Can you summarise your time as a student at the Institute of Criminology?
I joined the MSt in Criminology and Police Management in 2012 along with 30 other students from the UK, Sweden, the USA, Trinidad and Tobago, India and Australia. I recall feeling a mixture of slight apprehension and awe, on first arriving at this very prestigious learning institution.
That apprehension quickly became a sense of personal inspiration. As an experienced senior leader in policing, the first year of the programme exposed me to new insights and skills. Specifically, it enabled me to spend time gaining a deeper appreciation of criminological theory, leadership theory, and the importance of evidence-based practice. The opportunity to engage with leading academics in the field and build relationships with other experienced peers from law enforcement and the security sector across the globe was richly rewarding.
Year Two of the MSt is concentrated on encouraging students to harness all their learning from Year One and applying that learning to an individual research project. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of designing and leading a research project and expanding our knowledge and evidence. This is the beauty of the MSt programme: it provides a strong conceptual foundation initially, then gives you the opportunity to apply that learning in the real world.
The next phase at Cambridge was pursuing a PhD, which I completed on a part-time basis over five years, starting in 2016. From my perspective, the PhD provided a balanced structure in terms of lectures, seminars, supervisions and timelines. There was sufficient autonomy and flexibility for me to decide where, when and how to direct my individual research interests. Equally important for me, the approach to delivering the part-time PhD showed the institute understood the demands of being a full-time law enforcement professional, whilst also pursuing academic study. Throughout the study programme, the level of support, interest, guidance and commitment to my progress from all the staff at the Institute was amazing.
Why did you decide to join the MSt initially?
Then, as is now, the MSt has a fantastic reputation. It was and remains a prestigious professional programme, both within the UK and internationally.
As a senior police leader for several years, I was seeking new insights and perspectives. I was faced with growing complexity and new challenges, both operationally and organisationally. So, I wanted to understand more about evidence-based policing, research and criminology rather than relying on intuition and assumption.
Another important factor was having access to the very best teaching staff and lecturers, who were leaders in their respective research field or influential within policing. Finally, I wanted to develop the confidence to test, trial and apply research in policing. At that time, this was one of the few programmes that provided a specific focus to developing the skills and expertise associated with applied research.
What made you want to continue studying at Cambridge for a PhD?
There were several factors that influenced my decision to continue with my studies.
As I have mentioned, the MSt provided a valuable insight and a strong foundation. I enjoyed the programme immensely and I had a strong desire to continue the research I had started. However, as a full-time police leader, participating in a PhD is a significant commitment. I was very fortunate because I was encouraged to continue my studies and progress to a PhD. This encouragement came from Chris Sims, my Chief Constable at the time, by Sir Dennis O’Connor, a member of the teaching staff on the programme and my MSt supervisor, Professor Barak Ariel. This support gave me confidence and also self-belief!
My motivation for further study was to continue to develop and mature as a field researcher and to produce new evidence that may influence national policy and practice in the fields of security and counterterrorism. The PhD programme provided me with the platform, structure and opportunity to strive to achieve that.
Another important consideration was the high quality of the supervision and teaching provided by the staff at the Institute of Criminology. Throughout my studies, I had access to approachable, engaging and experienced staff, that were committed to guiding me through my learning journey and who were passionate about my progress. The level of support, in my view, is unrivalled and is a unique characteristic of the Institute, that makes studying here so special.
What made you decide to teach at the Institute?
It was an honour and privilege to have been asked to teach on the MSt Programme. It was a very easy decision to make!
My interest in teaching stemmed directly from my PhD. Part of my doctoral research involved the completion of a systematic review that examined the effectiveness of police training delivery. Another important component involved the design and delivery of national training to hundreds of police officers across the UK.
As an affiliated lecturer, I have thoroughly enjoyed, opportunities to share knowledge and critically discuss theory, research and new opportunities with students. Given the strong affinity that I have developed with the Institute over the last 13 years, performing the role of supervisor and affiliated lecturer is a fantastic opportunity to guide the next generation of practitioner academics.
What do students gain from studying on these courses?
There are several benefits to students participating in Master’s and PhD programmes that the Institute offers.
Firstly, intellectual growth. Students coming onto the programme become acquainted with a new and fascinating body of knowledge. It is rich and varied in nature and includes criminological theories, evidence-based practice, research methods, leadership philosophy, theory, principles and management. This is information that students are encouraged to absorb, reflect and critically comment on.
Secondly, there is a personal growth. As a supervisor on the programme over several years, I have seen students flourish and grow during the programme, gaining increased confidence and surety. Students then use that additional wisdom and insight to challenge, advise, influence and shape their professional environment.
There is also a professional dividend. Studying on the programme provides students with new skills, expertise, understanding and the ability to decipher complex criminological issues. This may support ambitions for future professional advancement or lateral career development. Fundamentally, the course enables police leaders and law enforcement professionals to exercise better evidence-based judgements and decision making, rather than just relying on intuition or tradition.
A further important gain is the extended peer network that students connect to through the programme. When I joined in 2012, there were opportunities to forge friendships and alliances with 35 other professionals in the study cohort from across the world! There was immediate access to an experienced group of professionals with a diverse range of experience, perspective, skills and wisdom.
What would you say to encourage somebody to study at the Institute of Criminology?
Have the confidence to apply for this excellent development opportunity! It can feel daunting, particularly for those students who may not have a previous degree or an academic background. Please do not worry, you will receive fantastic support and help through your learning journey. It is a wonderful opportunity, and a fantastic life experience!
Come into the programme being curious and open-minded. Recognise that there may be some aspects that you will naturally connect with and there may be some elements that may not resonate with you. Do not worry about this.
It is an amazing programme and all the staff at the Institute are committed to you, your progress and your future success. My final words of advice are to immerse yourself in what I term the ‘Cambridge experience’: the learning environment, the culture and the people.