Advanced Diploma in Professional Detective Practice - Cohort 2

In today’s complex and rapidly evolving criminal justice landscape, effective criminal investigation requires a unique blend of knowledge, skills and abilities.  To address the growing demands on investigators, this competency-based curriculum for criminal investigation was designed to equip investigators/ detectives in training with the essential knowledge and skills required to succeed in this critical profession.

Rationale

Traditional curricula for general policing and law enforcement are procedural in nature and topic-cantered in delivery, and often militaristic in the approach to delivery and do not adequately prepare learners with the specialized knowledge and skills nor the practical challenges of real-world investigations. In contrast, competency-based curricula emphasize the development of specific knowledge, skills and attitudes that are directly applicable to the investigative process, the vocational context and industry.

Competency-based Approach

This curriculum is organized around a set of carefully designed competencies that reflect the key tasks, skills and knowledge required of professional investigators. Each competency is supported by specific performance tasks, learning outcomes and assessment criteria, ensuring that learners demonstrate mastery of the required knowledge and skills.

 Goals

The following goals of this competency-based curriculum are integral to its outcomes and impact:

1.      Provide investigators with a comprehensive understanding of the investigative processes, underlying principles and practices.

2.      Develop critical thinking, problem- solving and communication skills essential for criminal investigation.

3.      Equip investigators with the knowledge and skills required to apply forensic science principles, investigative techniques and technology to real-world criminal investigations.

4.      Foster a commitment to ethical practices, professionalism, and continuous learning in the field of criminal investigation.

By adopting a competency-based approach to training for criminal investigation, this curriculum provides a robust foundation for learners to develop and sustain the knowledge skills and attitudes to excel in the field of crime investigation