Professional Policing - Five simulations in your first year

Professional Policing - Five simulations in your first year

Learning in varied ways that are hands-on, provides realistic and practical experiences in safe environments. It also enables students to practise their skills in different ways, giving them opportunities to strengthen their capabilities.

This is how we ensure students gain the skills and confidence they need to work in a real-world setting as a Police Officer.

1. First attending officer

Our students attend a scene as a first officer attending, taking effective steps to preserve life and prevent harm, preserve scenes and preventing evidence contamination, secure material, identifying victims, witnesses and suspects. One of the core aspect of police work is responding decisively and professionally to evolving situations from the very first moment.

2. Stop and search

This simulation allows students to apply the National Decision Model to assess the circumstances presented, practice applying the procedures of stop and search, ensuring they are adhering to the law, their actions are proportionate and adopting a procedural justice approach to allay or confirm suspicions about individuals without exercising their power of arrest.

3. Searching a premises

Assigned roles in search teams, students work together to apply relevant legal powers and carry out a methodological and systematic search of premises. Throughout the exercise, students assess and manage risks, maintain effective communication within the team, and correctly identify, handle and seize relevant property while preserving evidential integrity.

4. Arrest and detention

This simulation enables students to assess when arrest powers are justified, deliver clear and lawful arrest rationales, and apply safe, proportionate procedures. They practise managing risks, safeguarding detainees, and initiating correct custody processes while ensuring decisions remain ethical, justified and aligned with the National Decision Model.

5. Talking to victims/ having challenging conversations

These simulations allow students to develop effective communication with victims in sensitive or emotionally difficult situations. They practise active listening, empathy and clear questioning, learning how to manage distress, build rapport and gather accurate information while maintaining professionalism and supporting individuals through challenging conversations.

Skills tick list:

  • Decision making
  • Professional judgement
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Lawful application of powers
  • Working under pressure
  • Justifying decisions
  • Reflection and personal development

Custody suite simulation

Interviewing simulation

Stop and search simulation

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021