SC5055 - Perspectives on Policing (2024/25)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2024/25 | ||||||||
| Module title | Perspectives on Policing | ||||||||
| Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | ||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2024/25(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) | No instances running in the year |
Module summary
The module aims to familiarise you with specialist policing operations by reviewing different perspectives (e.g. practical and academic) on a range of policing interventions. This involves exploring the development of policing strategies and procedures in a variety of specialist areas and also examines legislative developments.
Ethical dilemmas and the ways in which they are confronted and resolved in policing are also assessed via the workshops, reading and discussions:
1. You will examine aspects of contemporary specialist policing from both practical and academic viewpoints.
2. You will critically explore the operational challenges and ethical dilemmas inherent in specialist police operations.
3. You will draw upon recent case studies and examine actual operational scenarios to critically assess the effectiveness of the police response to crime, victims and offenders in relation to specific crime types.
4. You will develop your team working skills and your ability to research, analyse, and communicate (orally and/or in writing) information and evidence-based arguments relating to ‘real world’ contemporary policing issues.
Prior learning requirements
Available for Study Abroad? YES
Syllabus
The syllabus will cover:
Introduction: this session explores the history and development of policing (LO1,2).
Police Culture: covers some of the key issues and debates concerning organisational culture and its impact on policing operations (LO 1,2,3). Topical workshops each week focus on the critical exploration of specific areas of policing operations such as: Policing Communities; Policing Domestic Violence; Policing Human Trafficking; Policing Children; Policing Public Order; Policing Stalking, etc (LO1,2,3,4).
Assignment Workshops: assists you with expressing and defending, orally and in writing, information and evidence-based arguments on ‘real world’ contemporary policing issues (including Harvard referencing) (LO1,2,3,4).
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The module is based on weekly workshops which involve a more interactive approach than the traditional lecture format. Each 3-hour session will explore key topics via presentations (including use of a range of media), group debates and seminar activities. You are expected to attend and engage in all sessions. In addition, you are expected to undertake 6-7 hours independent reading/study per week to develop your knowledge and critical thinking skills; to support your engagement in the sessions and the completion of assignments. The sessions, particularly the assignment workshops, offer the opportunity for reflective learning as individuals and in your groups, whereby you are encouraged to consider the knowledge gained via workshops/reading and the development of critical thinking. Time is allocated for group consultation/research sessions during workshops with tutor feedback.
A range of learning/teaching styles are adopted across the module, and you are encouraged to consider content and delivery styles for inclusion in the module. Further resources, including links to videos, podcasts, websites, cases/places of interest are provided via Weblearn and you are encouraged to engage in online discussion forums with your peers.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
1. Identify strategic and tactical approaches within specialist areas of policing.
2. Critically analyse and evaluate specialist policing operations.
3. Critically consider the operational challenges and ethical dilemmas inherent in specialist police operations.
4. Demonstrate critical thinking, communication and team working skills to express and defend, orally and in writing, information, and evidence-based arguments on ‘real world’ contemporary policing issues.
Assessment strategy
The module is assessed via one group project assignment. The group project presentation, which focuses on your critical analysis of an area of specialist policing of your own choosing (as a group), allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and critical thinking skills developed throughout the module, as well as your ability to contribute meaningfully to working in a team. In your group presentation/podcast/poster you will demonstrate your ability to express and defend, orally and in writing, information, and evidence-based arguments on ‘real world’ contemporary policing issues. Time is allocated for group consultation/research sessions during workshops with tutor feedback. Via an individual journal, you are also required to take responsibility for your own learning and contributions to the project. You must achieve, as an individual, an overall minimum mark of 40% to pass the module. The assignment workshop will assist you with the preparation and completion of assessments. Tutorial support will also be offered throughout the module by way of tutor availability during office hours, seminar/workshop discussions and via email.
Bibliography
Key Reading: