CIRN aims to advance knowledge on the theory and practice of criminal investigation with a particular focus upon homicide and major crime investigation. The network brings together leading academics from different parts of the world with expertise in major crime investigation as well as practitioners and policy makers at the forefront of developing practice and strategy in relation to major crime investigation.
The research network currently spans the UK, North America, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Sweden, Italy and the Netherlands and includes academics, current and former detectives, detective training consultants, police commanders, forensic scientists, and Home Office forensic science and forensic pathology regulators.
CIRN is led by Professor Fiona Brookman in collaboration with Professor Martin Innes, Professor Ed Maguire and Professor Mike Maguire.
CIRN has generated numerous successful international collaborations across academia and between researchers, practitioners and policy makers. For example, in the UK, Prof. Brookman and Dr. Jones are working closely with police to help to improve organisational practices, especially in connection to digital forensics. They are also members of various working groups of the Home Office and the National Police Chiefs' Council Transforming Forensics Programme.
Research by CIRN members Bill King and Ed Maguire (together with other colleagues) has had a strong influence on criminal investigation of gun crime in the United States, particularly involving the use of ballistic imaging and other technologies.
Professor Brookman has provided research instruments and guidance to detectives at the Homicide Unit, Calgary Police Department, Canada who are exploring the factors that influence homicide investigation outcomes in Western Canada.
If you would like any further information regarding CIRN please contact Professor Fiona Brookman.
