Knife crime project opportunity

05 June 2009

Inspector Mark Lawes, Head of Merseyside Knife Crime Project, has offered to support 12 students who wish to conduct dissertation research projects (undergraduate or postgraduate) in the area of youth knife crime. Support will include access to data required by the studies.

The projects could consider any of the following areas:

• Knife crime - who, what, where and why do people carry knives? For example analysis indicates that within the 13-17 age group, hot spots for knife crime include school walks.
• What is the prevailing culture on Merseyside for knife carrying behaviour and how does it compare to other cities? Access to statistics from Budapest and Glasgow can be provided.
• How does knife crime, and the perceptions of knife crime, affect the night time economy in Liverpool city centre? Statistics indicate that the hotspot for knife crime amongst the 18-28 age group is Liverpool city centre.
• How safe are young people walking to and from school? Research could be undertaken with pupils in schools, as it is known victims are likely to know their offenders.
• Can you spot a knife crime offender? Do stereotypical perceptions of a knife crime offender meet the true profile of these offenders as indicated by statistics?
• How can a cognitive behavioural programme contribute to prevention of offending through early intervention? Two programmes run by the Police in September will give access to case study materials.
• What does the journey to committing knife crime look like? Statistics indicate that knife crime is committed away from residential areas.

If you wish to be considered for the project, a 200 word abstract should be submitted to brokerage@ljmu.ac.uk by 24 June 2009. 

The successful students will be required to submit a final written piece of work of 3000 words, giving a brief outline of the research project, methodology, conclusions and recommendations. This will need to be submitted in February 2010. A prize for the best projects will be awarded to four students, who will be invited to Budapest to visit the Police Knife Crime Project - this will be all expenses paid for a week. 

Guest Lecture

Inspector Lawes will be giving a ‘WoW in Conversation’ Guest Lecture at 2pm, June 9 in the GDC, which will provide an insight into the subject of 'Serious Youth Crime on Merseyside'. This lecture is open to all staff and students. Mark will also introduce the research project more fully and speak to those interested in taking up the offer after the lecture.

If you wish to attend the lecture, please book via http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/WoW/students/events/index.htm. If you are unable to attend it will be made available by podcast on the WoW website from 11 June.