The Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security (AGSPS), Centre for Law and Justice (CLJ) and the School of Policing Studies (SOPS) in the Faculty of Business, Justice, and Behavioural Sciences of CSU, has successfully organised a three-day research forum on 5-7 February 2024, online. This is the fourth event of its kind and aimed to showcase individuals and teams of researchers, foster collaboration and explore future research possibilities.
The initial Forum held back in 2022 grew out of the results from the Your Voice survey; where staff members indicated that there was not enough opportunity to present, discuss, collaborate, or celebrate research achievements within our Schools. Noting that some of our colleagues are early career researchers or have been produced non-peer reviewed works – ‘creative works’ – were added to the agenda.
The Forum was opened by esteemed colleagues, day one started with an excellent and informative speech by Associate Dean (Research) Professor Zahid Islam. Professor Islam, discussed amongst many things the importance of an on-line presence for researchers and their work. This presence not only highlighted what the staff members was focussed on but what they had achieved and what the future may look like as well.
The opening of day two was by Associate Professor Nick O’Brien, Head of AGSPS whose Acknowledgement of Country detailed that Canberra, where we are based, holds profound significance for the Indigenous peoples of the region, particularly the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples. The word “Canberra” is derived from the Ngunnawal language, believed to mean “meeting place” or “gathering place.” For thousands of years, the area that is now Canberra served as a meeting point for various Indigenous groups, a site for cultural exchange, trade, and ceremonial gatherings. Professor O’Brien pointed out that this Forum was a meeting place for staff and a place to share our stories, passion and to look to each other for guidance, feedback, and collaboration.
One the final day, Dr Julian Parker-McLeod opened our Forum. Dr Parker-McLeod has arrived in Australia, from his homeland in the UK, in January 2024 to become the new Head of School of the Policing Studies. Dr Parker-McLeod presentation was firstly about himself, his history, experience and wishes for SOPS. There were 17 presenters over the three days, with added time for questions and comments.
With the participation of approximately 30 staff, attending the online Forum, over the three days. The Forum provided a dynamic platform that offered numerous benefits for researchers of all levels, fostering a vibrant intellectual community between individuals, as well as Schools, offering all involved the opportunity for knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration. Researchers, ranging from early-career scholars to seasoned academics, showcased their work, shared insights, and engaged in discussions that transcended disciplinary boundaries. The forum created a rich environment that stimulated intellectual curiosity.
Another significant benefit of a Research and Creative Works Forum was the mentorship and networking opportunities it provided. For early-career researchers, the forum served as a platform to connect with established scholars, seek guidance, and establish collaborative relationships. Conversely, seasoned researchers could offer mentorship, share their experiences, and contribute to the professional development of emerging scholars. Networking within such a forum could lead to collaborative research projects, joint publications, and a supportive community that transcends disciplines, Schools, and geographical boundaries.
On day one Lisa Limbrick and Sharon Geltch, from the Office of Research Services and Graduate Studies, presented information on how their office can assist all researchers and how the process works. Then the following presentations occurred:
- Dr. Emma Colvin – Bail, Police, and trauma informed practice
- Dr. Amanda Davies – AI-Driven innovation in law enforcement: The synergistic potential of body cameras and drones as a complementary policing tool for tactical and operational enhancement.
- Prof Mark Nolan – Analysis of Pseudolaw Arguments and Complaints in the Queensland Magistrates Court: A Plan (included work by Dr. Kristy Campion and Dr. Pieta Richards)
- Dr. Astrid Vachette – ‘Climate victimology in the Pacific islands’
- Dr. Levi West – Terrorism and Strategic Effect – A Conceptual Framework.
Day two of the forum highlighted specific projects by the following academics:
- Dr. Milind Tiwari – Metacrimes: An Emerging Crime Opportunity.
- Dr. Charles Vandepeer – Challenges and benefits of researching in a teaching-only role, reflections as a practitioner-academic, and research gaps and opportunities in a defence intelligence context.
- Dr. Jamie Ferrill – 100 Hours in Kabul.
- ASPRO Amber McKinley – Fatal confrontations: identifying risk factors in Australian victim-precipitated homicides in police operations.
- Dr. Ruth Delaforce – “Policing the Pandemic: An Organised Crime Perspective”.
- ASPRO Valerie Ingham – resilient villages.
The final day, Day three, comprised of the following staff and their research:
- Dr. Kiri Ingram – The Role of Civil Society and Strategic Communications in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in the Southern Philippines.”
- Dr. Fiona Wade – On the job: evaluating training of early career constables
- Dr. Antony Stephenson – From king hit to coward’s punch: Changing the language of assault.
- Dr. Geberew Mekonnen and Dr. Doug Allan – At-risk youth in Australia: A narrative literature review.
- Dr. Tyson Whitton – the impact of NDIS referral on prisoner recidivism: findings from a SA corrections pilot program
The workshop concluded with thanks by A/Prof. Amber McKinley for everyone’s input, and congratulations to all those involved. Participants’ agreed that there should be a ‘winter’ version of this forum where staff can present their projects at a different stage, showcase new research, identify new collaborations as well as any new staff being invited to introduce themselves and can learn from others and show where their research passions lie. This workshop represents a significant milestone in the faculty’s research journey, fostering collaboration and innovation to address complex challenges.
For more details, please contact:
Workshop Chair: A/Prof. Amber McKinley
Email: amckinley@csu.edu.au