College of Policing National Sift / Online Assessment Process Policing Knowledge and Operational Context Syllabus

State the necessity test for arrest under s.24 PACE.

An officer must (a) have reasonable grounds to suspect an offence has been/is being/is about to be committed and a person is involved, AND (b) have reasonable grounds to believe arrest is necessary for one of the statutory reasons (remembered as 'ID COP PLAN'): to ascertain Name/Address, prevent physical harm, prevent loss/damage to property, prevent an offence against public decency, protect a child/vulnerable person, allow prompt and effective investigation, or prevent prosecution being hindered.

What are the maximum standard detention time limits under PACE before charge?

Generally a maximum of 24 hours from the 'relevant time', extendable to 36 hours by a superintendent for an indictable offence, and up to 96 hours total only with magistrates' court authorisation. (Terrorism cases have separate, longer limits under the Terrorism Act 2000.)

What is a Stop and Search under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, and how does it differ from s.1 PACE?

Section 60 allows officers to search people/vehicles for offensive weapons in a designated area and time period WITHOUT individual reasonable suspicion. It requires prior authorisation by an inspector or above who reasonably believes serious violence may occur. It differs from s.1 PACE, which always requires individual reasonable suspicion.

What is the 'golden rule' of disclosure in criminal proceedings?

That fairness requires full disclosure to the defence of all relevant material that has not been used in the prosecution case but which might reasonably undermine the prosecution case or assist the defence case. It is governed by the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (CPIA).

Under the CPIA 1996, what is the difference between the prosecution's 'initial' and 'continuing' duty of disclosure?

Initial disclosure: the prosecutor must disclose any unused material that might reasonably undermine the prosecution case or assist the defence. Continuing duty: this obligation continues throughout the proceedings, so newly identified relevant material must be reviewed and disclosed as the case develops.

What is the purpose of a chain of custody (continuity of evidence) for exhibits?

To demonstrate that an exhibit is the same item seized and that it has not been tampered with or contaminated. Every person who handles it is recorded, with date, time and reason, so the evidence's integrity and admissibility can be proven in court.

What are the 'ABC' principles of evidence handling to prevent contamination at a crime scene?

A – Assume nothing; B – Believe nothing; C – Challenge/Check everything. Combined with securing and preserving the scene, controlling access via a single entry/exit log, and using appropriate PPE/packaging to avoid cross-contamination.

What is the difference between 'used' and 'unused' material in a criminal case?

Used material is the evidence the prosecution relies on to prove its case (presented in court). Unused material is everything else gathered during the investigation that is not part of the case but may be relevant — it is subject to the disclosure regime under the CPIA.

Define 'neighbourhood policing' and state its core aim.

A model of localised, visible policing where dedicated officers and PCSOs are assigned to defined communities to build relationships, identify local priorities with residents, and tackle them together. Core aim: to reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and fear of crime while increasing public confidence and trust.

What does PCSO stand for, and how do their powers differ from a constable's?

Police Community Support Officer. PCSOs are police staff (not attested constables) with a limited, locally designated set of powers focused on community engagement, anti-social behaviour and reassurance. They do not hold the full powers of arrest, search and detention that a constable holds.

What is the SARA model used in problem-oriented policing?

A four-stage problem-solving process: Scanning (identify and prioritise recurring problems), Analysis (examine the causes and conditions), Response (develop and implement tailored solutions), and Assessment (evaluate whether the response worked and adjust). It underpins evidence-based, preventative policing.

What three elements make up the 'Problem Analysis Triangle' (crime triangle)?

For a crime to occur there must be: 1) a likely/motivated offender, 2) a suitable target/victim, and 3) a suitable location/place — all converging in time and space. The outer triangle adds 'controllers': a handler (for the offender), a guardian (for the target) and a manager (for the place).

What are the four signs/categories of vulnerability an officer should recognise?

Vulnerability arises where a person is less able to protect themselves from harm or exploitation. Common indicators: age (very young or elderly), disability or mental ill-health, being a victim of abuse/exploitation, and situational factors (homelessness, addiction, isolation, being a missing/looked-after child). Vulnerability can be permanent, temporary or situational.

Under the Mental Health Act 1983, what power does Section 136 give a police officer?

It allows an officer to remove a person who appears to be suffering from a mental disorder and in immediate need of care or control from a public (or now any) place to a place of safety, for assessment. The maximum detention period was reduced to 24 hours (extendable to 36 in limited circumstances).

What does the mnemonic 'THRIVE' (or THRIVE+) help officers assess at the point of a call?

It structures threat/risk assessment: Threat, Harm, Risk, Investigation, Vulnerability, and Engagement (the '+' adds context). It helps determine the appropriate, proportionate response and grade for an incident based on risk to the individual and public.

What is a safeguarding referral, and to whom is a referral about a child typically made?

A formal notification raising a concern that a child or adult is at risk of, or experiencing, abuse or neglect, so the relevant agency can assess and act. For a child, the referral is made to the local authority Children's Social Care (often via the MASH), and to the Local Safeguarding Partners.

