| CODE | CRI0106 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Evidence Based Policing | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 00 - Mod Pre-Tert, Foundation, Proficiency & DegreePlus | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 4 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Criminology | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The study-unit begins by defining evidence-based policing (EBP) and exploring its various facets. This includes examining different types of evidence such as research evidence, professional expertise, information and intelligence, and lessons learned from success and failure. Emphasis is placed on the importance of using evidence to inform decisions through review and analysis, and identifying good practice within the field. Case studies are then utilized to delve into the practical impact and benefits of evidence-based policing across different areas of law enforcement. Moving forward, the study-unit explores the professional contexts where an evidence-based approach is appropriate, including both organizational and community settings. It also identifies specific policing-related activities where evidence-based policing is beneficial, such as community policing, crime prevention, engaging the public, managing offenders, and tackling crime and disorder. The sources of research and information essential for evidence-based policing are examined, ranging from law enforcement agencies and academic sources to other industries. The application of evidence in professional practice is thoroughly discussed, highlighting its role in contributing to the evidence base, the reflective practitioner, questioning and challenging using evidence, and considerations of ethics and bias. Shifting focus, the study-unit then defines problem-oriented policing (POP) and explores various models used in problem-solving and preventative policing, such as the Routine Activity Theory. Principles of problem-solving and preventative policing are discussed, including primary/secondary/tertiary prevention strategies and making better use of intelligence. Partnership working and cooperation in problem-solving, as well as the role of the public in community problem-solving, are also examined, emphasizing the importance of problem identification, action-taking, and assessing effectiveness. Finally, the study-unit underscores the significance of defining a problem, considering its context, particular features, and utilizing multiple sources of data to overcome barriers to solving it. Enablers to effective problem-solving, such as identifying and communicating the problem and adopting problem-solving models, are discussed, along with the importance of evaluating and reflecting on the impact of interventions. Study-Unit Aims: The study-unit aims to introduce police recruits to: - Definitions and importance of evidence-based/evidence-informed policing including different types of evidence and identification of good practice; - Professional contexts including policing-related activities in which an evidence-based/evidence-informed policing approach is appropriate; - Sources of research and information for evidence-based/evidence-informed policing and application of evidence in professional practice; - Problem-oriented policing (POP) including definitions, models and principles used in problem solving and partnerships and cooperation in problem solving and evaluating and reflecting on the impact of problem-oriented policing. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Explain the evidence-based/evidence-informed policing approach and potential benefits; - Identify the potential professional sources and applications of evidence-based/evidence-informed approaches; - Explain problem-solving techniques and potential benefits; - Engage in effective problem solving. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Adopt an evidence-based/evidence-informed policing approach; - Evaluate the applications of evidence-based/evidence-informed approaches; - Adopt problem-solving techniques and potential benefits; - Develop effective problem solving skills. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - McGuire, J., Evans, E., & Kane, E. (2021). Evidence-Based Policing and Community Crime Prevention (1st ed.). Cham: Springer International Publishing AG. - Police Code of Ethics Malta (2002). Malta Police Force. Supplementary Readings: - Bland, M., Ariel, B., & Ridgeon, N. (2022). The crime analyst's companion. Springer International Publishing. - Greenberg, S. F. (2017). Mastery: Advancing Police Patrol. In Frontline Policing in the 21st Century (pp. 13–86). Switzerland: Springer International Publishing AG. - Grieve, J., Harfield, C., & MacVean, A. (2007). Policing and Evidence. In Policing. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. - Sheldon, B., & Williams, P. (2022). Understanding policing and professional practice (1st ed.). England: Critical Publishing. |
||||||||||||
| 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 |
|
||||||||||||
| LECTURER/S | Saviour Formosa (Co-ord.) Kevin Emanuel Manicolo |
||||||||||||
|
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. |
|||||||||||||