CR4006 - Evidence Based Policing

What will I learn on this module?

On this module you will examine the professional concept of evidence based policing (EBP) and be able to explain ways in which EBP has been used to better inform policing and the delivery of effective and efficient police services in local communities. The module introduces you to problem-orientated approaches to policing and you will develop knowledge of problem-solving techniques and their application in practice. The use of community intelligence and links to the National Intelligence Model are addressed.

Key threads running throughout the module are criminological approaches to study skills, effective academic writing, and primary and secondary information and data gathering techniques. The aim is to encourage and foster your ability to engage in critical argument and reflection, evaluate research publications informed by qualitative and quantitative data, and learn how to develop logical conclusions based on sound and reliable evidence.

CoP pre-join curriculum learning outcomes: CoP December 2023 v1.1
Core National Learning
The Police Constable role and professional standards: 10.1-10.2, 11.1-11.3
Prevention and problem solving (incorporating evidence-based policing): 1.1-1.6, 2.1-2.4, 3.1, 4.1
Community policing and partnership working: 7, 8
Information, intelligence and evidence: 2.1-2.5
NIM as business process: 2.1
Applying lessons previous investigations: 2.1

Core National Supporting Information
Supporting/Supplementary Material
The Police Constable role and professional standards
Community policing and partnership working
Information, intelligence and evidence
Leadership and team working
Wellbeing and resilience
Prevention and problem solving (incorporating evidence-based policing)

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through a series of different delivery styles which will include traditional taught lectures to cover theoretical aspects, supplemented with seminar and workshop sessions, where you will be a more active learning, applying the theory into practice.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported through active participation and discussion during seminars and workshops. These offer a unique opportunity to fully understand evidence based policing and problem solving approaches used to better inform police practice, and to develop your criminological study and research skills. All lecture, seminar and workshop material will be available on the University’s eLearning Portal, supplemented with guidance on further reading relevant to the subjects. Written 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.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding: 1. You will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key concepts relating to evidence based policing and problem solving techniques, and how these methods have been used to inform areas of police practice. Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities: 2. You will demonstrate the ability to undertake a critical and analytical approach to interpreting research findings and understand how they can be used to inform and improve. contemporary issues in police practice. 3. You will demonstrate knowledge of criminological study skills and research methods, particularly in the context of evidence based police practice. Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA): 4. You will understand the importance of ethically sound approaches to evidence based policing and to the application of research findings into police practice.

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment: In order to prepare you for the summative assessments, you will be asked to submit a draft plan of the research proposal in bullet point formation on one side of A4. Feedback will be provided.

Assessment Component 1: Research Poster (40%)

You will produce a Poster of your hypothetical research proposal in relation to a policing priority, using Microsoft powerpoint or similar software. The Poster must be suitable for a lay audience, and it must clearly and succinctly provide an overview of your research including your research question, methodology, why your research is important (i.e. what problem is it trying to solve) and what do you hope to find/recommend (i.e. changes in policy or practice). The poster will be discussed in a seminar and you will be asked to present your poster (5 minutes max to your colleagues and get feedback) (K&U 1; IPS 2; PVA 4).

Assessment Component 2: Research Proposal (1500 words) Weighting 60%

A 1500-word research proposal providing more detail and discussion in relation to your hypothetical research proposal. This needs to include a more in-depth discussion of methodology, theory, ethical issues, and an implementation plan. (K&U 1; IPS 3; PVA 4)

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module focuses upon evidence based policing (EBP) and student learning is contextualised within an EBP framework. This allows you to understand and explore the concept of EBP, understand how EBP has been used to inform police practice, and appreciate how policing benefits from using best available evidence to inform policies and operational practice. You will gain insight into police orientated problem solving, related techniques and problem solving toolkits.


Embedded within the module are mechanisms allowing you to develop the relevant study and research skills that will help you become effective in criminological writing and research. The key techniques you will learn include writing skills, producing essays, how to reference, and how to use a range of source material to inform academic work. Focus will also be on the development of critical and analytical approaches to reviewing literature, encouraging reflective practice, analysing and interpreting qualitative and quantitative research.

Course info

UCAS Code LL44

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time

Department Social Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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