Tom Tooth a PhD student at the University of Bristol reports on the PolCon - 'Bridging the gap: future directions for policing and higher education partnerships'
September 3 and 4 I travelled north to Middlesbrough, bound for the fifth annual gathering of the PolCon forum at Teesside University. PolCon is a niche institution within the wider criminal justice scholarship field, with a specialist policing remit and an avowed aim to facilitate the collaboration of universities and police forces in enhancing the status of evidence-based policing practices.
The conference brought together over a hundred practitioners and academics across two days, with keynote speakers from both spheres, as well as parallel sessions in the afternoons for more focused discussions. Two chief constables were in attendance and addressed the delegates, as well as
The return of 'what works' will form the back-drop for this conference. Moreover, it will examine how universities and the police service can collaborate to develop the evidence base and to foster excellence in policing.
It was without doubt the most relevant conference that I have attended, considering my research interests and the kinds of audiences I want my work to reach. I am very grateful to the Law School in assisting me to take part.