BA (Hons) Policing and Investigation Bachelor's degree at Leeds Trinity University

You'll look at the purpose of the police service and the responsibilities of those charged with delivering a professional service, particularly at constable level. You'll review the role of law enforcement agencies and be able to understand the concept and principles of policing by consent. Cover the structure of the police service and members of the service, paying attention to both police constable and investigatory roles. You'll also look at police powers and how these powers are regulated. G

You'll be able to appreciate the purpose, benefits, and challenges of contemporary issues in policing communities in a variety of contexts. Explore the function of community perception, trust and confidence and the key issues in this area. Appreciate the importance of community engagement and understand how to foster effective community relationships. Study the importance of media in a policing and investigation context. You'll research diverse types of communities and public engagement, drawing

Explore the fundamental skills required for effective investigation, and identify, articulate and demonstrate skills necessary for maintaining professional standards in policing, and relevant governance. Analyse how the police have developed policies and procedures to reduce the possibility of professional malpractice; then review the progress being made within the police service to improve professional standards. Examine the NDM and the role of discretion in the decision-making process and anal

You'll be introduced to problem-solving techniques, sources of evidence which can be used to support policing practice, and the models used to differentiate between types of evidence, to identify best practice. Explore different models used in problem solving and crime prevention, such as: problem-oriented policing (POP), 'hot spot' policing, intelligence-led policing, predictive policing, the Problem Analysis Triangle (PAT), rational choice theory (criminological), and situational crime prevent

Explore the evolving role and status of victims of crime within contemporary criminal justice and societal contexts. It examines changes in cultural perceptions, policy, and practice that have positioned victims' rights as central to criminal investigation, justice processes, and restorative approaches. You'll consider the physical, psychological, emotional, and social impacts of victimisation, alongside ethical issues surrounding victim participation in investigations. There'll be a focus on th

Building from your first-year studies, you'll develop a deeper understanding of effective and ethical criminal investigation and its relationship to the justice process. You'll examine the legislative and professional frameworks governing criminal investigations, including authorised professional practice (APP), CPS requirements, and evidential thresholds required to bring a prosecution. Explore the purpose and operation of the criminal justice system, the role of investigators within it, and th

You'll explore how to collect, analyse, display and explain social science research data. You'll find out what it means to be research literate and how to apply this to employment, policies and organisational considerations. We'll focus on qualitative and mixed methodology in one semester and quantitative methodology in another semester. You'll look at different ways to communicate research and identify methods used by social scientists. You'll be able to critically evaluate the strength of rese

You'll examine the role of expert evidence, from different perspectives, and critically analyse the weight given to different forms of evidence, and diverse types of witness, particularly in a formal setting such as Court. Investigate and critically analyse real cases and reviews, looking at decision making, and actions taken, to highlight the importance of compliance with the protocols and regulatory framework associated with criminal case reviews, which govern the criminal litigation process.

Understand serious and organised crime with a particular focus on digital crime and counter terrorism. You'll explore policing technologies and the emerging prevalence of digitally facilitated crimes, you'll consider the role of the dark web, social media, hacking and the variety of devices being used in policing and crime contexts. Explore the key counter terror terminology and concepts and the organisational structure that exist in counter terrorism policing. There will be a particular focus o

Examine diverse types of crime and evidence, considering the importance of effective evidence management and adherence to policy, legislation, and Authorised Professional Practice. Complex and serious cases, including live and cold investigations, are used to explore investigative decision-making, resource allocation, and the experiences of victims and witnesses. Develop your understanding of intelligence-led policing through the National Intelligence Model and supports application of the Nation

You'll have a flexible range of opportunities to enhance your professional skills and graduate opportunities as this module will be tailored to each student's development. You'll apply the theoretical understanding you've been developing throughout your degree to a chosen professional context. This could include a work-based project or skills development approach where you will identify and address specific gaps in your portfolio of graduate-level skills.

Conduct research on issues for modern investigations. You'll choose a specific issue relevant to their chosen interest, which you'll research using sound academic research methodology. Exploration of research options, sound research practices and appropriate presentation of the findings will be taught in lectures and one to one supervision creating a bespoke teaching element to this module.

Explore the concept of miscarriages of justice, examining the role of power, decision-making, and accountability within public service and criminal justice systems. You'll critically analyse high-profile cases to understand how abuses of power, organisational culture, and systemic failures can lead to injustice and long-term societal impact. Consider the complex social, political, and ethical dynamics that influence such cases, including the experiences of individuals and communities seeking jus

Examine the complex nature of murder, exploring the psychological, investigative, and legal dimensions underpinning such offences. You'll follow the chronology of murder from the development of offender motivations through to investigation and sentencing, considering the interplay between behaviour, evidence, and legal frameworks. Emphasis is placed on developing understanding of both the analysis and investigation of serious violent crime from crime scene to trial.

We'll explore how much criminological theory can help us understand criminality and harm in the 21st century. We've already seen dramatic transformations with protests and uprisings, climate change, a global financial crisis and the birth of social media and the dark web.