Evidence-Based Policing Conference 2025: Harm Reduction Focus
Monday 30th June 2025
The University of Worcester will host a major one-day conference on Monday 30th June 2025, focusing on harm reduction within the framework of evidence-based policing.
Keynote speaker, Professor Jane Monckton-Smith, criminologist and author of In Control: Dangerous Relationships and How They End in Murder, will open the day with powerful insights into coercive control and its implications for policing and prevention.
The conference brings together an impressive line-up of speakers, including Chief Constable Richard Cooper, Judith Vickress (Rural Domestic Abuse) , Dr Gillian Harrop (Bystander Project), Nick Gazzard (Holly Gazzard Trust), Dr Richard Hester (Harm reduction through EBP), and Michelle Clarke (Head of School of Law) — all of whom will share their expertise on harm reduction, domestic abuse, safeguarding, and the value of evidence-based practice in front-line policing and policy development.
This event offers a unique opportunity for police professionals, researchers, students, and practitioners from across the criminal justice sector to engage in critical dialogue, share best practices, and forge collaborations to drive safer, smarter policing.
Join us for the Evidence-Based Policing Conference 2025, a one-day event dedicated to exploring innovative strategies in harm reduction through the lens of policing practice and research. Taking place at the University of Worcester Arena, Severn Campus. from 10:00am to 4:00pm (arrival from 9:30am).
Conference information
Conference schedule
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Time
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10:00
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Opening Remarks - Chief Constable Richard Cooper.
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10:15
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Keynote Presentation Professor Jane Monckton-Smith, University of Gloucestershire – ‘In Control’
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11:00
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Short break
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11:05
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Judith Vickress, Churchill Fellowship on Rural Domestic Abuse - Policing in Partnership: Creating a Coordinated Response to Domestic Abuse in Rural Areas.
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11:40
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Dr Gillian Harrop, University of Worcester - The role of amber flags in crime prevention.
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12:15
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Nick Gazzard, Founder – The Hollie Gazzard Trust.
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13:00
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Q&A Panel discussion with Professor Jane Monckton-Smith, Judith Vickress, Dr Gillian Harrop and Nick Gazzard.
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13:40
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Networking Lunch
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14:00
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Dr Richard Hester, Oxford Brookes University - Evidence based review of Thames Valley Police tactical bicycle deployments in public order policing.
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14:40
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Liam Bennett and Darren Keyte, The Road Policing Team, West Mercia Police – title tbc.
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15:10
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Panel Discussion / Extended Networking / Reflections.
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15:40
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Closing Remarks.
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Keynote speaker
Professor Jane Monckton-Smith
Professor Jane Monckton-Smith is a distinguished criminologist, author, and professor of public protection at the University of Gloucestershire. Her pioneering work on coercive control, stalking, and domestic homicide has significantly influenced criminal justice practices across the UK and Europe.
Before entering academia, Professor Monckton-Smith served as a police officer, an experience that deeply informs her research and teaching. She earned her PhD from Cardiff University focusing on the discursive regimes of sexual murder. Her academic journey also includes a BA (Hons) in Criminology from Southampton Solent University and postgraduate qualifications in academic practice and research methods.
In 2018, Professor Monckton-Smith conducted a groundbreaking study analyzing 372 cases of intimate partner homicide. This research led to the development of the 'Homicide Timeline,' an eight-stage model that identifies patterns in coercive relationships escalating to murder. This model is now utilized by police forces and agencies for risk assessments in cases of domestic abuse and stalking. Her book, In Control: Dangerous Relationships and How They End in Murder, published in 2021, delves into these findings, offering insights into the progression of abusive relationships and strategies for intervention.
Beyond academia, Professor Monckton-Smith advises the Home Office, police forces, and legal professionals on complex homicide cases. She also supports families bereaved through homicide, assisting them with criminal justice processes. Her contributions to criminal justice were recognized in 2024 when she was awarded an OBE in the King's New Year Honours List.
Professor Monckton-Smith's work continues to shape policies and practices aimed at preventing domestic homicide and supporting victims of coercive control.
Conference booking link
Please use
this form to book your place on the Evidence-based Policing conference.
Travel
Travelling by train
The nearest station is Worcester Foregate Street, a 15-20 minute walk from the University of Worcester Arena.
Travelling by car
Worcester is served by the M5 motorway and is accessible from Junctions 6 and 7. Under normal traffic conditions all University campuses can be reached in 15-20 minutes from Junction 7. The University is clearly signposted once you come off at Junction 7.
Severn Campus at Google Maps
Sat Nav
Severn Campus: WR2 5JN
Car Parking
There are 186 regular parking spaces, 14 blue badge bays and 100 EV bays located at Severn Campus. ANPR is in use at the Arena car park and guests will need to pay for parking before exiting the car park. Please follow the Pay & Display parking instructions.
The Severn Campus is also very close to several council run car parks ranging from 60p-90p per hour depending on which car park you use.
Further information
For further information about the conference, please contact the Conference Organiser, Phil Edwards, p.edwards@worc.ac.uk.