What is 'Working Together to Safeguard Children' and who are the three statutory safeguarding partners?

It is the statutory guidance setting out how agencies must cooperate to safeguard children. The three statutory safeguarding partners are: the local authority, the integrated care board (NHS/health) for the area, and the chief officer of police for the area.

What does 'Making Every Contact Count' / information sharing under safeguarding require of an officer who suspects abuse?

That the officer recognises the concern, records it accurately, and shares relevant information promptly with the appropriate safeguarding partner — even where consent is not given — when there is a lawful basis and it is necessary to protect someone from harm. Safeguarding overrides routine confidentiality.

Distinguish primary, secondary and tertiary crime prevention.

Primary prevention: reducing opportunities for crime before it occurs (e.g. environmental design, target hardening). Secondary prevention: targeting people/places at higher risk to stop offending starting (early intervention with at-risk youth). Tertiary prevention: working with known offenders/victims to prevent reoffending or repeat victimisation.

What is 'situational crime prevention' and give two example techniques.

An approach that reduces opportunities for crime by altering the immediate environment rather than the offender. Techniques include: increasing the effort (target hardening, access control), increasing the risk (CCTV, improved surveillance/lighting), reducing the rewards (property marking), and removing excuses (clear rules/signage).

What does CPTED stand for and what is its central idea?

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. The idea that the design and management of the built environment (natural surveillance, access control, territorial reinforcement and maintenance) can reduce the opportunity for crime and the fear of crime.

What was a key driver behind UK police reform following the Macpherson Report (1999)?

The inquiry into the murder of Stephen Lawrence found the Metropolitan Police 'institutionally racist' and made recommendations driving reform on tackling racism, improving recording/handling of racist incidents, and rebuilding trust with minority-ethnic communities — shaping later equality and accountability legislation.

What body sets professional standards and evidence-based practice for policing in England and Wales?

The College of Policing — the professional body for policing. It sets standards (e.g. the Code of Ethics, Authorised Professional Practice/APP), supports evidence-based practice, and oversees training, education and the national entry routes/assessments.

Who holds a Chief Constable to account locally, and what was this role's predecessor?

A Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), an elected official responsible for setting the force's priorities (the Police and Crime Plan), holding the Chief Constable to account and setting the budget. PCCs were introduced in 2012, replacing the former Police Authorities.

What is the difference between the 'equality' and 'equity' approaches relevant to policing the public?

Equality means treating everyone the same / giving the same resources. Equity means giving people what they individually need to achieve a fair outcome, recognising different starting points and barriers. Effective, fair policing often requires equity — tailoring service to the needs of different communities.

Under the Equality Act 2010, what are the nine 'protected characteristics'?

Age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Police must not discriminate against people on these grounds and have a Public Sector Equality Duty to promote equality.

What is 'unconscious (implicit) bias' and why does it matter in policing decisions?

Automatic, unintentional associations and stereotypes that influence judgement without a person being aware of them. It matters because it can skew decisions such as who is stopped, searched or believed, undermining fairness, legitimacy and the requirement for objective reasonable grounds.

Name three common categories of digital/cyber-enabled crime and online harm an officer should be aware of.

1) Cyber-dependent crime (hacking, malware, DDoS), 2) Cyber-enabled crime (online fraud, romance scams, phishing), and 3) Online harms against people (child sexual exploitation/abuse imagery, online stalking/harassment, grooming, revenge pornography and online radicalisation).

What basic principle should an officer follow when seizing a digital device as evidence?

Preserve the data in its original state: do not switch on/off or operate the device unnecessarily (per ACPO/NPCC digital evidence principles), isolate it from networks (airplane mode / Faraday bag to prevent remote wiping), record actions taken, and ensure only competent persons examine the original data so it remains forensically sound and auditable.

What are the four ACPO/NPCC principles of digital (computer-based) evidence?

1) No action taken should change data that may later be relied upon in court; 2) where a person must access original data, they must be competent and able to explain their actions; 3) an audit trail of all processes should be created and preserved; 4) the person in charge of the investigation has overall responsibility for ensuring these principles are followed.

What are the nine policing principles in the College of Policing Code of Ethics?

Accountability, Fairness, Honesty, Integrity, Leadership, Objectivity, Openness, Respect, and Selflessness. They guide standards of professional behaviour and ethical decision-making (and align with the Nolan Principles of public life).

What is the duty of candour / duty to challenge regarding officer integrity?

Officers have a professional duty to be open and honest, to report wrongdoing, and to challenge and not collude with the unethical or unlawful behaviour of colleagues. Failing to report or challenge misconduct can itself amount to a breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour.

Why is officer wellbeing considered an operational (not just personal) issue in policing?

Because exposure to trauma, shift work, fatigue and high demand affects officers' health, decision-making, judgement and ability to serve the public safely. Good wellbeing supports sound decisions, resilience, retention and public safety, so forces have a duty of care and provide support such as Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) and occupational health.