University teams up with UK and Dutch investigative psychology experts
The University of Huddersfield’s Professional Doctoral Academy (PDA) hosted a major international Knowledge Exchange Event in partnership with Merseyside Police and the Dutch Police Investigative Psychology Team, which has the world’s largest embedded cohort of more than 60 investigative psychologists.
Held at Merseyside Police Headquarters, the event brought together UK and Dutch specialists to share best practice in investigative psychology, serious and organised crime (SOC), major crime investigation, intelligence development and evidence-based responses to complex policing challenges.
The event builds on the PDA’s recent visit to VU University Amsterdam, where PDA candidates explored shared approaches to investigative psychology, offender profiling and behavioural analysis. It also follows the Dutch Prison Service’s attendance at the PDA-supported SOC in Prisons Conference in October, signalling a growing programme of international engagement.
The Academy was represented by Professor Maria Ioannou, Deputy Director of the PDA and Professor of Investigative Psychology. Operational leadership was provided by Chief Superintendent Claire Doyle (Merseyside Police and PDA PhD Candidate), supported by Detective Superintendent Marie Bulmer (West Yorkshire Police and PDA PhD Candidate), newly onboarded to the PDA’s PhD programme.
The day strengthened cross-border collaboration and demonstrated how applied behavioural science can enhance policing. The event forms part of the PDA’s wider commitment to widening participation in applied research, bringing colleagues from different jurisdictions together to share learning and best practice.
The agenda featured deep-dive sessions into:
- Complex sexual abuse investigations
- Investigative psychology in Dutch police practice
- Evidence-based policing in Merseyside
- SOC intelligence and major crime investigations
- County Lines disruption (Op Medusa)
- Emerging research on women offenders in Serious and Organised Crime, and the role of women working in SOC investigation teams
The conference was opened by Assistant Chief Constable Andy Ryan, Merseyside Police, who said, “Partnerships like this create the space to examine our practice through international eyes. Bringing together investigators, behavioural scientists and analysts strengthens our ability to solve the most complex cases. I am proud that Merseyside Police continues to lead on evidence-based policing and open knowledge exchange with trusted partners across Europe.”
Discover more about the university's range of psychology courses
Professor Ioannou said, “Investigative Psychology was first established as a discipline in the 1990s by Professor David Canter, and its home now resides at the University of Huddersfield. This field has always advanced through close collaboration between practitioners and academics.
Professor Maria Ioannou
Deputy Director of the PDA and Professor of Investigative Psychology
"This event continued that tradition, demonstrating how international partnership can deepen our understanding of offender behaviour, strengthen investigative decision-making and support better outcomes for victims.
“We remain committed to expanding this area of research and supporting both Dutch and UK colleagues to translate psychological science into operational impact.”
Chief Superintendent Claire Doyle, Merseyside Police & PDA Candidate added, “When I presented in Amsterdam last year, I began to understand the scale and potential of investigative psychology and the value it brings to complex investigations. I set up this event to open up the work of our Dutch colleagues to senior UK investigators to have a space for shared learning. Creating these opportunities for others to see, question and learn from different approaches is vital to how we continue to evolve our investigative practice.”
Superintendent Mirjam Hupperetz, Dutch Police Investigative Psychology Team said,“This event has given new perspectives on complex investigations, as well as the protection of vulnerable people. It strengthens science-informed practice in both countries, and we have gained important insight into the role of women in serious and organised crime and those who investigate it. This collaboration has real impact for victims and investigators.”
For further information or partnership enquiries, please contact:
Ms Sandra Hirst, Executive Manager for the Professional Doctoral Academy at the University of Huddersfield