1. Module introduction

May 7, 2019 admin Leave a comment Module 2 “Reporting an Incident”

Module 2 offers language training for situations in which a person reports an incident either at a police station or at the scene. Like Module 1 it is based on the results of the project’s needs analysis which found that security personnel see the main challenges in communicating the rules, explaining the procedure of police actions and the consequences of not complying with regulations. Module 2 practices communication at the levels A2-B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages /). The vocabulary of Module 1 is revised and consolidated, and new key words and phrases are introduced.

The objective of Module 2 is to develop skills in:

  • responding to the special needs of a person who reports an incident;
  • establishing the rapport necessary to help and to achieve the police goal in the situation;
  • asking questions to obtain the details of the incident;
  • explaining police actions necessary to respond to the situation;
  • giving advice;
  • using firm and neutral language to tackle difficult clients.

 

Police actions are based on national laws therefore there are differences in police procedures in different countries. As Module 2 was created by a German project partner the three scenarios use situations typical for the German setting.

 

  1. “A Missing Person” in which a learner practices how to:
  • describe a person;
  • reassure and calm the person down;
  • ask questions to clarify the circumstances;
  • explain future actions.
It has to be noted that in order to improve effectiveness in operations connected to searching and finding missing children, there is a 116 000 hotline to report a missing child which is now operational in all 28 EU countries.
  1. “Domestic Violence” in which a learner practices how to:
  • file a charge;
  • speak with both parties of a conflict;
  • explain the procedure of issuing a restraining order;
  • give advice to a victim as well as an offender.
In Lithuania a victim of domestic violence does not have to give a statement, the proceedings are started on the basis of the facts gathered by the officers.
In Italy, a person can be expelled from his/her home after permission from the Public Prosecutors has been secured. In case there is a risk that the person will repeat the violence, pre-trial supervision measures can be applied. Thus, in a situation as this one, Italian police can’t expel the husband from his flat. They may support the woman bringing her (and her children) to a shelter for women in difficulties. Then, the woman can bring an action against her husband. This procedure will lead to further inquiries and, finally, to the decision from the public prosecutor (which may include expulsion from home or arrest).
In Italy, photos & medical reports are proof that is automatically used in case of complaint against someone for an offence. As a consequence, there is no need to sign consent forms because it is in the interest of the offended person to use them.
In Bulgaria, the perpetrator of domestic violence can only be expelled from his / her home by a court order (following filing a charge by the victim within 1 month after the event) and not by police. The role of the police officers upon showing up at the place of domestic abuse is usually to warn the offender and explain to the victim their rights.
In Austria the duration of the prohibition of entry after an act of domestic violence is 14 days, as opposed to the 10 days in Germany. Asking for a divorce within these 14 days can evoke an extension of this period.
  1. “Assault” in which a learner practices how to:
  • deal with an injured person;
  • describe a person;
  • inform someone of their rights;
  • speak to a suspect of assault who is under the influence;
  • take someone into custody.
In Italy, photos & medical reports are proof that are automatically used in case of complaint against someone for an offence. As a consequence, there is no need to sign consent forms because it is in the interest of the offended person to use them.
Persons organising sport events are, in cooperation with the police, required to arrange for the assurance of public order..
In Bulgaria patient’s consent is not required in such cases. The Code of Medical Ethics automatically releases the doctor of obligations for confidentiality if such information is needed by the police.
The role-play is based on a complex policing situation. To enhance the language learning outcome the scenario was simplified as for the competences of different police units.