About

I am a lecturer in Policing, teaching on the Professional Policing degree, and the Accelerated Degree lead for Professional Policing.

With 19 years of experience in policing, I bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to enable students to understand the complexity of the policing landscape, facilitating learning and understanding.

Teaching responsibilities

I teach on a range of modules on the Professional Policing degree, covering all aspects of policing, including Serious and Organised Crime and Criminal Investigation. 

Research interests

I am interested in a range of policing-related research, including the application of research evidence into policing environments, how a coaching approach can be used in police leadership, and the use of coaching to improve resilience in police officers and staff.

Membership of professional bodies

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) 2024
• Associate Certified Coach - International Coaching Federation, 2021
• Society of Evidence-Based Policing (SEBP), 2017

Qualifications

• BA (Hons) Psychology - University of Essex
• Post Graduate Certificate in Business and Personal Coaching - University of Chester 
• Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice and Leadership - University of Derby

Recent conferences

• 'Challenges of Dealing with the Criminal Justice System as a Domestic Abuse Victim-Survivor' symposium co-author, European Conference on Domestic Violence - 12 September 2023
• 'Using Novel Pedagogies for Encouraging Police Engagement With Academic Research' plenary session speaker, Learning and Teaching Conference 2023- Pedagogy in Practice - 5 July 2023
• 'Using Novel Pedagogies for Encouraging Police Engagement with Academic Research' plenary session speaker, Exceptional Policing - The Evidence Based Way 2022 Online Global Conference - 12 October 2022
• 'How coaching can build resilience' parallel session speaker, Open University - Centre for Policing Research and Learning Annual Conference: Resilience in Policing and Publics - 28 April 2021

Experience in industry

I have 19 years of experience in policing, bringing a wealth of experience and skills from leading in fast-paced strategic and operational environments.

I worked at Constable, Sergeant and Inspector ranks, in various roles including frontline response and investigations.

I built and maintained the Evidence-Based Policing portfolio at West Midlands Police, facilitating the application of research evidence into policing practice, and commissioning and managing research into key strategic areas. 

I was a Steering Group member at the Open University Centre for Policing Research and Learning from 2018-2022.

Additional interests and activities

I am a qualified and accredited coach with the International Coaching Federation. I have experience of coaching teams and individuals to achieve their full potential, across different industries. I am passionate about coaching and helping others to improve their leadership skills, manage through change and build their confidence. 

Recent publications

Richards, J., & Hammond, L. (2024) Novel Pedagogies for Facilitating Police Learning and Evidence Based Practice (In preparation) 

Reichel, R., Cole, T., Cooper M., Richards, J., & Davies, K. (2024) An Exploratory Analysis of Stalking Behaviours: Impact on Victim Reporting Time (In preparation) 

Hammond, L., & Richards, J, (2023). Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: Barriers to Community Engagement and Suggestions for Improving Police-Public Relations. Report for West Midlands Police. 

Richards, J., & Hughes, C. (2022) Special Educational Needs and Disability: Identifying the gap in protecting the young and vulnerable. Evaluation for the Safe and Sound Charity, Derby.