital policing and digitally facilitated crimes, including e-crime and its links to organised crime. The module also covers key terminology, legislation, and regulations related to digital technology's role in criminal investigations.

 

Module Content:

 

-          Introduction to Digital Crime Investigation

-          Exploring how practitioners conduct digital and cyber-enabled criminal investigations.

-          Emulating a digitally facilitated criminal investigation process.

-          Digital Policing and Terminology

-          Understanding key digital technology terminology

-          Gaining insights into digital policing how it plays a part in criminal investigations.

 

Legislation and Regulations

 

-          Examining laws and regulations relevant to technology use in digital policing

-          Application to specific offences within the Serious and Organised Crime module

-           

E-Crime and Its Challenges

 

-          Investigating various forms of e-crime

-          Discussing e-crime's impact on individuals and businesses, as well as its connections to organised crime.

 

Investigation Principles

 

-          Understanding the importance of intelligence management and evidence gathering

-          Examining case studies, reports, and procedures related to investigations.

-          Evidence-Based Policing (EBP) and Digital Investigation

-          Applying the National Decision-Making Model (NDM) to support investigations.

-          Understand forensic investigative practices.

 

Practical Exercises and Scenarios:

 

-          Engaging in role-play exercises that test practical understanding of digital policing.

-          Evaluating connections between law, procedure, and professional practice

-          Evidential Management

-          Applying legislation in practice, including the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) and Data Protection Act 2018

-          Addressing crime scene protocols and evidence analysis procedures

 

The module aligns with the National Police Chiefs Council Good Practice Guide on Digital Evidence V5 (ACPO) and focuses on understanding the chain of custody, evidential integrity, and practical applications of digital forensic evidence in the investigative process.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Practical Classes and Workshops 24
Independent Study 46
Directed Study (including online independent learning) 30
Total Hours Selected 100

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 To critically apply digital crime investigation principles to a case of serious & organised crime.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Report 1 Case Investigation Report 0 N/A 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1
Report 1

Reading List

Babak A., Standfort, A., and Bosc, A. (2014) Cyber Crime and Cyber Terrorism Investigators Handbook. Boston: Elsevier.

Becker, R. (2009). Criminal Investigation. Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Blackstones (2014). Handbook of Cyber Crime Investigation. Oxford University Press. Oxford.

Cross, M. (2008) Scene of the Cyber Crime. 2nd Edition. Syngress Publishing. London

Holt, T. (2018). Cyber Crime and Digital Forensics, an introduction to. Second Edition, New York, Rout

Journal of Digital Forensics, Security and Law

Lloyd, I. (2011). Information Technology Law: 6th Edition. Oxford University Pres, USA

Monkton-Smith, J. (2013). Introducing Forensic and Criminal investigations Safe, London.

National Chiefs Council. (2016). Digital Evidence Guide V.5