Prof. Mary Aiken

I published an article in the very first issue of the International Journal of Police Science and Management in 1998 on policing cultures so it's great to see another one (just 'a few' years later) during which time policing has undergone significant change. This article builds on the work I published in the Becoming Blue book in 2017 where, after following new recruits to the police service for the first four years of their career, I landed on six emerging and enduring characteristics of policing cultures: communication, cynicism, comradeship, categorisation, code of self-protection, and compassion. These characteristics are shaped through storytelling, shared experiences, and social dynamics, which reinforce their group identity. Yet what is perhaps not currently encapsulated within the six characteristics above is the degree to which conformity percolates throughout policing and acts as a tool to maintain social order. In this article therefore, I discuss the tendency towards conformity within policing – in terms of both conforming to organisational working practices and norms and conforming to informal occupational cultures – and the pressure on everyone within the policing organisation to ‘fit in’, restricting difference, challenge and ultimately, significant change. In that first ever issue of the International Journal of Police Science and Management (Charman and Savage, 1998) which was on the professionalisation of ACPO (now NPCC) – we referred to Osbourne and Gaebler's (1992) distinction between ‘steering’ and ‘rowing’ in public policy and suggested that there might be a growing separation and increasing tensions between police leaders ‘steering’ policing policy and the police workforce ‘rowing’ through service delivery. As Osbourne and Gaebler noted, ‘steering is very difficult if an organisation's best energies and brains are devoted to rowing’ (1992: 30). My argument 25 years on is that unless those rowing the boat can have some voice in the direction of travel, those steering the boat will continue to move around in circles. Celebrating and advocating for non-conformity within a disciplined organisation is fraught with both difficulty and potential but cultural reform depends on it. https://lnkd.in/eGsbgEGK Please share and all (most!) feedback welcome.

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One week away! We are very excited for Andrew to kick off our new webinar series! #crimeanalysis #temporalcrimetrends #crimeanalyst

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Comprehensive strategies are promising...

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#DFIR 💭 of the day: Collaboration between practitioners and academia is crucial. To get ahead of rapid changes in #DFIR, we need scientific study and research! This is the largest scientific survey of DFIR practitioners. Must read to understand current issues https://lnkd.in/e77_9M7Z

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How can we prevent crime using a public health tool? We discuss prevention of burglary but also sexual crimes, such as rape in this article. #Haddonmatrix #crimetriangle #crimeprevention

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An updated version of a great cyberforensics Cheat Sheet!

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There are clear functional differences between the #IncidentResponse and #DigitalForensics fields in #DFIR as well as cultural differences Here is a great article by DFIR Training (Brett Shavers) on those key role differences: 🔗 https://buff.ly/3TKRwyl

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Revolutionizing Forensic Training with VR: Discover how virtual reality is transforming forensic science in our interview with Charles Steele, MS, from Purdue University Northwest. Explore the advancements in crime scene reconstruction and forensic training through VR technologies that offer immersive and detailed simulations for students and professionals. #ForensicScience #VirtualReality #CrimeSceneInvestigation

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Every crime investigation today, anywhere in the world, has essential requirement of forensic analysis- laptops, mobile phones, other digital devices. Gigabytes and Terrabytes of calls, emails, other stored data which reveals the story untold! Police, ED, CBI and other investigation agencies do not have to bring seized devices back to their offices to analyse data, losing crucial time. On the spot, real-time analysis with mobile forensic tools possible!! Forensic Cybertech, making India's first portable mobile forensic suite under iDEX, Defence India Challenge. Great to see Indian designed product with huge global demand. Well done Forensic Cybertech!! Forensic CyberTech iDEX Defence Innovation Organization ENFORCEMENT DIRECTORATE https://lnkd.in/diMry3Sj

