| CODE | CRI0107 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Ethics, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 00 - Mod Pre-Tert, Foundation, Proficiency & DegreePlus | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 4 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Criminology | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The study-unit delves into a comprehensive examination of ethical principles and concepts of diversity, equality, human rights, inclusion, and equity within the context of policing. It starts by discussing the definitions and implications of these terms, emphasizing their significance in shaping police conduct and interactions with diverse communities. A focal point of the study-unit is an exploration of relevant legislation, regulations, guidance, and reports pertinent to policing. This includes an analysis of key documents such as the European Convention of Human Rights, the Equality for Men and Women Act 2003, and relevant reports from organizations like The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE). Understanding bias and its various manifestations, including unconscious bias, prejudice, discrimination (both direct and indirect), stereotyping, victimization, and personal identification biases, is a central theme. The study-unit also examines the impact of bias on individuals and public confidence in the police force, along with strategies for identifying and addressing biases within professional settings. Diversity, equality, and inclusion considerations are thoroughly explored, encompassing protected characteristics, intersectionality, and the contributions of ethnic minority communities to the broader cultural landscape. The study-unit also delves into the complexities surrounding a sense of belonging within the police family, particularly in relation to the impact of protected characteristics on interpersonal dynamics and emotional well-being. Practical professional strategies and organizational support systems to address bias, prejudice, discrimination, and stereotyping are discussed comprehensively. This includes organizational reporting mechanisms, support networks, and strategies for challenging inappropriate behavior while actively supporting colleagues. Additionally, the study-unit covers protocols for combating discrimination, harassment, and bullying, including raising concerns, challenging unprofessional conduct, and protecting whistleblowers. Organizational support for individuals who challenge unprofessional conduct and confidential reporting procedures are also examined in detail. Finally, the study-unit highlights the significance and utilization of Police Standing Orders, introducing various policies and protocols related to drug misuse, anti-fraud and corruption, anti-discrimination and harassment, business interests, human resources, and organizational structure within the police force. Through a comprehensive examination of these topics, the study-unit equips learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate ethical and diversity-related challenges within policing effectively. Study-Unit Aims: - 'ethics', 'diversity', 'equality', 'human rights', 鈥榠nclusion鈥� and 鈥榚quity鈥� and relevant legislation, regulations, guidance and reports in a policing context, including the European Convention of Human Rights, Equality for Men and Women Act and the Code of Ethics; - Bias, including issues of Prejudice, Discrimination, Stereotyping, victimisation as well as personal identification biases鈥� and how to identify them; - Diversity, Equality and Inclusion considerations, including protected characteristics, Intersectionality, racism, bullying, harassment and victimisation and the valuing of difference; - The impact of bias, prejudice, discrimination or stereotyping on Individuals, Public confidence and Police legitimacy as well as 鈥榮ense of belonging鈥� to the police family; - Practical professional strategies and organisational support to address bias, prejudice, discrimination and stereotyping; - Combatting discrimination, harassment and bullying and raising and voicing concerns and challenging unprofessional conduct; - Significance and use of Police Standing Orders, including Drug misuse, Anti-Fraud & Corruption, anti-Discrimination & Harassment, and Human resources policies. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Identify the principles of ethics, equality, diversity and human rights in policing; - Challenge bias, prejudice, discrimination and stereotyping when performing the role of police constable; - Illustrate internal processes within the service to challenge and report unprofessional behaviour; - Summarize the purpose of Policies and Standard Operating Procedures. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Transfer concepts of ethics, equality, diversity and human rights into policing practice; - Interpret situations that could lead to bias, prejudice, discrimination and stereotyping when on duty; - Report unprofessional behaviour to the relevant authorities; - Abide by the Policies and Standard Operating Procedures. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Equality for Men and Women Act, Chapter 456 of the Laws of Malta. - Police Code of Ethics Malta (2002). Malta Police Force. Supplementary Readings: - Akande, A. (Ed.). (2022). Handbook of racism, xenophobia, and populism鈥�: all forms of discrimination in the United States and around the globe. Cham: Springer International Publishing. - Corsianos, M. (2012). The complexities of police corruption: gender, identity, and misconduct. England: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. - Council of Europe. (1950). Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. In Council of Europe Treaty Series 005. Council of Europe. - Dovidio, J. F. (2010). The SAGE handbook of prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination. London: SAGE. - Grieve, J., Harfield, C., & MacVean, A. (2007). Race and Diversity. In Policing (p. Policing, 2007). London: SAGE Publications Ltd. - Fridell, L. A. (2016). Producing Bias-Free Policing: A Science-Based Approach (1st ed. 2017). Cham: Springer International Publishing AG. - Prenzler, T. (2009). Ethics and accountability in criminal justice towards a universal standard. Bowen Hills, Qld.: Australian Academic Press. - Rowe, M. (2004). Policing, race and racism. Willan. - Workman-Stark, A. L. (2017). Inclusive Policing from the Inside Out (1st ed. 2017). Cham: Springer Nature. |
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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 | ||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | David Bugeja Andre Callus Nikita Cassar Maria Pisani Sandra Scicluna (Co-ord.) Michael Vella |
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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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