About

I am a Senior Lecturer and the Programme Lead for the BA (Hons) Professional Policing degree course. I have been teaching for four years at the University of Derby, following thirteen years as a police officer in the West Midlands. This policing programme is accredited by the College of Policing and is one of the entry routes into a policing career. Derby was the first University to offer this degree, and the programme is being revised and improved to ensure it is future focused. 

Teaching responsibilities

I have created and taught a range of modules on the Professional Policing BA (Hons) programme that covers all aspects of policing, aligning with the College of Policing's 'Police Education Qualification Framework' (PEQF). I also teach modules on the Master's degree in Criminal Investigation and Leadership programmes. Programme content for policing students is given to us by the College of Policing (CoP). The policing team at the University of Derby have been working hard to include all the most relevant and up-to-date content, ensuring all students enjoy the best experience possible while studying at UoD. 

Professional interests

As a former MOSOVO police officer and sex offender manager, I am very interested in offender management and rehabilitation, particularly regarding female sex offenders. I am currently researching in this field for a PhD, specifically around why women commit sexual offences, how they are treated through the criminal justice system and the issues women face throughout that process, with a focus on a trauma-informed approach. Additionally, I have an interest in police officer mental health and PTSD. 

Research interests

My research interests include sex offender behaviour and rehabilitation, CSE (Child sexual exploitation) prevention, as well as the new generation of 'Gen Z' police officers and their integration/assimilation into the police service. My research into 'Gen Z' focussed on the current police recruitment initiatives, and has considered what 'Gen Z' needs as police officers and as employees in a demanding environment to ensure they experience a positive policing career. 

Membership of professional bodies

• Society of evidence-based policing (SEBP)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Authority (FHEA)

Qualifications

• MA Management and Leadership - Coventry University
• BSc Sociology with Psychology - Loughborough University
• PGCert HE - University of Derby

Experience in industry

I joined the University of Derby after 13 years as a police officer in West Midlands Police. I have worked as a response officer, partnerships officer, CID, offender manager and neighbourhood team Sergeant. I worked extensively on the formation of the 'Troubled Families' program in partnership with Walsall Council. I was regularly trained in Public Order and was one of the first officers deployed during the riots of 2011. I have extensive offender management and risk assessment training, specific to the management of high-risk sex offenders. I have also been trained to manage critical incidents (SIFAC) and police management/leadership. I received several Commander's awards from West Midlands Police for actions during my police service, primarily when answering emergency 999 calls and extensive investigations.

At the University of Derby, I have been teaching for four years on the undergraduate policing programme, and have been the programme lead for the last three years. 

Additional interests and activities

I can often be found running and/or volunteering at my local parkrun on Saturday mornings. I enjoy going to the gym and long walks in nearby Cannock Chase forest.