JST409 Investigations Principles (8)

This subject provides an in depth exploration of the key concepts, theories and principles underpinning contemporary investigations within the public and private sectors. 

Students will experience the challenges that may arise in the course of investigations by engaging with real world case studies which examine the parameters of investigation strategies in the search for truth. The potential for organisational and personal prejudices and bias, noble cause corruption, and the impacts these may have on leadership, accountability, policy and decision-making are also explored.

The subject also considers the efficacy of successful outcomes through the implementation of professional and ethical standards, practices and procedures employed during investigations, and the impact these may have on the evaluation and credibility of evidence.

 

Availability

Session 1 (30)
Online
Bathurst Campus
Session 2 (60)
Online
Bathurst Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: JST409. 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

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to contribute to the progressive processes associated with investigative strategy development and implementation;
  • be able to critically analyse why heuristics, biases and (noble cause) corruption have the potential to manifest within contemporary investigations, and their subsequent significance;
  • be able to lead and monitor ethical practice and process and reinforce the need for accountability in achieving successful investigative outcomes;
  • be able to acknowledge and reflect on the significance that effective leadership, accumulative experience and critical thinking can have on investigations; and
  • be able to demonstrate the communication, literacy, numeracy, research and digital skills required of a competent Investigator.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Investigative decision making
  • Emotional thought
  • Development of hypothesis, policy and investigation strategy
  • Investigative and organisational risk management (avoidance of 'closed mind syndrome')
  • Management of complex and sensitive investigations
  • Multi agency investigation
  • Damage limitation
  • Leadership intolerance, teambuilding and motivation
  • Accountability and Integrity in times of austerity
  • Investigative risk; evidence collection/presentation, weaknesses in evidence
  • Heuristics, biases and prejudices
  • Noble cause corruption and unethical investigative practices

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of JST409 in Session 2 2021. 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
Investigative response
40
2
Summation/reflection essay
60

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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