Crime and Investigative Studies [with Foundation Year]

Anglia Ruskin University

Develop your understanding of the basic scientific principles which underlie forensic investigations. You will be introduced to the broad scientific disciplines within forensic science, including chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics, providing you with the analytical skills necessary to interpret forensic evidence and apply scientific principles to forensic case studies. In addition to the standard biology and chemistry required as a basis of forensic analytical chemistry, you will explore basic physics, in areas such as blood spatter analysis and ballistics. Each lecture will be followed by a tutorial where students will be able to apply the scientific principles covered to relevant forensic situations. You will also participate in practical's to gain competency and confidence in performing basic laboratory techniques. These practical sessions include an introduction to wet lab techniques (e.g. the use of micropipettes), microscopy, presumptive testing, and thin layer chromatography (TLC).

In this module you will cover key forensic aspects ranging from the management of crime scenes and the appropriate recovery of items found within them, to the interpretation of results obtained from laboratory-based analyses. A range of the most common types of evidence will be introduced, along with the techniques used to examine them. Particular emphasis is placed on the various microscopy methods available, including polarised light and fluorescence microscopy, and the physical principles behind them.

In this module you will be introduced to the use of photographic evidence and other image recording methods used in the documentation of police and forensic evidence. You will conduct practical work on simulated cases in addition to attending conventional lectures and tutorials using photographic equipment available within our department.

In this module you will be introduced to the process of Investigation. You will examine the roles of those involved in investigation and the methods they use. This module will identify the techniques used in volume and serious crime investigation. You will receive lectures from practicing investigators, take part in workshops and practical activities, and complete group activities.

The examination of most physical (as opposed to chemical or biological) forensic evidence requires a broad knowledge of the characteristics of a wide range of materials. The forensic scientist has no way of predicting what evidential types will be available or significant when an investigation begins and so all criminalists require a basic knowledge of the main evidence types. In this module you will learn about the physical properties of different types of forensic evidence commonly encountered at crime scenes. The focus will be on the evidence, though some information about the analytical techniques used to examine the evidence will be introduced.

Explore the different legal systems within the United Kingdom and the different requirements of these systems. You'll look at the development of law in the English, Scottish and Northern Ireland legal systems and examine the jury system and the investigation of crime with each of these systems. You'll closely examine the powers relevant to the Scene of Crime Officer/Forensic Scientist and the laws of evidence as they relate to the S.O.C.O./Forensic Scientist and the codes of practice of the Crown Prosecution Service. You'll focus on seizure, rules of evidence and codes of practice as well as forensic scientist and expert witness.

This module will introduce you to the field of digital forensics, a critical component in modern policing. You will be introduced to the key aspects of digital investigative strategy, including identification, the powers for lawful seizure, safe handling, policy and legislation, and methods for examining digital evidence. You will also explore how digital evidence is reported within the criminal justice system giving you the opportunity to experience the procedures followed during digital forensic investigations.

In this module you will develop a knowledge and understanding of the key principles of Evidence-Based Policing, a methodology being employed increasingly across the country to tackle crime in times of austerity and greater demand for transparency and accountability. The content will include review of the twentieth-century policing style, how research is being increasingly employed to aid policy decisions in the twenty-first century, analyses of the police response to common problems in society, how current methodologies can be improved with the use of research, and the scope for evidence-based policing moving into the future.

You will explore the many different roles found within the modern Police Service, such as Dog Handlers, CID, Scenes of Crime, Firearms Officers, and how these may be used within a Police investigation. You will gain the skills necessary to organise and manage a criminal investigation. You will be provided with the basic outline of a criminal case from which you will have to carry out your own investigation of it. The investigation will not only involve decisions being made over which forensic samples should be analysed, but also regarding witnesses to be interviewed and statements to be taken.

In this module you will explore different elements of fire scenes, including fire behaviour and fire scene examination. It will cover the fundamental theories of such scenes, and practical approaches to their examination. You will develop an understanding of fire behaviour, fire science and scene reconstruction. You will also experience methodologies used in fire scene examination and explore preservation procedures applied by fire scene investigators in depth. The collection of evidence, and its documentation within fire scenes, will be explored in order to develop your understanding of the correct procedures by following nationally-recognised standards.

