Published on 24 April 2023
More than 100 attendees from almost all of the Police Regions within England and Wales, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Police Scotland, British Transport Police, National Crime Agency, Ministry of Defence, College of Policing and the Crown Prosecution Service attended the conference at the University of Sunderland.
Professor Lynne McKenna, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Society, welcomed Assistant Chief Constable Tonya Antonis of Durham Constabulary, who is the NPCC Lead on Investigative interviewing.
Professor McKenna said: “We are very proud of the work we are doing at the University of Sunderland supporting the continuous professional development of investigators working in a complex environment.
“We have been involved in developing and delivering investigative degree programmes and short courses for a number of years now in collaboration with Police Services at several locations throughout the UK. This conference brought together our ex-practitioner experts, many of whom have operated in a national policing capacity, with our academic expertise in Criminology, Policing, and Investigations, as well as leaders in the field of professional development.
“The University is delighted to support this extremely important work.”
The Conference focused on the development of policies, practices and procedures to ensure the interviewing of victims, witnesses and suspects is of the highest standard to support all types of investigations.
Presentations and discussions took place around real life examples, learning and development and wellbeing.
Assistant Chief Constable Tonya Antonis of Durham Constabulary said: “This event was a brilliant collaboration between the NPCC and University of Sunderland. We are grateful to our hosts. Without their support this event would not have been possible.
“Policing faces significant challenges with a young inexperienced workforce, detective resilience, skills reducing and advances in technology. The conference brought together subject matter experts to explore some of these contemporary issues We look forward to continuing our working relationship with the University.”
Professor Gary Shaw MBE, Executive Lead of the Centre for Crime, Policing and Investigations was instrumental in arranging the event together with the Corporate and Professional Education Team at the University. He said “It was great to be part of such a successful event. I’m proud of the reputation that the University has built up over the last 10 years in this particular skillset, as it reflects the commitment and expertise of our colleagues, all of whom have a background in policing or in leadership and professional development.
“I hope that this is the first of many similar conferences.”