Title: Crime Linkage International NetworK (C-LINK): A model of academic-practitioner collaboration

Abstract: Serial offending is a major concern for police services across the globe as these offenders are responsible for a disproportionate amount of crime and represent a high level of harm in our communities. The ability to accurately link offences that have been committed by the same person(s) is, therefore, essential in policing. In the absence of forensic evidence (e.g. DNA), behavioural crime linkage (BCL) can be used to identify series of offences. This talk outlines the work of the Crime Linkage International NetworK (C-LINK); a ground breaking academic-practitioner collaborative research project designed to test the efficacy of crime linkage (in rape). Partners from seven countries including the UK, Finland, Belgium, the Netherlands, South Africa, Canada, and the USA came together to compile the largest dataset ever used to test the theoretical framework for BCL. The talk will not only outline the key findings from the project but also provide updates on related work (e.g. conferences, follow on research, and a submission to the House of Lords). Please be aware that the talk will include descriptions of sexual violence.

Note new date

Dr Amy Burrell, Coventry University

Dr Amy Burrell is a Lecturer in Forensic Psychology at Coventry University. Alongside teaching, she is engaged in projects with a range of academic and practitioner partners. She is a founding member of the Crime Linkage International Network (C-LINK); a Leverhulme Trust funded research project which brought academics and practitioners from seven countries together to collaborate on research in crime linkage. Crime linkage – also known as comparative case analysis, linkage analysis, and case linkage – focuses on identifying crimes committed by the same offender using crime scene behaviour. This network is ongoing and aims to establish a coherent, evidence-based approach to the detection of serial offenders using crime linkage techniques. The funded phase of the research is completed, with partners now working together to write up the findings from two research projects. Work is also ongoing to develop new research ideas and grant applications to continue the work in the area. For more information about the project please see www.crimelinkage.org

Host: Dr Jagjeet Jutley-Neilson

3.30pm Refreshments in Common Roon

4pm Talk