This module will introduce students to the variety of mass fatality incidents that occur, both within the UK and Internationally. The module will cover natural disasters, accidents and intentional incidents such as terrorist attacks. In addition to considering the planning and management systems in place for dealing with potential incidents, the module will also consider response actions. There will be a particular focus on Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) and the methodologies and standards used formally to identify victims of mass fatality incidents.

This module will prepare you to carry out a major project in your final year. This will involve initially researching and selecting a suitable project. You will acquire skills such as applying for ethical approval, accessing relevant sources of published information, conducting literature surveys, writing a literature review, formulating risk assessments and creating a project proposal. During this self-managed module you will plan your project and regularly meet with your supervisor, who will give you advice and review your progress.

In this module you will undertake practical work in the recovery of evidence at various scenes and highlight the problems that different types of scenes can bring. You will build on the knowledge you gained in previous modules in relation to contamination issues and also issues in the chain of continuity of evidence. You will build your practical skills by using specialist forensic equipment on evidence recovered from the scene.

You will gain the theoretical and practical skills necessary for examining crime scenes and analysing the evidence collected. You will be introduced to methodologies for examining, recording and recovering evidence from crime scenes, including the packaging of evidence and ensuring continuity and integrity. Building on the skills and knowledge from previous modules, you will advance your crime scene practices, enhancing the methodical and logical scene approaches required by crime scene investigators. You will also explore how crime scenes are linked, both forensically and through intelligence. You will also learn how to write witness statements and how to present evidence in court. You will be expected to give evidence in court and be cross-examined.

This module develops the students knowledge in regards to the role of the forensic anthropologist and the application of forensic anthropology to criminal investigations. The module covers search, recovery and identification of human remains, considering the role of the anthropologist both at the crime scene and the mortuary. The module teaches how the anthropologist works with other experts within the investigative framework and covers both domestic and international applications; from single fatality investigations through to the use of anthropology during mass fatality incidents. Methods of archaeology and osteology and their application to forensic contexts will be taught with the emphasis on basic principles and the critical application of techniques and their selection. A variety of resources will be available including ARU?s collection of human remains and anthropological teaching aids.

In this module you will develop knowledge of forensic pathology, which contributes to the investigation of suspicious death and identification of the deceased. The forensic investigation of death is a multi-disciplinary approach that involves collaboration between forensic pathologists, crime scene investigators, forensic scientists and other experts in the forensic field. This module covers the role of the forensic pathologist in fulfilling the key functions of the medico-legal autopsy and determination of cause of death. Post-mortem changes after death, estimation of time since death, injuries and different types of asphyxias will also be taught in this module. Various case studies and peer-reviewed articles relating to the subject area will also be discussed.

Major Investigations within the Police service are probably the most complicated, involving not only police personnel but also staff from many other agencies involved in investigation of crime. This module will look at the national standards involved in major investigations, as well as looking at the different disciplines including investigative theory, intelligence, planning of a investigation including investigative strategies and other investigative considerations. The module will look in depth at various roles within the major investigation team and how those roles interact with the strategic plan of the investigation management team.

This module explores and covers specialised and contemporary areas of crime investigation which you may not have experienced or be aware of when compared to the more commonly reported media crimes. You will cover specific areas of current and emerging crimes within the large and complex range of criminalities, including UK based and international crimes. Each specialist area will cover the history, investigative techniques used, forensic science techniques, investigative agencies involved, legislation, impact of and response the crime. The module allows students to demonstrate more independency in their studies of newer/specialist crimes and this is reflected in the media style based reports (i.e. podcast, webpage, blogs, new reels and newspaper reports) produced by students on the module.

You will create in a substantial piece of individual research and/or product development work, focused on a topic of your choice. You could choose your topic from a variety of sources including research groups, previous/current work experience, your current employer, a suggestion from your tutor or a topic you are specifically interested in. You will identify problems and issues, conduct literature reviews, evaluate information, investigate and adopt suitable development methodologies, determine solutions, develop hardware, software and/or media artifacts as appropriate, process data, critically appraise and present your finding using a variety of media. Regular meetings with your project supervisor will ensure your project is closely monitored and steered in the right direction.