BSc (Hons) - Professional Policing

Year one

• Operational Policing (Context and Powers)
  This module introduces you to the key role within the Police Service; that of the Constable. You can expect to learn the history of the Police Service in England and Wales, the structure of the modern police service, the duties of a 21st century police officer, the decision-making tools used and the basic powers and legislation available to officers to search, arrest and detain people, enter premises, seize evidence and identify basic criminal offences.
• Protecting the Public
  This module provides an introduction to the concept of vulnerability in our modern society, and how the police assess risk and deliver public protection and safeguarding. The police come into contact with vulnerable people on a daily basis and this module covers all aspects of identifying and dealing with incidents involving vulnerability, ensuring that future police officers are ready to provide the best level of service possible to those in need.
• Policing Contemporary Society
  This module will look at how we value diversity and inclusion in our society, and the overarching importance of having an ethical approach to police duties when dealing with members of the public, colleagues and other professionals.
• Uniform Policing Roles
  This module covers all aspects of uniform operations including response, community and neighbourhood policing, roads policing and operational support departments. This will include relevant and specific legislation, procedures and authorised professional practice used in these roles.
• Non-uniform Policing Roles
  This module covers all aspects of non-uniform operations including CID (Criminal Investigation Department), and associated sub-units, intelligence and targeting units, source handlers and counter-terrorism and organised crime operations. Again, this will include relevant and specific legislation, procedures and authorised professional practice used in these roles.

Year two

• Tactical Policing (Effective Decision Making)
  This module is designed to introduce you to the police use of information and intelligence, including collection, evaluation, analysis and dissemination. You will also be introduced to the evidence-based policing (EBP) approach, and other models of policing, and will learn how both ‘info and intel’ and EBP can inform police decision making. You will learn how to research effectively, including how to review literature, select an appropriate methodology and interpret and analyse data, and using these skills you’ll construct a viable research proposal.
• Victim and Witness Management
  This module will introduce you to the processes and procedures used in the management of victims and witnesses, including those assessed as vulnerable and intimidated. You will learn the importance of taking accurate statements of evidence, supporting and updating victims and witnesses throughout a criminal prosecution, and how the police work in conjunction with other criminal justice system agencies to protect victims and secure convictions.
• Protective Procedures
  This module covers a range of more advanced and complex legislation and procedures, used when dealing with more serious offences committed against individuals (e.g. Sexual Offences Act 2003, Mental Health Act 1986, Protection from Harassment Act 1997). You will also cover further core aspects of safeguarding and offender management.
• Suspect Management
  This module will introduce you to the processes and procedures used in the management of suspects, from initial identification to arrest, post-arrest and post-charge. You will learn how to plan and conduct a suspect interview and how the police liaise closely with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) during the investigation and when considering a charging decision.
• Major and Critical Incidents
  In this module you will learn how the police define, approach and manage major and critical incidents. You will learn about Joint Emergency Service Interoperability (JESIP) and multi-agency working, and the factors and considerations involved when dealing with a large-scale incident.

Year three

• Strategic Policing (Research Focused Interventions)
  In this module you will plan, develop and undertake a substantial study into an identified local problem, using your research skills and knowledge of evidence-based policing as a basis to progress your enquiry and propose interventions. You will be guided through this process from start to finish, from developing a research question to considering methodology, collecting and analysing data, and presenting conclusions.
• Conflicts and Demands within Modern Policing
  The aim of this module is to allow you to examine and evaluate the challenges and demands placed on the modern Police Service, especially in the crossover between response and community policing. It will allow you to consider the options available to the police for delivery of neighbourhood policing within communities, whilst maintaining the necessary ability to respond to calls for service on a 24/7 basis.
• Police Investigation
  In this module you will learn to deal with all aspects of crime investigation, from the point of view of a first responder and investigator. This will include such considerations as how to establish effective cordons, lawfully and effectively enter and search premises, identify and secure evidence, and consider appropriate follow-up actions. You will put this knowledge and skill to use in a practical environment and will learn how to effectively report your findings and outcomes.
• Police Investigation
  This module is the first of two optional modules you can choose from in your final year. Each address a specific area of policing – you will receive detailed briefings on both modules allowing you to make an informed choice as to which one to take. This module will enable you to plan and conduct lawful, safe and effective investigations. You will develop, test and review practical, evidenced-based initiatives based on real-time police investigations. Part of the assessment process involves a practical examination of a crime scene, where you act as both a first responder and an investigator. Following this you will compile and submit a detailed report considering your actions and processes, and likely outcomes.
• Leadership and Teamworking
  During this module you will examine and evaluate the theories and practices that underpin police leadership and teamworking. You will debate the most effective approaches to take, whilst considering the requirements of police command and control and effective working practices in a variety of policing situations.
• Officer Wellbeing and Resilience
  This module will allow you to identify the issues surrounding police officer wellbeing and mental health, and how to create pathways to improve and increase resilience in the face of a challenging role. It will draw on the experience of professionals from the wider world of occupational health to help you develop ideas and solutions.