Overview

This module introduces students to the workings of the criminal justice system and the main theoretical approaches in the contemporary study of crime and victimisation. The theories examined will be relevant to crime prevention strategies and operational policing and include environmental and life-course theories.

-Introduction to the criminal justice system and its constituent parts -Introduction to concepts of crime, victimisation, vulnerability and harm -Introduction to the main theories in relation to criminal behaviour - criminal careers and desistance; rational choice theory and situational crime prevention -Understanding vulnerability and how to respond to public protection incidents -Understanding how to deal with victim and witnesses from initial contact to support through the criminal justice system -Understanding of digital crime and the processing of digital evidence

Learning Outcomes

• Critically assess the main criminological and sociological theories and their impact on policing practice including theories of policing such as procedural justice - Learning outcome 1

• Critically discuss the workings and legal frameworks of the criminal justice system, its constituent parts and the police service's role within it - Learning outcome 3

• To be able to explain in depth the importance of evidence-based policing in practice and critically discuss its application to policing practice - Learning outcome 2

• To discuss in depth the key offences and legislation relating to digital policing and to be able to act appropriately to gather and process digital evidence - Learning outcome 6

• To show a thorough understanding of the law, policy, and potential complexities associated with the treatment of victims and witnesses including good practice in dealing with victims and witnesses from initial assessment to the explanation of criminal justice processes - Learning outcome 7

• To understand and be able to discuss in detail the key terms and offences relating to 'public protection' policing as well as the vulnerabilities of those involved and when to draw on multi-agency support available in managing public protection incidents - Learning outcome 4

• To understand and be able to discuss in detail the range of factors that can contribute to vulnerability and to be able to apply appropriate actions to support and safeguard individuals who are vulnerable, have suffered harm and/or are at risk of harm and to conduct yourself in an ethical and professional approach in such incidents - Learning outcome 5