Undertake a 3000 word critique on one significant major investigation selected from seven available case studies.

A Critical Analysis of the Investigation into the Murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman

Assignment Brief : Case Study

Undertake a 3000 word critique on one significant major investigation selected from seven available case studies.

What is a critique of a case study?

A critical assessment of the investigation by the police of a specified case. The critique should examine selected investigative and/or forensic strategies used by the police comparing and contrasting them with best practice found in the College of Policing’s Authorised Professional Practice, the Murder Investigation Manual 2006 and The Major Incident Room Standardised Administrative Procedures (MIRSAP) 2005. A good assignment will include a critical review of the application of key legislation. A critique of a case study is designed to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of current thinking in the area of major investigation and intelligence led policing.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate a critical understanding of the problems of major investigations and the approaches to deal with them.

Understand the strategies and the role of the personnel engaged during major investigations together with the strategic intelligence requirements.

Provide a critical understanding of the techniques and methods utilised within major investigations and intelligence led policing operations

Which Case Study?

All of the cases below resulted in the murder or manslaughter of the people named. Your case study must be selected from this list.

Victoria Climbié
Damilola Taylor
Stephen Lawrence
Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman (Soham murders)
Sian O’Callaghan and Becky Godden Edwards (Halliwell murders)
Rachel Nickell (The Wimbledon Common murder)
Suffolk Murders – Operation Sumac

Structure of your case study critique:

An Introduction outlining the overall aim of the essay, the objectives to achieve the aim as well as contextualising the case and defining the parameters. Including the parameters is important as you WILL NOT be able to critique the whole case within 3000 words.

A main discussion section developing clear, well-reasoned and critical arguments as to what you consider to be successful and unsuccessful actions and the impact that they had on the outcome of the case. (Use approximately 80% 0f your word count around 2,400 words).

A succinct conclusion drawing your arguments and ideas together, outlining your overall view of the case indicating any alternative strategies or lines of enquiry.

N.B

The 3000-word count DOES NOT INCLUDE your reference list and in text citations.

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