Management of ongoing investigations (SIO)
Level 7, 20 Credits
Course aim
The role of the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) is often a magnet for significant public intrigue and discussion with numerous films, TV dramas and literature feeding our interest in the archetypal ‘who done it?’ mysteries, often bringing into sharp focus the role of the Detective in charge of the investigation.
These mediums seek to portray an image of the challenges faced by the investigation team and the officer in overall charge, their efforts often being frustrated by the obvious character flaws, sometimes the limited social skills of the SIO and compounded by unrealistic and/or unconventional working practices.
The public are attracted to the excitement and roller coaster of emotions faced by the SIO who eventually, and ‘against all odds’ wins the day.
The reality is significantly more different. Real life investigations into incidents of major crime are structured, methodical and disciplined and this module aims to raise the students’ awareness of the management and processes involved in an ongoing investigation.
The programme aims to critically examine the principles of a major crime investigation, taking the student through the structured, methodical process by examining the initial stages, the factors considered in prioritising lines of enquiry and the preservation of evidence.
The module seeks to examine how the SIO will implement and develop the overarching investigation plan and various supporting strategies, setting key milestones to ensure focus. It will also examine some of the wider strategic issues managed by the SIO together with the role often played by partner agencies in supporting an investigation.
Course length
7 sessions run over a 18 week period
24 taught hours
200 learning hours
Course cost
The total cost for this CPD module is £760 on-site delivery at LJMU for UK domiciled students. Other delivery options are available – costs on enquiry.
Attendance
Learning is on a part-time basis and through delivery on-site (at LJMU), off-site or through a blended delivery process incorporating some distance learning. Delivery will be supported by LJMU’s Virtual Learning Environment, Canvas. While the intake month is flexible, with the module being able to commence in semester 1, semester 2 or the summer period, the duration of study will usually last 18 weeks. Guest lecturers will be used on this programme and Masterclasses are likely to be run in parallel with each module. Participants are strongly encouraged to attend these events if calendars allow.
Course content
After completing the module you should be able to:
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the initial stages of a major crime investigation, the preservation of evidence and prioritisation of main lines of enquiry
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the implementation and development of an overarching investigation plan and the various supporting strategies
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the legal and ethical considerations for the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) in managing an ongoing investigation into major crime
- Critically evaluate the wider strategic issues faced by the SIO and the role of partner agencies in supporting the investigation
Assessment
Assessment methods:
- A 2500 word essay that will be based on a written scenario that will be provided to the student. This will proved a set of hypothetical circumstances from which the student will need to consider, as the SIO, all aspects and stages of an investigation
- A 2000 word Reflective Portfolio based on the theory of this module and linked to their management in the workplace of an investigation, aligned to a specific session contained within the module
Entry requirements
- First degree at 2:2 or above, international equivalent or through RPEL
- Open to recruitment for Police Officer, Police Staff or other law enforcement agencies
CPD award
This 20-credit module is studied as a single CPD programme and can contribute towards further studies at Level 7.
Study dates
Flexible
Further information
Further information is available in our Liverpool Centre for Advanced Policing Studies CPD brochure
Liverpool Centre for Advanced Policing Studies
80-98 Mount Pleasant
Liverpool
L3 5UZ
T: 0151 231 3077
E: b.mcneill@ljmu.ac.uk
The University may make changes to a programme of study or module where such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University.
