Centre of Advanced Policing Studies

Liverpool will become a leading authority on policing following the launch of the University's Centre for Advanced Policing Studies.

The Centre, part of Liverpool John Moores University, will counteract modern day criminal activity by combining innovative research methods with traditional means of policing. LJMU academics will work closely with police forces, including Merseyside Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside, dealing with issues such as human trafficking, terrorism, child exploitation, hate crimes and cybercrime. The Centre will house the latest research and policing related technology including geographic information systems, forensic computing, forensic science and forensic psychology. 

LJMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Nigel Weatherill commented: “The Centre’s interdisciplinary nature and close ties to key institutions and influential individuals will produce world leading and innovative research, which is both ground-breaking and relevant to current and emerging national and international policy.

“We aim to attract the brightest and best research students and will continue to develop first-class international networks to collaborate on important research and knowledge transfer activities.”

Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, Sir Jon Murphy, said: “It’s important that we not only tackle criminality through enforcement, but also work with partners to look at the changing demands of a modern day police force and improve our knowledge, skills and problem-solving approaches.

"Merseyside has a proud history of innovation and the Centre for Advanced Policing continues that tradition, putting us at the forefront of crime fighting. The research will focus on areas such as child sex exploitation, hate crime and crime prevention, all areas which have been identified as priorities by our communities. We are continually working to improve the service we offer the communities of Merseyside and this is yet another example of how we are working with partners to achieve this.”

Merseyside’s Deputy Police Commissioner Councillor Sue Murphy said: “Merseyside Police already has a strong relationship with LJMU, but the launch of this Centre will enable us to further pool resources, knowledge and understanding to continue to improve the ways we prevent crime, care for victims and keep our communities safe.

“In this era of austerity, it is more important than ever that we police our communities as effectively and efficiently as possible. This partnership will make sure Merseyside Police is using the most advanced research methods and technology available to develop innovative responses to the challenges of modern day policing.”

Next year the Centre is also launching a portfolio of interdisciplinary undergraduate and postgraduate taught degree courses, providing graduates with a range of key academic and technical skills which will see them prepared for a successful career in a range of roles involving policing, criminal justice, security and academia.

Speaking during the launch event Chief Executive Officer of the College of Policing, Alex Marshall, commented: “With the support of the Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, Sir Jon Murphy and Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Jane Kennedy, the Centre will bring together the thinking of academia and the value of research into the practicalities of serving the public, preventing crime and protecting local people which is why it will play such a vital role in the future of crime prevention.”

The launch of the Centre follows the announcement in July by the College of Policing that a joint bid by LJMU, Merseyside Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPPC) for Merseyside, secured funding from the £10m Police Knowledge Fund.

The Centre launch received coverage in the Liverpool Echo and on BBC Radio Merseyside (listen from 01:07:00).