CULT 2016 Evidence and Investigation
Credit Points 10
Legacy Code 102691
Coordinator John Edwards Opens in new window
Description This unit provides an overview of police investigations with a specific focus on understanding the interaction of police powers and the investigative process. The unit will build on knowledge of the common criminal offences covered in the unit 'Criminal Law for Policing' and outline the investigative process through scenario-based case studies. The unit will refer to both NSW and Commonwealth legislation, and examine the role of the courts in applying the rules of evidence to determine its reliability to be admitted as evidence at a trial. The unit will examine the impact of technological change and forensic science on the traditional investigative process, and provide students an introduction to research into the organisation, processes and governance of Investigative Units.
School Social Sciences
Discipline Criminology
Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp
Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.
Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject
Equivalent Subjects JUST 2005 - Criminal Investigations
Incompatible Subjects CULT 2006 - Evidence Investigations and Police Intelligence
Assumed Knowledge
An understanding of the basic criminal law offences in the Crimes and Summary Offences Act and Criminal Code Act (Cwlth), to allow non-Policing students to enrol in this subject as an elective without otherwise having to seek a rule waiver by the specification of a prerequisite subject.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain and utilise a range of investigative practices.
- Apply relevant legislation to the investigative process.
- Identify the role and limits of police powers and their interaction with the investigative process.
- Compare and contrast reliable and unreliable evidence and the role of the courts to evidence gathered by investigators.
- Describe the organisation, processes and governance of different investigative models.
Subject Content
Police powers of search and the rules of evidence as enacted by the Law Enforcement (Powers & Responsibilities) [LEPRA] Act.
The different sources and types of evidence applied by police in accordance with the Evidence Act NSW.
Models of investigation.
International co-operation in investigation of transnational crime.
Assessment
The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.
| Item | Length | Percent | Threshold | Individual/Group Task |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Task | 1,500 words | 40 | N | Individual |
| Multiple Choice | 2 hours | 20 | N | Individual |
| Critical Review | 1,500 words | 40 | N | Individual |
Teaching Periods
Spring
Penrith (Kingswood)
Day
Subject Contact John Edwards Opens in new window
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Liverpool
Day
Subject Contact John Edwards Opens in new window