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1
Dominic
04/12/2025
Criminology
Criminology Unit 3 - AC:1.1 Example
1,522
•
4 Dec 2025
•
Criminology Study Notes: Unit 3 - AC 1.1 Insights
Dominic
@dom.j4
1 / 5
Police: First Responders Under Pressure
Police officers are your first line of defence when crime strikes, arriving 24/7 to secure crime scenes, make arrests, and preserve life. With qualifications ranging from A-Levels to degrees and salaries from £19,164 to £41,130, they're constantly available when emergencies happen.
Their biggest strength? Immediate availability and proper training to handle victims, witnesses, and offenders professionally. They can even administer first aid before paramedics arrive. However, the pressure is immense - one mistake in preserving evidence or life can be catastrophic.
Public perception remains a major challenge for police forces. The stark reality of stop-and-search statistics tells the story: 27.2 searches per 1,000 Black people compared to 5.6 per 1,000 white people in 2021-2022. This highlights ongoing issues with stereotyping and institutional racism.
The Stephen Lawrence case from 1993 perfectly illustrates these failings. Police failed to conduct proper searches, kept the family uninformed, and made racist assumptions about Stephen's activities. The 1999 Macpherson Report confirmed institutional racism within the force, showing how prejudice can derail entire investigations.
Quick Tip: Remember that police effectiveness often depends on public trust - when this breaks down, community cooperation suffers too.
SOCOs: Evidence Experts on the Frontline
Scene of Crime Officers (SOCOs) are the specialists who collect and process evidence after police secure a scene. Working 24/7 with salaries from £16,000 to £35,000, they're your safety net against evidence contamination and miscarriages of justice.
The brilliant thing about becoming a SOCO? You can train on the job through police forces, making it accessible without expensive degrees. Their expertise in collecting fingerprints, blood samples, and photographing scenes is absolutely critical for building solid cases.
However, there's a major problem with low pay - starting salaries are actually lower than McDonald's managers! SOCOs also face serious health risks from toxins and airborne particles, yet their compensation doesn't reflect these dangers. The job's morbid nature creates significant stress without adequate emotional support.
The Meredith Kercher case shows what happens when SOCOs fail. Italian investigators allegedly didn't change gloves between evidence samples, potentially causing cross-contamination. Poor training and failure to follow standard protocols compromised the entire investigation's reliability.
Remember: SOCOs are often the unsung heroes of criminal justice - their meticulous work can make or break a case.
Forensic Scientists: Laboratory Detectives
Unlike other personnel, forensic scientists work regular 9-5 hours, earning £20,000 to £45,000 while conducting detailed scientific analysis of evidence collected by SOCOs. They need university degrees in science or forensic science to handle this specialist work.
Their major advantage? Time to focus properly on complex analysis without 24/7 pressure. The field attracts lots of interest, so there's no shortage of qualified candidates wanting these roles. For complex cases requiring specialist knowledge, forensic scientists are absolutely essential.
The downside is that highly competitive job market and relatively low pay compared to other science careers. Many science graduates choose better-paid fields instead. Laboratory contamination risks can also lead to evidence mix-ups if proper precautions aren't followed.
David Butler's case demonstrates forensic science limitations perfectly. DNA under victim Anne Marie Foy's nails matched Butler's cigarette from 1998, leading to his imprisonment. However, investigators didn't dig deeper - Butler had a skin condition causing excessive DNA shedding, and as a taxi driver, his DNA could transfer through money. This miscarriage of justice shows that scientific evidence needs proper interpretation, not just collection.
Key Point: Scientific evidence is powerful, but understanding how and why it got there is equally important.
Pathologists: Medical Detectives
Pathologists are qualified doctors who perform autopsies to determine cause and time of death, working 9-6 shifts (including nights and weekends) on short-term contracts. Their salaries range dramatically from £28,808 to £110,683, reflecting their extensive medical training plus specialisation in pathology, anthropology, and crime scene evaluation.
