2016/17 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

LAW5215M Policing 2: Accountability of Policing

15 creditsClass Size: 20

Module manager: Dr Anna Barker
Email: A.C.H.Barker@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

Module replaces

LAW5210M - Policing 2: Police Accountability

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This 15 credit module examines the accountability and governance of policing. It takes a broad view of the concept of 'policing' such that it considers the accountability of private as well as public actors and institutions. It encourages students to deconstruct the meaning of the concept of 'accountability', examining the different mechanisms by which accountability is pursued in the context of policing. Students are asked to reflect on the key distinction between democratic accountability and contractual or commercial accountability. The first part of the module explores the size, practices and accountability of private policing actors and arrangements. The second part explores the different mechanisms by which police constables are held accountable for their actions. The third explores the constitutional framework by which police forces are held accountable for policy and operational decisions.

Objectives

1) To describe the relationships between policing institutions and formal central and local governmental bodies with reference to their legal, political, social and cultural implications.
2) To describe the relationships between policing institutions and informal communities with reference to their legal, political, social and cultural implications.
3) To enable students to develop analytical and research and communications skills with reference to policing issues.

Syllabus

- Meanings and significance of accountability and legal frameworks
- Private policing nature, accountability and external regulation
- Police accountability at the micro-level (individual complaints, criminal prosecutions and civil actions)
- Relations between national and local institutions (e.g. the Home Office, Police and Crime Commissioners, the police and local community relations)

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	10	1.00	10.00
Seminar	5	1.00	5.00
Private study hours			135.00
Total Contact hours			15.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Progression is monitored through their attendance and performance in seminars.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 x 4,000 word essay	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 15/09/2016

Disclaimer

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