| CODE | CRI0101 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Understanding the Role and Wellbeing of the Police Constable | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 00 - Mod Pre-Tert, Foundation, Proficiency & DegreePlus | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 4 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Criminology | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit covers a comprehensive array of topics related to policing, encompassing both theoretical principles and practical considerations: The study-unit starts by explaining the Peelian principles and modern policing, exploring the foundational principles of policing and their relevance in contemporary law enforcement. It also examines the Mission and Vision of the Malta Police Force, providing insight into the overarching goals and values of the organization. Next, it elucidates what it means to be a police constable, outlining the roles and responsibilities inherent in the position, such as serving the public, understanding the rank structure, and fulfilling various police objectives. The study-unit then shifts focus to the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders tasked with ensuring effective police service delivery. This includes governmental bodies like the Ministry for Home Affairs, National Security, and Law Enforcement, as well as other roles, such as the Commissioner of Police, Police Governance Board, and the Independent Police Complaint Board. Another crucial aspect covered is how the police service collaborates to provide an effective national service. It discusses various departments and agencies involved in supporting police operations, including investigations, technical support, strategy development, and training. The social and historical context of 'policing by consent' is explored, highlighting the importance of public cooperation and trust in maintaining law and order. Additionally, the study unit examines relevant legislation, such as the Police Act and specific laws governing policing incidents. The importance of police legitimacy and the role of the public in policing are emphasized, underscoring the significance of public trust and accountability in law enforcement. Furthermore, the study-unit addresses physical and psychological wellbeing within the police force, discussing the impact of the transformation strategy on employee health and resilience. It explores potential causes of stress in policing and offers coping strategies to foster resilience and minimize stressors. Overall, this study-unit provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted aspects of policing, encompassing foundational principles, organizational structures, legal frameworks, and considerations for officer wellbeing and resilience. Through theoretical learning and practical insights, students gain a holistic understanding of modern policing practices and their implications. Study-Unit Aims: The study-unit aims to introduce police recruits to the: 鈥� Role of the police by examining the: Peelian principles and modern policing, the mission and vision of the Malta Police Force and what it means to be a police constable as well as the roles and responsibilities of those charged with ensuring that the police deliver a service, and how the police service works collaboratively to provide an effective national service. It also examines the social and historical context of 鈥榩olicing by consent鈥�, the main provisions of the Police Act, issues of Police legitimacy, Court Procedures, role and importance of the public in policing, National accountability and specific legislation applicable when dealing with typical policing incidents. 鈥� Wellbeing of the police by examining physical and psychological wellbeing, including potential causes of stress within policing, coping strategies that can be applied to foster resilience and minimise stress as well as support others who show signs of stress. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Explain the purpose of the police constable role and their responsibilities for delivering a public service; - Discuss the role of internal and external policing organisations in delivering a safer Malta; - Explain the concept and principles of 'policing by consent', understanding the extent and regulation of their powers; - Discuss existing subsidiary legislation; - Develop personal resilience and maintain wellbeing. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Effectively adopt the constable's role and responsibilities for delivering a public service; - Effectively liase with internal and external policing organisations in delivering a safer Malta; - Apply the concept and principles of 'policing by consent', understanding the extent and regulation of their powers; - Enforce existing subsidiary legislation; - Develop personal resilience and maintain wellbeing. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Gafa, A., & Formosa, S. (2020). Malta Police: Transformation Strategy - 2020-2025. - Police Act (Chapter 164 of the Laws of Malta). Supplementary Readings: - Grieve, J., Harfield, C., & MacVean, A. (2007). The Function and Role of the Police. In Policing (p. 19). London: SAGE Publications Ltd. - Grieve, J., Harfield, C., & MacVean, A. (2007). The Organisational Culture of the Police. In Policing (p. 116). London: SAGE Publications Ltd. - Grieve, J., Harfield, C., & MacVean, A. (2007). Governance, Structure and Accountability. In Policing (p. Policing, 2007). London: SAGE Publications Ltd. - Kilgallon, M., & Wright, M. (2022). Behavioural Skills for Effective Policing: The Service Speaks (1st ed.). St Albans: Critical Publishing. - Sheldon, B., & Williams, P. (2022). Understanding policing and professional practice (1st ed.). England: Critical Publishing. |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Pre-requisite Qualifications: 4 Ordinary level qualifications (including Maltese and English) OR Extended Diploma in Foundation Studies for Security, Enforcement and Protection Law. | ||||||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Tutorial | ||||||||||||
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| LECTURER/S | Matthew Attard Joseph Carmel Borg Valerie Mifsud Sandra Scicluna (Co-ord.) Stefania Sgandurra Antoine Vella Casha Kurt Zahra |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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