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Eyewitness memory in virtual environments: Funded by the BA/Leverhulme, Dr Donna Taylor and Prof. Coral Dando have investigated computer mediated interviewing as a proxy for face-to-face interviews with eyewitnesses. This novel research has revealed how avatar-to-avatar communication in virtual environments can reduce errors and improve recall accuracy. Listen to a discussion about this research with Claudia Hammond on Radio 4 All in The Mind.
Improving offender’s transition from prison into the community
The main focus of this project, run by Dr Andreas Aresti, is to understand how learning can improve 'offender's' transition from prison into the community, and how this can reduce reoffending. The emphasis is on education and how this can be a source of motivation, offer a time structure and a different social milieu. Read about Dr Aresti’s work in the Times Higher Article and listen to Dr Aresti’s talk about his experiences on Future Learn.
Examination of firearms and forensics in Europe and across territories
Dr Jeane Gerrard’s work on this EU funded project has provided policy-makers with a body of knowledge concerning the nature, extent and impact of gun enabled crime and the effectiveness of interventions aimed at combating gun enabled crime and the cross-border sharing of ballistic intelligence. Her work has facilitated evidence-based policy and intervention development across Europe, and contributed to improved information sharing regarding the illegal trafficking and use of firearms. Find out more about Dr Gerrard’s work on Westminster Research.
Controlled Cognitive Engagement (CCE)
Gathering intelligence and detecting deception: Funded by the US High Value Detainee Interviewing Group, US Transport Security Administration and Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure, Prof Coral Dando and Professor Tom Ormerod (University of Sussex) developed Controlled Cognitive Engagement (CCE) (read more on APA.org) for use in real world aviation security contexts and for leveraging human intelligence (read more on APA PsycNet) in noncoercive interrogations. A variant of CCE is currently used by three major airlines, and CCE has been adopted by international Air Marshals following an EU funded training programme devised and implemented by Dando and Ormerod. Listen to a discussion about this research with Claudia Hammond on Radio 4 All in The Mind.
Supporting eyewitness memory
The innovative ‘Sketching to remember’ technique, developed by Prof Coral Dando, can improve eyewitness memory for typically developing children, children with developmental disabilities (read more on Sage Journals), typically developed adults, and older adults (read more on Plos One). Sketching helps witnesses to consciously remember previously experienced events, often improving the amount of information remembered and with greater accurately than might otherwise be the case. Read more about Sketching to remember on The Advocates Gateway.
Suicide and suicidal behaviours in forensic settings
Dr Mackenzie’s research focuses on the importance of environmental context in suicide prevention. Her ground-breaking research in Probation settings (read more on Westminster Research) highlighted elevated levels of suicide by people serving probation sentences. Working with Forensic Psychologists at National Probation Service London and with funding from the Sir Halley Stewart Trust, she has developed best practice for reducing suicides in National Probation settings, which have been integrated into suicide prevention training run by the National Probation Service. Read about Dr Mackenzie’s work here in The Conversation and listen to her talking about suicide prevention on YouTube.
Organised crime and the psychology of gang violence
Dr Sally Atkinson-Sheppard’s three-year ethnographic study in Dhaka (read more on Waterstones) revealed how Bangladeshi mafia groups or 'mastaans' operate in a market for crime, violence and social protection. Her work explores the crimes they commit, the ways they divide labour, and how and why street children are hired by 'mastaans', to carry weapons, sell drugs, collect extortion money, commit political violence and conduct contract killings. She argues that these young people are neither victims nor offenders; they are instead 'illicit child labourers', doing what they can to survive on the streets.