High pay definitely attracts people to this field, and their medical expertise is absolutely essential - you can't fake the knowledge needed for accurate death investigations. Pathologists provide crucial information like exact cause and time of death that can crack cases wide open.
However, there's a critical shortage of pathologists, meaning they're juggling multiple cases simultaneously. This increases contamination risks and the possibility of mixing up case details. The disturbing nature of the work puts many medical graduates off, despite the financial incentives.
The Camden Ripper case shows devastating consequences of pathologist errors. Dr. Freddy Patel incorrectly ruled that Anthony Hardy's first victim, Sally White, died naturally of a heart attack during sex - despite bloodstains throughout Hardy's locked room. This professional incompetence prevented proper police investigation, potentially costing two other women their lives as Hardy continued killing.
Critical Insight: When pathologists get it wrong, serial killers can keep killing while police think there's no crime to investigate.
CPS: The Final Decision Makers
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), established in 1986, decides whether cases go to trial based on evidence strength and public interest. With over 2,000 crown prosecutors working 36-48 hours weekly and earning £32,000-£115,000, they're available 24/7 to make these crucial decisions.
Before 1986, police decided whether to prosecute, creating obvious bias problems. The CPS solved this by providing independent judgment and access to previous conviction records. They've secured countless successful prosecutions, delivering justice for victims and their families.
However, the CPS faces harsh criticism for collapsed cases due to insufficient evidence, wasting police resources and leaving families without justice. Funding cuts have created understaffing issues, meaning prosecutors can't spend adequate time on each case.
The Damilola Taylor case perfectly illustrates CPS failings. Delays in bringing the case to trial made witnesses unreliable over time. Poor case preparation led to weak prosecution, and it took three trials over six years before securing conviction. The key witness was eventually proven to be completely lying, highlighting inadequate witness verification.
Bottom Line: The CPS holds enormous power in determining whether justice gets served - when they fail, the entire system fails victims and their families.
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Basil
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Criminology Study Notes: Unit 3 - AC 1.1 Insights
Dominic
@dom.j4
Ever wondered who actually investigates crimes and how they work together? From the moment police arrive at a crime scene to deciding whether someone goes to trial, there's a whole team of specialists involved. Understanding how these different personnel work... Show more
Police: First Responders Under Pressure
Police officers are your first line of defence when crime strikes, arriving 24/7 to secure crime scenes, make arrests, and preserve life. With qualifications ranging from A-Levels to degrees and salaries from £19,164 to £41,130, they're constantly available when emergencies happen.
Their biggest strength? Immediate availability and proper training to handle victims, witnesses, and offenders professionally. They can even administer first aid before paramedics arrive. However, the pressure is immense - one mistake in preserving evidence or life can be catastrophic.
Public perception remains a major challenge for police forces. The stark reality of stop-and-search statistics tells the story: 27.2 searches per 1,000 Black people compared to 5.6 per 1,000 white people in 2021-2022. This highlights ongoing issues with stereotyping and institutional racism.
The Stephen Lawrence case from 1993 perfectly illustrates these failings. Police failed to conduct proper searches, kept the family uninformed, and made racist assumptions about Stephen's activities. The 1999 Macpherson Report confirmed institutional racism within the force, showing how prejudice can derail entire investigations.
Quick Tip: Remember that police effectiveness often depends on public trust - when this breaks down, community cooperation suffers too.
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
SOCOs: Evidence Experts on the Frontline
Scene of Crime Officers (SOCOs) are the specialists who collect and process evidence after police secure a scene. Working 24/7 with salaries from £16,000 to £35,000, they're your safety net against evidence contamination and miscarriages of justice.
The brilliant thing about becoming a SOCO? You can train on the job through police forces, making it accessible without expensive degrees. Their expertise in collecting fingerprints, blood samples, and photographing scenes is absolutely critical for building solid cases.
