JST226 Introduction to Police Investigations (8)

This subject will provide those students who intend seeking a career in a police service with a fundamental understanding of the investigative processes carried out by police. The central theme throughout is the application of those ethical and legal principles which impact on investigation practice. Investigation processes are examined with reference to logic, critical thinking and scientific method. Sources of information available to police are canvassed, with the final focus being on investigation and interviewing as evidence. Specific reference will be made to the P.E.A.C.E. model of investigative interviewing. The theoretical component is applied to investigation practice.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
On Campus
Bathurst Campus
Port Macquarie Campus
Online
Bathurst Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: JST226. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security

Enrolment Restrictions

Available for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Justice Studies (Policing), Bachelor of Social Science (Criminal Justice), Bachelor of Public Safety and Security and the Bachelor of Criminal Justice.

Subject not available in distance mode.

Assumed Knowledge

Any JST level 1 subject

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to appreciate and articulate the necessity for ethical practice in investigation;
  • be able to critically appraise the role of investigation as one part of the profession of policing;
  • be able to describe the role of the general duties police officer in investigation;
  • be able to demonstrate the application of logic, critical thinking and scientific method to investigation;
  • be able to critically evaluate victims, witnesses, informants, physical evidence and intelligence as sources of information;
  • be able to understand the importance of ethical informant management;
  • be able to describe the importance of proper suspect identification procedures;
  • be able to discuss and apply ethical interviewing practice during investigations;
  • be able to conduct an effective investigative interview;
  • be able to demonstrate understanding of the legal principles which apply to the admission of confessional evidence in court.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • - the role of the general duties officer in investigation
  • - investigation and commmunity-based policing
  • - investigation practice
  • - victimology
  • - sources of information
  • - legal aspects of interviewing and investigation
  • - ethics in investigation

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of JST226 in Session 1 2019. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Tutorial attendance and participation
10
2
Casebook journal
20
3
Online quizzes (3)
30
4
Assignment
40

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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