| CODE | CRI0111 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Initial Response to Investigation | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 00 - Mod Pre-Tert, Foundation, Proficiency & DegreePlus | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 4 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Criminology | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The study-unit begins by defining criminal investigations and the role of the investigator, covering various aspects such as the definition of a criminal investigation, the legal aspects, elements of a crime, and the significance of disclosure and evidence. It also emphasizes the importance of the Police Constable (PC) in investigations, discussing their powers and duties, guidelines, and the knowledge and skills required for effective investigation. Bias considerations in investigations are explored, followed by principles of an initial investigation, including preserving life, scenes, and evidence, as well as identifying victims and suspects. The study-unit introduces the PLANE model for conducting investigations ethically and effectively, along with the importance of keeping accurate records throughout the investigative process. Moving on to incident response, the study-unit addresses the information and intelligence required before responding to incidents, considerations prior to attending the scene, and initial actions upon arrival, including managing threats to life, hate crimes, and missing persons cases. It also covers evidence-gathering opportunities, potential communication barriers, and available resources to support police at the scene, as well as identifying and supporting vulnerable victims and witnesses. Specialist roles and multi-agency approaches for supporting and safeguarding victims and witnesses, particularly in public protection incidents like domestic abuse, are discussed. The study-unit also covers the process of identifying and detaining suspects at the scene and achieving best evidence through investigative interviewing. Securing, preserving, and recovering evidence at crime scenes is thoroughly examined, including identifying crime scenes, preservation methods, forensic packaging, and the involvement of competent professionals in crime scene examinations. The national principles of investigative interviewing are outlined, covering the questioning process, interview strategy, and the involvement of various individuals such as interpreters and legal advisors. Key considerations for police interviewing, including fitness/willingness for interview and legal issues, are also addressed, along with the importance of recording interviews and completing interview documentation. Through comprehensive coverage of these topics, the study-unit equips learners with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective investigative and interviewing practices in law enforcement. Study-Unit Aims: - Criminal investigations and the powers and duties applicable to the investigator and the PC; - Principles, processes and considerations of initial investigations and the use of relevant models such as PLANE; - Initial actions, taking control of a scene, securing, preserving and recovering and evidence-gathering; - Principles and key considerations of investigative interviewing. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Define the fundamental principles of initial responses to an investigation; - Identify appropriate investigative actions when responding to and attending an incident; - Select the appropriate method to secure, preserve and recover evidence; - Explain the use and importance of interviews. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Use relevant models in effective response such as PLANE; - Recognize the process and importance of securing the scene of a crime; - Operate with others within the context of criminal investigation; - Conduct effective, ethical and professional interviews. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Tong, S. et al. (2009). Understanding Criminal Investigation. Malden, MA: Wiley. Supplementary Readings: - Grieve, J., Harfield, C., & MacVean, A. (2007). Criminal Investigation. In Policing. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. - Gross, H., Adam, J. C., & Jackson, R. L. (1962). Criminal investigation: a practical textbook for magistrates, police officers and lawyers (5th ed.). Sweet & Maxwell. - Miller, S., & Gordon, I. A. (2014). Investigative ethics: ethics for police detectives and criminal investigators (1st ed.). Chicester: WILEY. - Williamson, T. (2006). Investigative interviewing: rights, research and regulation. Portland: Willan. |
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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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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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