Module Information

Rationale:
This module will introduce students to realist/radical criminological theories of government policy concerning the monitoring of citizens and the collection and sharing of information between various agencies. In addition, it will provide an overview of the key legislation implemented - the perceived threat to security from activities such as terrorism and crime have meant an increased readiness to accept surveillance and monitoring in our daily lives, and, coupled with the rapid developments in technology, has meant there are increasing numbers of ways in which the government and associated agencies can monitor citizens under the rubric of national security. This module will respond to the need for an understanding of the balance to be drawn between law enforcement and security objectives and civil liberty concerns.

Brief Description:
The module will outline the primary areas that have seen major development with regards to surveillance and the recording of information. In particular, the module will focus on issues such as CCTV, communication interception, and forensic databases. From a more theoretical perspective, it will also address the need for protection and the debate that sees increasing powers being given to government and criminal justice agencies from both a national and international perspective. Students will be introduced to the key elements of legislation and the major theoretical foundations concerning such developments, from both legal and criminological literature.

- An analysis of policy and the accompanying legislation which gives increased powers to the government and related agencies to monitor individuals and collect and analyse information, including the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act in the UK and similar developments overseas, such as the 'PATRIOT' Act in the US and the Anti-Terrorism Act in Australia.
- Introduction to the key theoretical ideas surrounding government control, in particular, those from radical and realist criminological perspectives.
- Detailing of the various methods used to gather information, focusing on CCTV, DNA databases, electronic 'tagging' and the interception of communications (incl. e-mail and telephone).
- A review of intelligence-led policing and surveillance procedures, and the inter-agency distribution of information and potential for abuse.
- Current and future developments, for example, the notion of 'defensible spaces' (environments designed or adapted to control criminal activity), ID cards and the question of proving 'identity', and technological developments such as live-scan and mobile DNA testing.