This module provides the basis of all investigative practices; it provides a structured overview of how all investigations are ethically built, forming an understanding of the criminal justice system and how it impacts any investigations.  It provides the crucial foundation that supports any future learning and the development of the investigative mindset.

The exploration of academic skills will provide the basis for your academic journey, providing instruction on the structure of academic writing within higher education and how to cite and reference material when completing work correctly.

You will explore the core concepts of ethics, equality, diversity, fairness, professionalism, necessity, human rights and integrity and how this applies to any investigation.

Understand differing values of society and how that impacts upon diverse communities and how this impact on the management of investigations.

This module introduces the concept of gathering of intelligence and information in respect of criminal investigations whilst recognising the importance of data protection legislation and the rights of an individual. You will also gain a comprehensive understanding of how intelligence plays an integral link in implementing effective law enforcement through tactical and strategic decision-making and problem solving and the importance of the correct handling, dissemination, storage and retention of intelligence. Finally, you will begin to develop and understand the specific skills required to manage intelligence in an operational setting.

You will take part in group activities during lectures in relation to the National Intelligence Model producing intelligence products such as a subject profile and discuss how law enforcement agencies make decisions regarding crime priorities Identifying the importance of partnership working and intelligence sharing in combating crime. You will also take part in practical activities such as developing a surveillance plan and briefing your peers. This will develop written and communication skills. These activities will introduce and develop teamwork and decision making skills together with understanding the importance of the retention, storage and dissemination of intelligence whilst also understanding cultural, legal and vulnerability issues.

You will develop skills in relation to brevity of information highlighting key elements in relation to covert gathering activities and putting them in a visual manner in the form of a poster. Academic skills will be developed in the use of PowerPoint skills in producing an academic poster including use of pictures, fonts and colours to make information visible and informative Presentation skills will be developed group activities to support students to produce an academic poster and conduct a professional discussion in relation to the contents.

Building on the previous modules this 40 credit introduces the concepts of Forensic Evidence and how it is crucial to any investigation, however forensic evidence can only be relied upon if it collected and produced in ethically lawfully, in keeping with best practice and national policies. It is vitally important to understand the legislation Policies and Procedures that underpin the collection of evidence. Evolving the investigative mindset.

Forensic science is the bedrock of virtually all investigations because of this it is vitally important to understand how investigators can make the most of forensic opportunities available from any inquiry. No mater how good evidence is unless it is collected and produced properly then it may be excluded from the investigation.