unit-6-exam-preparation-resource

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National in Uniformed Protective Services

Unit 6: Government and the Protective Services Exam Preparation

• Purpose: To assist with preparation for the Unit 6 exam.

• Can be used as a standalone resource or as flashcards.

Learning Aim A: Categories of Protective Services

• Statutory Services: Required by law and government-funded.

• Non-Statutory Services: Not legally required, some government-funded, many are charities/self-funded.

Uniformed Statutory Protective Services

• Purpose: Ensure the safety of citizens.

• Examples:

  • Emergency Services: Police, Fire and Rescue, Ambulance.

  • Armed Services: Army, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy.

  • Custodial Care: HM Prison Service, G4S.

  • Supporting Services: NHS, UK Visas and Immigration.

Roles of Emergency Services

• Governed by various Acts:

  • The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984

  • The Police Act 2017

  • The Police Crime, Courts and Sentencing Bill 2021

• Main Roles of Police:

  • Protect life and property.

  • Enforce law and maintain public order.

  • Investigate and prevent criminal activities.

  • Enforce licensing laws.

Roles of Fire and Rescue Service (2004 Act)

• Main Functions:

  • Extinguish fires and minimize damage.

  • Promote fire safety.

  • Rescue from accidents (e.g., road traffic collisions).

  • Address emergencies (chemical, biological, etc.).

Roles of Armed Services

• Governed by the Armed Forces Act (2021) and Armed Forces Covenant.

• Responsibilities:

  • National and international security.

  • Operations against threats (terrorism, drug smuggling).

  • Humanitarian aid and UN participation.

Roles of Custodial Care Services

• Governed primarily by the Prison Act 1952.

• Responsibilities include:

  • Punishment and rehabilitation of offenders.

  • Societal protection from offenders.

Non-Uniformed Public Services

• Examples:

  • Local authorities (Local Government Act 2000).

  • Civil Contingencies Act (2004): Planning for emergencies.

• Local Authorities: Provide educational services, refuse collection, etc.

Central Government Responsibilities

• Ensures feasibility of statutory services.

• Operates through various government departments.

Non-Statutory Services

• Support statutory services, e.g., RNLI.

• Examples:

  • The Salvation Army, St John Ambulance, Red Cross.

Learning Aim B: Forms of Government

• Democracy: Elected representatives make decisions for citizens.

• Republic: Elected head of state, government held by the people.

• Monarchy: Absolute vs. constitutional monarchies (e.g., UK, Saudi Arabia).

• Communism: State-controlled economy (e.g., North Korea).

Separation of Powers

• Ensures no single entity holds absolute power.

• Branches:

  • Executive: Government, PM, Cabinet.

  • Legislature: Parliament (House of Commons & Lords).

  • Judiciary: Courts interpret and apply laws.

Process of Legislation

• Legislative Methods:

  • Acts of Parliament: Laws after approval, Royal Assent.

  • Delegated Legislation: Laws made by delegated authorities.

  • Orders in Council: Laws in emergencies.

  • Bylaws: Local laws.

• Judicial Precedent: Court decisions influence future cases.

Structure of Government in the UK

• Levels of Government:

  • Central: Governs national affairs.

  • Regional: Devolved powers (e.g., Scottish Parliament).

  • Local: Local councils providing community services.

The Role of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

• PM appointed from majority party in Commons.

• Cabinet: Controls policy across government departments.

Regional Assemblies and Local Government

• Scottish Parliament: Powers over taxes, law-making.

• Welsh Assembly and Northern Ireland Assembly: Representation and legislation.

• Local Councils: Essential local services, including community safety.

Learning Aim C: Funding of Protective Services

• Main Sources: Taxation (direct and indirect), income from services, donations.

• Local Tax: Council tax funds local services.

• Austerity Measures: Budget cuts affecting services.

Accountability in Protective Services

• Protected by various institutions, with mechanisms for public accountability (e.g., HMIFRS, IOPC).

Learning Aim D: Development of Government Policy

• Legislation Path: Idea ➔ Bill ➔ Legislation.

• Pressure Groups: Influence through lobbying.

• Types of Bills: Public, Private, Hybrid.

• Green/White Papers: Pre-legislative documentation to consult and inform policy.

Impact of Government Policy on Protective Services

• Changes due to policies (e.g., Human Rights Act, technology use).

• Public Response: Protests, demonstrations, public input in policy discussions.