Consortium awarded £860,000 to implement police-related research

The Institute for Public Safety, Crime and Justice based at the University of Northampton, has coordinated a consortium that has secured £862,620 to fund policing-related research.

The consortium, which includes seven universities, five police forces and five Police and Crime Commissioners – has been awarded the funds from the College of Policing and Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) Police Knowledge Fund. The University of Northampton’s Institute for Public Safety, Crime and Justice was responsible for coordinating the bid.

The East Midlands Policing Academic Collaboration (EMPAC) will implement a regional programme of policing-related research and strengthen relationships across universities and police forces in the East Midlands. The funding has been received to improve understanding of crime and policing issues, develop new ways of policing and innovatively translate research findings into practice. EMPAC will work closely with existing regional policing organisations and the Scottish Institute for Policing Research (SIPR).

Laura Wood, Institute Manager, explained: “The Institute is thrilled to have been awarded this funding on behalf of the consortium. We are working together to drive forward policing research and knowledge exchange across the region. The result is testament to the commitment and enthusiasm shown by all partners. We are looking forward to continued work with other universities and forces in the region”.

Professor Simon Denny, Director of Research, Impact and Enterprise at the University of Northampton said: “The Institute of Public Safety, Crime and Justice is a unique joint venture between the Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner and the University of Northampton. We are bringing together the expertise of the police and the academic world to carry out research that makes a real difference to society. It is fantastic that the Institute is working with EMPAC so we can all deliver positive change throughout the region.”

For further information, contact Laura Wood on laura.wood@northampton.ac.uk.