DC4014 - Introduction to the Police Constable Role (PCDA)

You will learn through a series of different delivery styles which will include traditional classroom sessions covering theoretical / procedural aspects of the curriculum, supplemented with presentations and breakout sessions where you will be a more active learner, making connections between theory / procedure in practice using technology to enhance learning. As part of Personal Safety Training, you will be shown various restraint and personal safety techniques of which, you will then be required to demonstrate. The intended purpose is intended to prepare you for the rest of the programme and your career as a police constable. It is expected that you will achieve the module learning outcomes with your progression mapped against the National Apprenticeship Standard.



This module tests apprentices’ knowledge and understanding via a variety of assessment modes including presentation, role play scenarios, and multiple-choice examination. There may be opportunities for formative assessment and feedback to further consolidate key knowledge, skills, and behaviours relevant to the module as per the National Apprenticeship Standard.

You will be supported through active participation and discussion during teaching and breakout sessions. These offer a unique opportunity to fully understand criminological and legal theory; procedural policy and legislation underpinning the role and responsibilities of the police constable; the wider police organisation and criminal justice system; and the delivery of a professional police service in local contexts. During Personal Safety Training you will be supported through active participation and discussion



All learning material (including online blended learning material where applicable) will be available on the University’s eLearning Portal, supplemented with guidance on further reading relevant to the subjects. Opportunities for formative assessment and feedback will help you to prepare for summative assessment.  Written and oral summative assessment feedback will also be provided to allow you to understand how you performed and how you can build on this performance in subsequent assessments within your programme.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding (K&U):  

1. You will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key concepts of the role and responsibilities of the Police Constable and the wider police organisation.

2. You will demonstrate knowledge regarding ethical policing, in relation to equality, diversity, inclusivity, and human rights whilst maintaining the highest professional standards in providing a service to the public.



Intellectual/Professional skills & abilities (IPSA):   

3. You will demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team relevant to the professional role of police constable.

4. Demonstrate and apply specialist skills in personal safety and evaluate decision making models necessary for the role of a police constable.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA): 

5. Show awareness to manage own wellbeing and that of colleagues in the police service to help develop and maintain professional resilience in dealing with challenging situations.

Summative assessment(s):



001: You will deliver a group presentation on a theme covered within the module (this will be in PowerPoint form or an equivalent format and will include a reference list). The presentation should last approximately 10-minutes and will be followed by questions and answers. This will assess MLOs 1, 2 and 3.



002: MCQ Knowledge Check on Personal Safety Training (Pass/Fail). Pass threshold set at 40%. MLO 4, MLO 5



003: Fitness Test

(Pass/Fail) MLO 5



004: Officer Safety Training Role-Play Scenario

(Pass/Fail) MLO 4, MLO 5

N/A

N/A

This module opens with a week-long induction to the PCDA programme that combines an introduction to your police force and to the university. To prepare you for your role as a police constable you will undertake sessions in key topics including understanding the role of the police constable, valuing diversity and inclusion, wellbeing and resilience, communication skills, decision making and discretion, as well as suspect and offender management and response policing. In addition, you will explore the code of ethics and the importance of professionalism in the police service.



Your induction week is followed by one week of officer personal safety training during which you will undertake a fitness test and learn self-defence techniques that you may need when dealing with conflict situations; this will include the National Decision Model (NDM) and tactical communications allowing you to deal with varying levels of conflict.

 During week three of the module, you will look at the different elements of policing, including responding to policing incidents as well as further exploring different communication techniques you can use in your front-line policing role. You will also be given inputs on wellbeing and resilience giving you a tool kit of strategies to cope with stressful and traumatic situations you may encounter as a police officer.