UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Confirmation that this version of the module specification has been approved by the School Graduate
Studies Committee: 12 December 2014
MODULE SPECIFICATION
1.
Title of the module
Policing (LW871)
2.
School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module
Kent Law School
3.
Start date of the module
September 2000, revised start date 2014-15
4.
The number of students expected to take the module
15
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None
6.
The level of the module
Postgraduate [M]
7.
The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents
20 credits (10 ECTS)
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn or spring
9.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
10.
The programmes of study to which the module contributes
LLM in (Specialisation); PG Diploma in (Specialisation); PG Certificate in Law
None, though a general background in either law or another discipline related to criminal justice is assumed
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11.
The intended subject specific learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students will be able to:
11.1
11.2
11.3
11.4
11.5
11.6
11.7
11.8
Critique the origins, development and future of policing in the United Kingdom and comparable jurisdictions.
Critically probe the forces driving and shaping the structure, organisation, functions, policies, practices and procedures of policing in the United Kingdom and comparable jurisdictions.
Critique the law and practice on: the investigation, detection and prevention of crime; the maintenance of public order; and cross-border police cooperation.
Critically assess the role of democratic, legal and administrative processes in the governance of the police and in rendering the police accountable for their actions, policies and performance.
Critically assess the emergence, development and practices of private policing.
Appreciate and critique the ethical and legal principles applicable to policing policies and practices.
Conduct independent critical research on policing issues, and present incisive perspectives on them orally and in essay form.
Identify and critically debate the legal, constitutional, political and cultural forces underpinning topical issues in policing.
12.
The intended generic learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students will be able to:
12.1 research, interpret and apply complex material from across several disciplines, such as: law, criminal justice, politics, history and sociology
12.2
12.3
12.4
12.5
research, interpret and apply primary and secondary legal materials from national,
European and international sources
Demonstrate an understanding of the specificity of textual analysis
Demonstrate skills in making well-constructed oral and written argument
Demonstrate skills in oral and visual presentation of complex ideas and materials
12.6
12.7
Demonstrate critical and self-reflexive modes of thought and analysis
Demonstrate awareness of and capacity to debate some of the major social, political and legal issues of the day in national, European and international affairs
12.8
12.9
12.10
Demonstrate the capacity for independent learning
Demonstrate the ability to formulate viable research questions
Demonstrate the capacity to undertake independent research on a specific topic
12.11
Present research findings within a critical theoretical framework
13.
A synopsis of the curriculum
This module offers a critical study of policing from historical, legal, political and social perspectives. It focuses primarily on policing in the United Kingdom, with other appropriate jurisdictions (including the European Union) being used for comparative purposes.
Topics covered include:
 History of the structure, organisation and concept of the police
 Ethical and legal principles underlying policing as well as the implications for policing of the
European Convention on Human Rights
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 The different functions of policing
 Police culture
 Police powers and procedures
 Public order policing
 Police governance and accountability
 Cross-border police co-operation
 Private policing

14.
Indicative Reading List
The following books are recommended and are available in the library:
Brodeur, J-P, The Policing Web (OUP, 2010)
Conway, V, Policing Twentieth Century Ireland: a History of An Garda Siochana (Sage, 2013)
)
Critchley A. A History of the Police in England and Wales (Constable,
1967)
Elmsley, C, The History of Policing (Ashgate, 2011)
Hufnagel, S; Harfield, C; Bronitt, S (eds.) Cross Border Law Enforcement:
Regional Law Enforcement Cooperation - Europe, Australia and Asia-
Pacific Perspectives
Jones, T; Newburn, T (eds) Plural Policing: a Comparative Perspective
(Routledge, 2006)
Lemieux, F, (ed) International Police Cooperation: Emerging Issues, Theory and Practice (Willan, 2010)
McLaughlin, E, The New Policing (Sage 2007)
Newburn, T, (ed.) Handbook of Policing 2 nd ed (Willan, 2014)
Newburn, T, (ed.) Policing – Key Readings (Willan, 2004)
Punch, M, Police Corruption: Deviance, Accountability and Reform in Policing
Reiner, R. The Politics of the Police 4 th ed (OUP, 2010)
Walsh, DPJ, Human Rights and Policing in Ireland: Law, Policy and Practice (Clarus, 2009)
15.
Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the intended module learning outcomes
Learning and Teaching Methods:
 The module will be taught through a weekly 2-hour seminar (with the exception of reading and writing weeks).
 There are 200 study hours in the module. These include the weekly two hour seminar time.
Achievement of module learning outcomes:
 Seminars: these will be designed to impart information, ideas and critical perspectives on the topics and to enhance student understanding of and engagement with the law and issues arising from the materials. They will provide space for students to participate in detailed discussion on the issues and materials with their peers and the seminar leader. Students will be pressed to develop, express and defend critical perspectives on specific issues in discussion and to respond critically to perspectives presented by their peers and the seminar leader. This will address learning outcomes 11.1-11.8; 12.1-12.8
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 Seminar readings and preparation: All students will be required to cover the required reading, selected materials from recommended sources and reading from independent research in preparation for each seminar. Each student will get the opportunity to prepare a critical contextual analysis of one item from the reading list for oral presentation in class over the course of the semester. This will address learning outcomes 11.1-11.8; 12.1-12.8 and
12.10-12.11.
 Discussion of research questions: Part of each seminar will address points of current and prospective tensions and/or uncertainties from legal, political and theoretical perspectives. Students will be pressed to formulate, express and defend research questions/projects aimed at addressing them. As well as enhancing their contextual understanding of the subject, this is intended to feed into their choice of essay question/dissertation and to get them thinking about the possibility of a PhD in the area.
This will address learning outcome 12.9 in particular, but is also relevant to all of the others.
16.
Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended module learning outcomes
The module will be assessed by an essay of 4,000-5,000 words. Students can choose from a list of prescribed essay questions, or can design their own question subject to the approval of the module convenor. Students are expected to draw on a combination of the prescribed reading materials, their own independent research of appropriate sources and the insights and theoretical perspectives explored in class. The essay should offer a coherent and structured analysis of the question drawing on appropriate legal, theoretical and contextual materials and arguments. This will address learning outcomes 12.9 – 12.11 in particular, but is also relevant to all of the others Assessment of essays is undertaken in accordance with departmental Assessment Criteria which relate to learning experiences envisaged as objectives of the module and also place particular emphasis upon the acquisition of relevant critical or evaluative skills.
17.
Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
None
18.
The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary, including additional or substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have declared and discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the University’s disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support will be provided where needed.
19.
Campus where module will be delivered: Canterbury
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