Real world research: Impact, innovation and knowledge exchange
from members of the Global Crime, Justice and Security (GCJS)
Dr Tom Smith, Associate Professor in Law
UWE Bristol researchers, Professor Ed Cape and Dr Tom Smith, examined court decisions regarding the pre-trial detention (PTD) of criminal defendants. They found that courts made decisions rapidly; problems existed with disclosure of evidence in advance of hearings; the reasoning given for decisions tended to be generic and lacking in detail. In 2017, responding to UWE Bristol research, the Criminal Procedure Rule Committee amended the Criminal Procedure Rules. These changes to the Rules are binding on all criminal courts in England and Wales.
Dr Mary Alice Young, Associate Professor in Law
Dr Mary Alice Young’s research has directly informed national reform efforts in the British Virgin Islands. Dr Young’s recommendations were included in His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies, Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) Review of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Bodies in the British Virgin Islands: Volume 2 – A Road Map for 2025 to 2035. This landmark publication outlines a strategic vision for strengthening policing, justice, and public safety across the territory over the next decade. Read the full report.
Dr Rob Wilks, Senior Lecturer in Law
Dr Rob Wilks is the Principal Investigator for a major project on Strengthening Global Majority Representation in Deaf Legal Theory: A Pilot Project in Ghana. Funded by the UWE Bristol Vice-Chancellor's Early Career Researchers scheme, the project is a collaboration with Dr Christopher Shank (Bangor University) as part of a larger AHRC-funded Deaf Health Wales project.
Dr Duncan McPhee, Associate Professor
Associate Professor McPhee has completed funded work with Gwent Police on Sexual Exploitation. Read the UWE Bristol news item. As one of the most in-depth studies on localised exploitation (and responses to) that has been carried out in the United Kingdom, Duncan will be speaking at the National Police and Crime Commissioner's conference in London in January 2026. Professor McPhee has also finished his seminal work on Project Bright Light. Read the news article.
Dr Jonathan Gilbert, Senior Lecturer, and Dr Samantha Mapston, Senior Lecturer in Law
UWE Bristol Law School academics, Dr Sam Mapston, and Dr Jonathan Gilbert presented their research findings into the dangers of money laundering at the launch of a Crimestoppers campaign to tackle this criminal activity conducted by organised crime groups. The Crimestoppers South West Money Laundering campaign is an initiative commissioned by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit and funded by the Home Office's Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme. The aim of the campaign, which will be delivered across social media, is to increase the flow of community intelligence on money laundering by organised crime groups across Bristol and the region and to enable increased asset recovery activity.
Ms Finley MacDonald, Lecturer and doctoral candidate in the School of Criminology
Finley MacDonald explains her work: "I have published research examining racial inequality within the criminal justice system. My PhD explores the barriers and facilitators to implementing the Police Race Action Plan within police forces in England and Wales. Through my involvement with Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s Race Matters Group I aim to inform and influence practice and policy in this area."
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About the Global Crime Justice Security (GCJS)
GCJS provides a forum for research activity within Bristol Law School and support our members in their their research.
Members of the Global Crime, Justice and Security Research Group (GCJS)
List and profiles of staff and doctoral members of GCJS.
Contacts
If you are interested in the work of the GCJS Research Group, please contact us.