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CRI-30066 - Module Specification
School of Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 11 September 2024

CRI-30066 - Policing and Technology
Coordinator: Helen Wells Room: CBB1.017 Tel: +44 1782 7 33748
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25


Aims
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

1: Essay weighted 100%
3000 word essay
Students will be asked to select one particular policing technology (from the topics covered in the module, or of their own choice by arrangement with the module leader) and to produce a 3000 word essay following a structure that will be provided and explained in the course of the module.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 11 September 2024