Providing empirically-founded insights into the professional world of criminal investigation.
| Lead institution | |
|---|---|
| Principal researcher(s) |
Dr Adrian James
|
| Police region |
North West
|
| Collaboration and partnership |
The project is supported by Chief Constable Jason Hogg (Professionalising Investigations Programme national lead), Lincolnshire Police, and Jo Taylor (Investigations lead, College of Policing). |
| Level of research |
Professional/work based
|
| Project start date |
|
| Date due for completion |
|
Research context
Against the background of a national crisis in detective skills that is severely limiting the ability of the police to meet the needs of victims (HM Inspectorate of Constabulary 2016 and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services 2022), this research question is, ‘Do detectives have the skills and resources they need to meet the normative expectations of victims and communities?’
Data will be collected via national survey and face-to face interviews with policy makers and practitioners.
With the support for the project from the Police Service of England & Wales (PSEW), and the College of Policing, this research aims to critically assess investigators’ skills, national investigative policy and the extent to which existing structures and policies support and encourage investigator development.
The aim is to use the knowledge and experience gained from this study to stimulate the debate on investigation with policymakers and to build an evidence-based knowledge. This will inspire new ways of working and improve the quality of the investigative services the police deliver to victims and to communities.
Research methodology
The researcher is using the following research instruments:
- national online survey
- semi-structured interviews with detectives and other investigators
Interim reports or publications
Adrian James and others. 2024. 'Whodunnit? Do officers have the skills they need to answer that eternal question?', Liverpool Centre for Advanced Policing Studies.
Research participation
The survey will be open to all detectives and investigators.