After an extended period of discussion, departmental liaison and attendance at some key Police conferences, this week sees the start of the 15 credit Policing Science module for the level 4 Policing and Criminal Investigation students.

Ongoing consultation between staff and students over quite an extended period of time and with an ever watchful eye on key strategic developments in Modern Policing over a period of a couple of years has led to the development of this module It’s designed to pick up on the many exciting changes and opportunities occurring in the Police research and development environment.

The recently developed `what works` agenda is now seriously promoted by the College of Policing and has become the key focus for establishing the viability and effect of existing and new policing strategies and tactics and while as a group of lecturer`s the department have been aware and been busily implementing key aspects of change to the existing portfolio this new innovative introduction to the extensive range of policing and investigative topics on the course can only be seen as a welcome move in the right direction.

The introduction of this key aspect of modern day policing is designed to enable a greater level of understanding of what is required in the field of police research, what and how different material and data is perceived as necessary and essential, together with what kind of analysis can be conducted to enable good decision making to be a key component in what people see as one of the most essential of public services.

The intention is that as students progress through their course the research imperative comes to the fore. The development of this aspect of the course provides students with a greater level of understanding and awareness for what may be required in not only their academic work but also future careers and placement opportunities.

In order to effectively implement the module the key will be to make use of the existing and successful collaboration between staff from two separate departments ensures a high level of knowledge and experience comes into play as the course will be taught by staff from the Policing and Criminal Investigation degree course ably assisted by key individuals who teach on the Forensic Science and Investigation courses.