News & Events

On the 29th of April COPR hosted an ECR symposium bringing together students from Universities across
the UK whose research looks at the challenges posed both to and by policing. Researchers from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds presented on topics ranging from the use of AI to streamline evidence processing in VWAG investigations; identifying common features of domestic homicides to strengthen preventive strategies; the role of text analytics in investigating online criminal behaviours; to understanding the relationship between dark personality traits and police use of force.

Common themes that arose across presentations were the challenges faced by ECR police researchers both in conducting their research and in the need for self-care whilst doing so. Much of the research discussed, featured difficult themes such as adverse childhood experiences, domestic homicide and
sexual harassment all of which participants noted involved prolonged exposure to potentially traumatic accounts and data. In turn, it was stressed the need for a strong sense of academic
community amongst researchers and the importance of rest.

Aside from the emotional knock-on effects of researching these controversial spaces, there was also much frustration shared regarding the seemingly endless hurdles faced by researchers in accessing the field. Experiences were shared regarding lengthy correspondence with forces around data sharing agreements, with the position varying hugely from one police force to the next.

Warwick PhD candidate, Rebecca Plimmer

So much so that one might require multiple-page, negotiated data agreements decided
over a period of months and another not require one at all. For some projects this endless
back and forth, without conclusion or clarity, marked the end of their hopes for what the research might achieve.

One might imagine that this would be different for individuals with ties to the police force, however accounts of ECRs suggested otherwise, with real difficulty voiced by ex-officers regarding garnering support for projects. Indeed, for those making the move from police practitioner roles to that of academic researcher a whole new set of challenges were faced, including issues around positionality and codes of silence, which their research often met resistance in attempting to counteract.

These themes made for an exciting and stimulating debate. We’d like to thank all our presenters and attendees for making such a wonderful conference! And Sandra for the sensational spread!

The full programme of the day's events can be found hereLink opens in a new window.