Day of crime sessions
Over 600 pupils attend unique LJMU course
Just how much do you know about crime in the UK today? Did you know that men aged between 16 and 25 are the most likely to be both the victims and perpetrators of crime? Were you aware that you don’t always have the right to remain silent when you are taken to a police station? Did you realise that even though crime rates are falling, fear of crime is increasing?
These were just some of the startling facts revealed during LJMU's unique 'Day of Crime' sessions. Organised by the Centre for Criminal Justice, the five 1-day sessions were targeted at secondary school pupils interested in pursuing careers linked to the police and probation services, forensic psychology and science, and much more. The sessions proved so popular that over 600 pupils attended the University between 26 and 30 June, travelling to Liverpool from as far a-field as Hull and Birmingham.
''Crime and criminality affect us all on an everyday basis, yet its surprising just how little many people know about the criminal justice system and who actually commits crime,'' says Stuart Taylor, LJMU's Lecturer in Criminal Justice. "The 'Day of Crime' course enabled young people to get behind the headlines and smash the myths surrounding crime in the UK today. We looked at 'street' versus 'suite' crimes as well as contentious issues, like the release of Maxine Carr and the recent case of the convicted rapist who won £7 million on the lottery while still in prison.''
During the course, the pupils learnt more about both the perpetrators and victims of crime. They also examined how the media portrays criminals, including the rich and (in)famous who are caught red-handed committing illegal acts (see picture above).
''From DNA profiling to the new terror laws, the UK's criminal justice system is changing fast and it's more important than ever that we understand our rights in an increasingly litigious world,'' continues Stuart Taylor. "This course was designed to be fun but hopefully everyone left knowing a little more about the criminal justice system and also why criminal justice is such an exciting subject to study at university."
LJMU currently offers three degrees focusing on criminal justice: the BA in Law and Criminal Justice, the BA in Criminal Justice and the BSc in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice.
