CRI-30066 - Module Specification
School of Social, Political and Global Studies
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

The module will offer you the chance to consider the use of technology in policing, from its earliest forms (the police whistle, for example) through a series of case studies (the introduction of police vehicles, radios, computers and forensics) to the present day where the module team will present and discuss their ongoing research on subjects including drones, big data, social media, online reporting, roads policing and body-worn video. You will explore the crucial and evolving role of technology in policing, from the ways in which the police patrol, investigate, detect, prevent and manage crimes and communities, to the increasingly diverse ways in which the public contacts and learns about the police. The module encourages you to engage with the broader idea of technology as the solution to a range of problems, from the specific to the general, considering examples of the `techno-fix¿ in theory and in practice. We will focus on a range of specific technologies and their intended and unintended consequences for the way in which policing is experienced by its subjects (the public) and its agents (within policing).

This module explores the role of technology in policing, from the way in which the public contacts and learns about the police, to the ways in which the police patrol, investigate, detect, prevent and manage crimes and communities. It encourages students to engage with the broader idea of technology as the solution to a range of problems, from the specific to the general, considering examples of the `techno-fix¿ in theory and in practice. We will focus on a range of specific technologies and their intended and unintended consequences for the way in which policing is experienced by its subjects (the public) and its agents (within policing). The module will offer students the chance to consider the evolution of technology in policing, from its earliest forms (the police whistle, for example) through a series of case studies (the introduction of police vehicles, radios, computers and forensics) to the present day where the module team will present their ongoing research on subjects including drones, big data, social media, online reporting, roads policing and body-worn video.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Critically consider the evolution of technology in policing, and its relationship to broader societal developments: 1
Demonstrate a critical understanding of the impact of technology on the police and police culture: 1
Demonstrate a critical understanding of the impact of policing technologies on individuals and society: 1
Demonstrate a critical understanding of the impact of technology for key policing concepts such efficiency, effectiveness, legitimacy, and trust: 1
Explore and critically discuss recent and ongoing academic research and policy literature relating to the use of technology for policing purposes: 1

Study hours

22 hours contact - (11x 2 hr workshops)
28 hours of directed preparation for lectures and seminars via engagement with online asynchronous activities and information specific to each activity.
100 hours of private study preparing for and writing assessment.

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment