This unit aims to provide an overview of police investigations with a specific focus on understanding the interaction of police powers and the investigative process. The unit will introduce the common criminal offences in order to outline the investigative process through scenario based case studies. The unit will refer to both NSW and Commonwealth legislation. The unit will also examine the role of the courts in applying the rules of evidence to determine whether or not evidence gathered by investigators is sufficiently reliable to be admitted into evidence at a trial. The unit will examine the impact of technological change on the investigative process including the impact of forensic science. Whilst NSW legislation will be a significant focus, the investigative process is universally applicable.