Criminology, Policing, and Security Research and Innovation Group

Our research focuses on critical issues such as political violence, homicide, major crime investigations, cold cases, substance use, and criminal justice challenges.

Group LeadProfessor Christian Kaunert

EXPERTISE AND MEMBERS

We aim to provide partners with high-quality, ethical research that is grounded in the practical realities of criminology, policing, and security, which informs, educates and assists in the delivery of services.

Our expertise extends to security concerns such as terrorism, political violence, cybercrime, and transnational organised crime.

Members of the Criminology, Policing, and Security Research and Innovation Group are recognised experts whose research informs national and international government policies, including those of the EU and NATO.

Criminology, Policing and Security Research and Innovation Group Members

IMPACT

The Criminology, Policing, and Security Research and Innovation Group has made significant contributions to both national and international criminal justice practices. Our research has led to revisions in national strategies and training, influencing government policy, ensuring more effective prevention and intervention strategies, shaping delivery of services, and leading international collaboration.

71% of our research is world leading or internationally excellent (4* / 3*).
More than 80% of our research impact is world leading or internationally excellent (4* / 3*)
75% of our outputs are world leading or internationally excellent (4* / 3*)
First in Wales for impact out of three universities - based on 4* / 3*.

Research publications and outputs

Police officer walking with a mirror on a long pole, looking at the underside of a parked car.

Christian Kaunert is Professor of Policing and Security at University of South Wales (USW). A world-renowned expert on terrorism and security, he advises the UK Home Office, European Parliament and NATO on their counter-terrorism efforts.

Achievements

Improving safety

Our research has led to revisions in national CCTV strategies and training, improving surveillance and safety measures.

Influencing policy

We have influenced government policy and practice in addressing gang and knife crime, ensuring more effective prevention and intervention strategies.

Enhancing knowledge

Our work has notably enhanced knowledge and practices in international homicide investigations, aiding law enforcement globally in solving major crimes.

Shaping delivery

In Wales, our research has directly shaped the commissioning and delivery of substance misuse services, contributing to improved public health responses and treatment access.

International collaboration

Nationally and in Europe, our work has significantly improved the responses to terrorist incidents and international collaboration.

Research Focus Areas

Policing

Led by the International Centre for Policing and Security, the UK’s oldest and most reputable policing and security centre, our research focuses on improving police activities and community service delivery through evidence-based practices, organisational development, and police education.

International Security

Led by Professor Christian Kaunert, Jean Monnet Chair in Policing and Counterterrorism, this research theme examines terrorism, political violence, cybercrime, warfare, and transnational organised crime.

Criminology

Led by the Centre for Criminology, our research focuses on homicide and violence, youth justice, probation, prisons, offender rehabilitation, and crime prevention. It is also home to the Criminal Investigation Research Network (CIRN), established by Professor Fiona Brookman, which connects academics, practitioners, and policymakers to enhance homicide and major crime investigations globally. Our members are internationally recognised experts, making world-leading contributions to research and practice, significantly impacting criminology and criminal justice.

KEY PROJECTS

Evaluation of Buvidal

The primary aim of this evaluation is to provide Welsh Government with timely, robust information on the implementation and indicative outcomes of the introduction of Buvidal across Wales, particularly on the wider service impacts and potential future adaptations required as a result of this new treatment.

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Evaluation of the organisational impact of Substance Use Officers

The primary aim of this evaluation is to assess the organisational impact of Substance Use Officers within Wales Probation Service, which is informed and guided by people with lived experience of working in probation.

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Hybrid Warfare and the EU Cybersecurity

The Jean Monnet Module HYBER explores the cybersecurity aspect of hybrid warfare, focusing on cyber offensive tactics as a cost-effective method targeting democratic societies, especially in the EU.

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Co Creating Spaces for Change (COSC)

This project set out to support DVA survivors by offering creative engagement opportunities within a supportive university environment. The interdisciplinary team worked toward a common goal: to support survivors in refuge by creating connections, opportunities for empowerment, and exploring pathways into education.

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Evaluation of Swansea NPT 360

This is a multi-agency partnership, including occupational therapy, which supports people with the most complex needs, including those being released from custody, to reduce the risk of homelessness.

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COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS

We collaborate with local, national, and international governments as well as a range of policy and practice experts. Our research has been supported by prestigious organisations, including the Marie Skłodowska-Curie and Jean Monnet Actions, ESRC, British Academy, Leverhulme Trust, Big Lottery, Ministry of Justice, Home Office, Welsh Government, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Gwent Police, South Wales Police, and various third-sector organisations.

In 2020, we secured funding to lead the Excellence Network on EU Counter-Terrorism (EUCTER), involving 14 international partners. Our Centre for International Policing and Security was also named a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence for Research by the European Commission. Professor Christian Kaunert also holds a prestigious Jean Monnet Chair by the European Commission.

European Commission
European Union EFFACE
Home Office including Border Vision Advisory Group (BVAG)
National Police Chiefs’ Council
Public Health Wales
South Wales Police
United States Institute of Peace (USIP)
Welsh Government

THE SOUTH WALES POLICE FORCE HAS BENEFITED IMMENSELY FROM USW'S EXPERTISE, AND THE LEGACY CONTINUES TO INFLUENCE OUR APPROACH TO ETHICAL POLICING.

Lee Jones

Chief Executive, South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office

HAVING ENGAGED WITH CRIMINOLOGY ACADEMICS AND DEPARTMENTS AT NUMEROUS UNIVERSITIES INTERNATIONALLY OVER THE YEARS, FEW HAVE STOOD UP TO THE RESPECTED PRESTIGE AND REPUTATION AS USW.

Corin Morgan-Armstrong

Head of Family Services HMP & YOI Parc; Director, Invisible Walls CIC

Work with us

We welcome collaboration with industry, government, and academic partners to drive innovation and tackle real-world challenges. Whether you’re interested in co-developing solutions, exploring funding opportunities, or partnering on research projects, we are open to discussing how we can work together to achieve impactful outcomes.

To learn more or discuss potential collaborations, please contact [email protected]

[email protected]

POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH

Whether you’re pursuing a PhD, MPhil, or Masters by Research, you’ll be guided by passionate, leading experts, making a positive impact on individuals, communities, charities, businesses, and governments worldwide. We welcome UK and international applications for research degrees. Study full-time or part-time, on campus or remotely, depending on your area. Professionals with an existing body of work may also be eligible for a PhD by Portfolio.

Our research students are integral to our team. They benefit from excellent research facilities, dedicated study areas, and opportunities to present their work at national and international conferences.

The Graduate School

A group of researchers sit around a table chatting with coffee and books

Research-informed teaching

In the MSc International Security and Risk Management, students directly benefit from our cutting-edge research on security challenges, enhancing their career prospects. The module Governing and Securing Cyber Space, led by Dr Ethem Ilbiz, explores disinformation campaigns, drawing on his HYBER project research co-funded by the European Commission, and research by other USW security experts.

A key activity is the 'Gamified Fact-Checking Exercise,' where students evaluate information authenticity under time constraints. It aims to deepen students' understanding of hybrid warfare and cybersecurity, crucial in navigating modern security challenges. By building critical research skills, and insight into legal and ethical issues, students are better equipped for careers in international security and risk management, contributing to societal resilience.

Postgraduate Research Degrees

Research students

Diana Fologea is studying a part-time Criminology PhD on the theme of domestic abuse.

Diana Fologea