PPP232 Police as Investigators 3 (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Policing, law enforcement & emergency management (POLEM)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
This subject extends previous studies in investigations to the practical context of the probationary constable period. It requires students to assess the principles of the Scientific Method of Investigation as demonstrated in their actual police work. The subject also draws on students' experiences in the workplace to allow them to critically evaluate their investigative practices with a view to extending and improving that practice. Particular attention will be paid to the ethical collection and use of evidence and information sources in all its forms.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Term 1 | |
|---|---|
| Distance | Goulburn | Term 2 |
| Distance | Goulburn | Term 3 |
| Distance | Goulburn |
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: PPP232
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Prerequisite(s):
PPP121 and PPP122 and PPP123 and PPP124 and PPP125 and PPP126
Enrolment restrictions:
Available only to students in the Associate Degree in Policing Practice AND Bachelor of Justice Studies (Policing). Students will require Internet access.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to evaluate the Scientific Method of Investigation when used to investigate a criminal incident
- be able to critically examine their own investigative practices
- be able to identify, utilise and evaluate various sources of information such as records, people, and physical evidence
- be able to analyse the extent to which people can be treated as sources of information without impinging on their rights and dignity
- be able to justify why police should collect and preserve evidence in an ethical, legal and practical manner
- be able to evaluate the potential impact of "tunnel vision" and "group think" in criminal investigations
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
- application of the Scientific Method of Investigation: an ethical and critical approach - decision-making in light of the validity and reliability of evidence - inculpatory and exculpatory evidence - the roles of logic and critical thinking in investigations - critiquing sources of information 1: people (victims, witnesses, informants, police and suspects) - ensuring the rights and dignity of people used as sources of information - critiquing sources of information 2: records (documents, intelligence, police records) - critiquing sources of information 3: physical (crime scenes, exhibits, forensic etc.) - critiquing sources of information 4: intelligence
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.