This module aims to critically evaluate the complex role of policing in contemporary society and how this interacts with the protection and possible infringement of human rights and civil liberties. The module will engage students with the core concepts in policing studies; history and emergence; police functions; police occupational subculture; police powers; and police accountability. The focus of the course will be analysing these issues in terms of how they interact with the protection and infringement of civil liberties and fundamental rights. While current controversies and debates in Ireland will be a starting point, the course will consider the experiences of other jurisdictions. By the end of the module students will be familiar with debates around the police function in society, police culture, police powers, reform, compliance and enforcement mechanisms, accountability and remedies.

This module examines a number of theoretical perspectives and contemporary debates surrounding the nature and of policing contemporary society. It begins by exploring the historical development of the police institution, and considers the various roles and functions associated with the police. It then considers the role that policing plays in wider society, how it relates to various cultural debates, and how it impacts on different sections of the public and intersects with various social conflicts. These fundamental issues will be examined through weekly thematic seminars: Introduction to policing contemporary society; Overview of policing and human rights; Police powers I; Police powers II; Victims; Policing and public (dis)order; Policing and the use of force; Undercover investigations; Information and intelligence; International police cooperation; Human rights of the police; Reform, oversight and accountability.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: * Describe the historical evolution of the police and contemporary approaches to policing contemporary society. * Outline the powers of the police and the legal or constitutional basis for those powers. * Identify relevant human rights instruments and case law which interact with policing. * Evaluate the place of the police in the criminal justice system/process, and evaluate whether Irish criminal justice law and policy is appropriately evidence-based and reflects best practice in tackling crime from a policing perspective. * Develop an understanding of the legal and moral authority of police. * Critique academic debates relating to the role of human rights in policing. * Apply these skills to domestic, European and international contexts.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: * Understand the multi-faceted role and functions of policing in contemporary society and the challenges posed in effectively reducing crime in this jurisdiction. * Appreciate the ways in which research can inform best practice in laws and policies on policing and human rights.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: N/A

Asynchronous lectures will provide theoretical inputs and a range of resources and materials, including case studies, to stimulate group discussion and encourage critical engagement, reflection, and debate. Students will be encouraged to draw from their own professional and academic experiences and that of others through participation in weekly online e-tivities. Support for self-directed study will be provided through access to the learning facilities accessible remotely through relevant Library resources. Systematic use will be made of journals and websites for up-to-date discussions of contemporary issues. A comprehensive course reader will be provided ensuring access to an extensive range of training materials and resources. This will be augmented through weekly live interactive seminars with students that will be recorded and made available to students through the VLE. Module assessment instruments typically include independent research assignments, student presentations and engagement with student peers through online discussions. Students enhance their teamwork skills in group presentations, being able to think both critically and independently in class discussions (e-tivities), live interactive seminars, being able to critically appraise one's work and the work of student colleagues through class discussions and engagements with student presentations. An appreciation of the need and value of critical reflection and to apply previous disciplinary knowledge to new and novel contexts is promoted.