DA4097 - Achieving Independent Patrol Status (PCDA)

The main learning strategy utilised throughout the module is work based learning; learning that is derived from doing a job of work and taking on a role in the workplace (general operational police deployment).

The classroom-based and role-play sessions offer a unique opportunity to consolidate the criminological, legal, and procedural policy underpinning specialist policing areas including response policing; policing communities; policing the roads; information and intelligence; conducting investigations. In addition, you will be introduced to the Operational Competency Portfolio and will have the opportunity to discuss this with the relevant staff. Police trainers will guide you through the formative practical role-play scenarios designed to consolidate all of your learning to date and provide you with confidence and momentum as you progress to your first operational phase. Once on deployment, you will receive support and guidance from your Tutor Constable.

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):
K&U –
1. Demonstrate ability for critical and analytical reflection around police decision making in a range of complicated professional situations.

2. Be able to demonstrate competent levels of knowledge and understanding around police powers, legislation, criminal procedure, police officer autonomy and discretion.

3. Demonstrate ability for critical and analytical understanding of issues around police governance and accountability structures.

Intellectual/Professional skills & abilities (IPSA):
IPSA -
4. Demonstrate competence in delivering lawful, ethical, safe and effective front-line policing.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
PVA –
5. Demonstrate competent thinking around practical and professional police knowledge and practice.

Assessed Component One: A 1,000-word Duty Report (Pass/Fail pass mark 65%) This assessment will test MLOs IPSA 4 and PVA 5.

Assessed Component Two: Completion of an Operational Competence Portfolio to achieve Independent Patrol Status (Pass/Fail, pass mark 40%) – the point at which a student officer can demonstrate sufficient knowledge and competence in an operational role to function independently, safely, and lawfully in the workplace, alongside other policing colleagues. This will be achieved via a series of Personal Reflections – supported by corroborating evidence such as Witness Testimony – linked to ten areas of Operational Competence. This assessment will test MLOs K&U 1, 2 and 3, IPSA 4 and PVA 5.


Opportunities for formative assessment and feedback include:

• Ongoing feedback on performance during specialist attachment from police tutors.
• Feedback from police trainers throughout the formative practical role-play scenarios.

DA4094 Assessment(s) – 002, 003, 004
DA4095 Assessment(s): 002, 003

N/A

This module sees the transition from your initial classroom-based learning phase to your first period of supported operational deployment on a Response Policing Team (RPT). The module begins with one week of classroom-based learning where you will you will learn about the function of the Professional Development Unit and how this will support you throughout the remainder of your programme and beyond. You will be introduced to your allocated assessor from the Assessment and Quality Assurance Team (AQAT) and receive a detail induction to your Operational Competence Portfolio, including key dates and valuable guidance on how to achieve Independent Patrol Status (IPS). The classroom week also involves a series of formative practical role-play scenarios designed to consolidate all your learning to date and provide you with confidence and momentum as you progress to operational application at area command the following week. In essence, your previous learning forms the content underpinning Independent Patrol Status (IPS) and provides you with the knowledge necessary to successfully transition from the classroom phase of the programme to the workplace.