| CODE | CRI0114 | ||||||||||||||||
| TITLE | Policing the Roads | ||||||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 00 - Mod Pre-Tert, Foundation, Proficiency & DegreePlus | ||||||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Criminology | ||||||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The study-unit provides a comprehensive examination of policing the roads within the broader context of law enforcement. It emphasizes the interconnectedness between road policing and the wider police force, drawing attention to national statistics regarding road-related fatalities and injuries. Central to this discussion is the importance of casualty reduction through educational initiatives and the recognition of potential links between road traffic offenses and other forms of crime. The study-unit also explores the collaborative role of partner agencies, including Civil Protection, Emergency 福利在线免费, Transport Malta, and LESA (Local Enforcement System Agency), in supporting roads policing efforts. A key aspect of the study-unit is the definition of terms associated with policing the roads, covering a range of offenses such as speeding, drink and drug driving, driving while distracted, and non-compliance with seat-belt and protective headgear regulations. Additionally, it examines broader classes of vehicles, traffic laws, regulations, and conventions pertinent to road policing activities. Addressing health and safety risks inherent in the roads policing environment, the study-unit explores potential dangers such as exposure to extreme weather conditions, risks from other traffic during incidents, and the effects of fatigue and stress on officers. Strategies and methods to mitigate these risks are discussed, along with post-incident procedures and access to health and well-being support. Further sections of the study-unit delve into legal definitions of terms like 'using,' 'causing,' and 'permitting' in the context of road traffic offenses, as well as related offenses concerning drivers' licenses and information requirements for constables. Additional offenses associated with the roads environment, such as vehicle abandonment and waste disposal, are also examined. The study-unit also covers incident evaluation, scene preservation, and evidence recording procedures, emphasizing the importance of accurate data collection and documentation. Additionally, it explores the utilization of appropriate technology, including PDA devices, breathalyzers, and body-worn cameras, in road policing activities. Emergency response driving and standard operating procedures are extensively discussed, covering pre-driving checks, road craft, safe driving practices, and the use of emergency equipment such as blue lights and sirens. Emphasis is placed on hazard perception, anticipation, and observation skills, as well as the effects of speed and the importance of planning in varying light conditions. Incident reporting protocols are also outlined, providing a comprehensive overview of emergency response protocols in the context of road policing. Study-Unit Aims: - The significance of policing the roads and how this relates to wider law and order functions and partner agencies involved in road policing; - Offences and contraventions related to road traffic and other road environment offences; - Health and safety risks within the roads policing environment, including evaluating the scale of incidents; - Securing, preserving and recording road incident scenes including use of appropriate technology when policing the roads; - Emergency response driving and the standard operating procedures. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Explain the core functions of policing the roads; - Apply legislation relating to the more prevalent offences around driving/riding vehicles; - Carry out appropriate actions at the scene of a minor collision or other incident in the road environment; - Describe the effective use of technology in policing the roads; - Explain the theory of emergency response driving. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Apply the laws pertaining to traffic and road offences; - Report and draw a sketch in case of traffic accidents; - Demonstrate knowledge in securing and preserving evidence in case of traffic and other road incidences; - Employ the effective use of body cams and breathalyzers in policing the roads; - Recognise the response driving needs in an emergency. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Criminal Code, Chapter 9 of the Laws of Malta. - Traffic Regulation Ordinance, Chapter 65 of the Laws of Malta. Supplementary Readings: - Friedland, M., Roach, K., & Trebilcock, M. (1990). Regulating traffic safety. University of Toronto Press. - Savigar-Shaw, L., & Wells, H. (2023). Policing Distracted Driving: Contemporary Challenges in Roads Policing (1st ed.). Cham: Springer International Publishing AG. - Wilkinson, G. S., Swift, K., & McCormac, K. (2009). Wilkinson's road traffic offences, Volume 2. Sweet and Maxwell. |
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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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