However, there's a major problem with low pay - starting salaries are actually lower than McDonald's managers! SOCOs also face serious health risks from toxins and airborne particles, yet their compensation doesn't reflect these dangers. The job's morbid nature creates significant stress without adequate emotional support.
The Meredith Kercher case shows what happens when SOCOs fail. Italian investigators allegedly didn't change gloves between evidence samples, potentially causing cross-contamination. Poor training and failure to follow standard protocols compromised the entire investigation's reliability.
Remember: SOCOs are often the unsung heroes of criminal justice - their meticulous work can make or break a case.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Forensic Scientists: Laboratory Detectives
Unlike other personnel, forensic scientists work regular 9-5 hours, earning £20,000 to £45,000 while conducting detailed scientific analysis of evidence collected by SOCOs. They need university degrees in science or forensic science to handle this specialist work.
Their major advantage? Time to focus properly on complex analysis without 24/7 pressure. The field attracts lots of interest, so there's no shortage of qualified candidates wanting these roles. For complex cases requiring specialist knowledge, forensic scientists are absolutely essential.
The downside is that highly competitive job market and relatively low pay compared to other science careers. Many science graduates choose better-paid fields instead. Laboratory contamination risks can also lead to evidence mix-ups if proper precautions aren't followed.
David Butler's case demonstrates forensic science limitations perfectly. DNA under victim Anne Marie Foy's nails matched Butler's cigarette from 1998, leading to his imprisonment. However, investigators didn't dig deeper - Butler had a skin condition causing excessive DNA shedding, and as a taxi driver, his DNA could transfer through money. This miscarriage of justice shows that scientific evidence needs proper interpretation, not just collection.
Key Point: Scientific evidence is powerful, but understanding how and why it got there is equally important.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Pathologists: Medical Detectives
Pathologists are qualified doctors who perform autopsies to determine cause and time of death, working 9-6 shifts (including nights and weekends) on short-term contracts. Their salaries range dramatically from £28,808 to £110,683, reflecting their extensive medical training plus specialisation in pathology, anthropology, and crime scene evaluation.
High pay definitely attracts people to this field, and their medical expertise is absolutely essential - you can't fake the knowledge needed for accurate death investigations. Pathologists provide crucial information like exact cause and time of death that can crack cases wide open.
However, there's a critical shortage of pathologists, meaning they're juggling multiple cases simultaneously. This increases contamination risks and the possibility of mixing up case details. The disturbing nature of the work puts many medical graduates off, despite the financial incentives.
The Camden Ripper case shows devastating consequences of pathologist errors. Dr. Freddy Patel incorrectly ruled that Anthony Hardy's first victim, Sally White, died naturally of a heart attack during sex - despite bloodstains throughout Hardy's locked room. This professional incompetence prevented proper police investigation, potentially costing two other women their lives as Hardy continued killing.
Critical Insight: When pathologists get it wrong, serial killers can keep killing while police think there's no crime to investigate.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
CPS: The Final Decision Makers
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), established in 1986, decides whether cases go to trial based on evidence strength and public interest. With over 2,000 crown prosecutors working 36-48 hours weekly and earning £32,000-£115,000, they're available 24/7 to make these crucial decisions.
Before 1986, police decided whether to prosecute, creating obvious bias problems. The CPS solved this by providing independent judgment and access to previous conviction records. They've secured countless successful prosecutions, delivering justice for victims and their families.
However, the CPS faces harsh criticism for collapsed cases due to insufficient evidence, wasting police resources and leaving families without justice. Funding cuts have created understaffing issues, meaning prosecutors can't spend adequate time on each case.
The Damilola Taylor case perfectly illustrates CPS failings. Delays in bringing the case to trial made witnesses unreliable over time. Poor case preparation led to weak prosecution, and it took three trials over six years before securing conviction. The key witness was eventually proven to be completely lying, highlighting inadequate witness verification.
Bottom Line: The CPS holds enormous power in determining whether justice gets served - when they fail, the entire system fails victims and their families.
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What is the Knowunity AI companion?
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
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4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user