24.04.2007
Police and law students came face to face with real magistrates from the Sussex Police Authority when they simulated courtrooms and role-play cases at the university. This is the latest collaboration between the university and Sussex Police.
The university, which began training police students last year, runs two law qualifying degrees and the Common Professional Examination (CPE) course. James Macdonald, professional programmes leader at the university, said: "Following the success of the first simulated courtroom training earlier this year, we are pleased to have continued this collaboration with Sussex Police."
"The police students had to show that they could give evidence in court and the law students had to act as prosecuting and defence lawyers, examining and cross-examining witnesses. The courts boost the skills for both sets of students and increases their professional understanding of each other."
As part of the training for the mock courts, the law students observed a real court trial and had a training session from the local branch of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on court etiquette, the basic rules of evidence in a criminal court, and how to examine different types of witnesses.
Law with business student Stephanie Zeniou said: "This is the second time I've had the opportunity to prepare a case and present to a real magistrate as part of my training. It certainly doesn't get any easier and the stress is still there, but it's a really good experience, great fun and I've learnt a lot. It was also rewarding to work with the student officers too and knowing that it was their exam made it even more exciting."
Ryan Tipping, a police student, said: "I was certainly nervous before I went in, but as it progressed I settled into the environment. Looking back now I think if I was to go to court in a real incident for a court case I would be much more comfortable. I'd know who I needed to speak to, where I needed to go, the kind of questions I would be probed on and how to give my answers in an effective way."
Iain Cheesman, one of the Professional Development Team Sergeants mentoring the student officers, said: "By making the learning experience as realistic as possible this is the nearest exposure the students are going to have to the court system in terms of their role and giving evidence. What makes this training so successful is that we have got real magistrates along with law students who will be real prosecutors and defence solicitors in the future and soon to be police officers."
Sussex Police Authority member and magistrate Sue Iles-Jonas, who sat on the court, said: "We are pleased that Sussex Police Authority is leading the way by being involved with this innovative form of training. Students and staff showed a real interest in the magistracy and the work of the court service, and were pleased at how accessible we magistrates were."
"Some of the law students have been inspired to consider careers as defence solicitors and others have talked about getting vacation work with the Crown Prosecution Service. A collaboration of this sort provides a real opportunity to improve communication and performance among the next generation of police officers and lawyers, and increases their personal understanding of each other. The training sessions are a real success."
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
