This module  takes both a theoretical and practical approach to criminology and sociology. It examines the relationship between victims and those who commit crime and how to apply sociological, historical, psychological, criminal and cultural perspectives to the study of crime and punishment and how societies respond to such offending.

Students will learn several crime prevention principles and theories, and examine and discuss the role of the public, the police and both statutory and statutory authorities role in crime prevention.

The overall aim is to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of how investigative practice may be delivered in the future by developing decision-making, where policing takes responsibility to ensure that there is a credible evidence base to operational and business decisions in policing. You will be equipped to understand public expectations and techniques to identify predictable demand, while understanding the need to manage high-risk occurrences.

You will study the use of Artificial Intelligence in modern-day policing. Additionally, you will be given an understanding of evidence-based principles and the importance of practical outcomes that will reduce demand on investigations and increase public confidence. You will be given an insight into how practitioners and academics can develop new research and how to develop the skills required to disseminate and promote evidence-based research.

This module applies learning from IP4111 Introduction to Criminal Justice, Ethical Investigation and Academic Skills, IP4113 – Information, Intelligence and Decision Making and IP4112 – Forensic Practice, Legislation, Policy and Procedure in the first year. This module aims to focus on building an Investigation and allows you to apply learning in a safe teaching environment and to develop employability skills as criminal investigators. The intention is for you to investigate a reported crime from its initial report, up to presenting the developed case as evidence at court. This module builds on knowledge relating to criminal decision-making and the responsibilities of an investigator.

An investigative journey will include the Hydra Immersive Suite, where you will receive the report of the crime, develop a hypothesis of the cause and develop intelligence to identify a suspect. You will then attend the Crime Scene House, where you will build your skills implementing witness and forensic strategies and digital forensic strategies, as well as create ongoing decision logs to effectively record your decision-making processes. Having gathered all available sources of intelligence and evidence, you will plan and execute a search warrant culminating in the arrest of a suspect, along with Investigative interviewing of the identified suspect. Finally, you will prepare evidence in a case file that will ultimately be presented at a mock (Moot) court. You will also attend sessions in Chester Crown Court to witness police officers and witnesses present their evidence. This will allow students to apply learning and develop skills in criminal investigation, teamworking, public speaking and communication skills.