Course Catalogue

Justice Studies

The overall aim and distinctive quality of the module is to critically explore the intersection of psychology and policing. Further, this course will examine current practices, techniques and applications of police interviewing. During this module students will be exposed to comparative international techniques in interviewing, interpretation of verbal and physical behaviour, causes of denial, deception and defensiveness. Aims: 1. To introduce students to foundational concepts of forensic psychology and how psychological theoretical models can aid in conducting a police interview. 2. To encourage students to reflect upon, explain, analyse and evaluate human behaviours and their relationship to interviewer intuitive judgements. 3. To critically engage with, explain, analyse and evaluate the central issues surrounding the interaction between offenders and victims, with an emphasis on the motivations for false confessions.

Outline Syllabus:Introduction to forensic psychology Psychopathology of criminal behaviours and psychopathic disorders Interacting with psychologically impaired criminals Interview suggestibility Classifying perpetrators attitudes, characteristics, risk factors, patterns, and behaviour False confessions and their motivations Interpretation of verbal and physical behaviour Indicators and motives of deception Psychological theoretical models of confession Critical analysis of investigator intuitive judgements Ethical considerations of interviewing Interviewing witnesses Mental Health Issues Interviewing victims (child and adult) Issues with witness/ victim memory cognition PEACE model ABE interviews Case Study Critiques: What we have learned.

Module Overview:
The aim of the module is to critically explore the intersection of psychology and policing. It will also examine current practices, techniques and applications of police interviewing. You will be exposed to comparative international techniques in interviewing, interpretation of verbal and physical behaviour, causes of denial, deception and defensiveness.

Additional Information:This module takes cognisance of the National Occupational Standards – AA1, AB, AE1 & CB1. This module takes cognisance of the National Occupational Standards- CB1 / CJ101 / GC10 & BE2.