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#Forensicpodiatry #Gaitpattern #humanidentification #CCTV #Investigations We received a recent case for CCTV enhancement of a suspect to be identified and the footage was very poor to be enhanced. At Clue4 Evidence, we adopted an alternative approach to identify the CULPRIT! Forensic podiatry (or forensic podology) involves the application of podiatric knowledge in a legal context, often to help identify individuals based on their feet, footwear, or gait (the way they walk). It is a niche field within forensic science that plays a role in both criminal investigations and civil cases. Some key areas where forensic podiatrists contribute include: 1. Footprint and Footwear Analysis Footprints: Experts analyze bare footprints or sock impressions to gather information about a suspect or victim. This can involve studying the size, shape, and features of the foot, such as toe positioning, arch height, or abnormalities like bunions or flat feet. Footwear Impressions: Forensic podiatrists study shoe prints left at crime scenes. By comparing the tread pattern, wear patterns, and sizing, they can sometimes link a suspect to a specific pair of shoes. 2. Gait Analysis In some cases, a person’s walking style can be distinctive. By analyzing CCTV footage or other video evidence, forensic podiatrists can assess factors like step length, foot rotation, or body sway to make identifications or eliminate suspects. 3. Foot Pathology and Identification Unidentified bodies may sometimes be identified by their foot structure, especially if medical records of prior injuries or surgeries are available. Conditions like hammer toes, arthritis, or deformities from accidents can be unique markers. 4. Medical Evidence in Injury Cases In legal cases involving foot or lower limb injuries (e.g., car accidents, workplace injuries), forensic podiatrists may provide expert testimony about the severity of an injury, the likely cause, and the long-term effects on the person’s mobility. Forensic podiatrists must possess detailed knowledge of human anatomy, biomechanics, and the characteristics of different footwear. Their analyses can support or refute claims made during investigations or trials, helping provide clearer evidence for the legal process.

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🚔 Exploring Non-Linear Thinking in Policing: Impacts and Solutions with AI 🤖 In today's rapidly evolving landscape, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and non-linear thinking is revolutionizing policing strategies. My latest article delves into how non-linear thinking can enhance situational awareness, improve decision-making, and foster innovative problem-solving approaches in law enforcement. 🔍 Key Highlights: Non-Linear Thinking: Moving beyond traditional linear methods to embrace flexibility and adaptability. Training Strategies: Developing programs that encourage critical thinking and creativity through scenario-based exercises and simulations. AI Limitations: Understanding the challenges AI faces in processing non-linear thinking and the essential role of human oversight. Technology Bias: Addressing the potential biases in AI systems and ensuring ethical and responsible use. Human-AI Collaboration: Promoting a collaborative approach where AI supports human judgment for more accurate and equitable outcomes. By combining the precision of AI with the adaptive nature of human cognition, we can achieve a more effective and just approach to law enforcement, ultimately enhancing community trust and safety. 📖 Read the full article here. #Policing #AI #NonLinearThinking #LawEnforcement #Innovation #TechnologyBias #HumanOversight https://lnkd.in/gSRZtfb2

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The rise of online communication tools has also increased threats against vulnerable or hashtag #soft_targets on the internet, social media, and blogs. Our research presents a detailed roadmap to better understand and address these hashtag #e_threats through a comprehensive approach that combines normative, empirical, and theoretical perspectives. We've developed a guide integrating hashtag #AI_driven_e_threat_detection, hashtag #risk_assessment, and strategic response planning. The paper highlights the complex nature of deceptive behaviour online and the importance of recognizing AI's capabilities and limitations in enhancing security measures. Our study aims to equip stakeholders with the knowledge to protect soft targets in cyberspace and ensure community safety and security. Diagnosis Model for Detection of e-threats Against Soft-Targets Threats online - internet, social media platforms, blogs - has risen with development of cybernetics tools of communication. Since the threats against soft targets are recurrent on cyberspace, the focus becomes an e-threat. This paper aims to contribute to construct a roadmap to apprehend e-threats against soft targets, considering the triangle ground of coexistence – normative, empirical and theoretical. An all-inclusive guide amalgamates the concepts of e-threats detections, risk, IA, soft targets, is developed to understand processes. The awareness of the added-value and the limitations of the integration of this technology in policing, is an initiative whose enforcement is legitimized and stranded in a simple concept of security. Despite the IA advances, and its efficiency for detection, the process is complex, because deceptive behaviour has a multidimensional nature. Our analysis reveals that the disruptive potential of e-threats of soft targets is tackled and some orientations are given to guarantee the safety and security of crowds. https://lnkd.in/dFBrxkGj

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If you are a police professional and work with eyewitness's, you'll want to check out the first brief published in our first issue of Applied Police Briefings: https://lnkd.in/eGV9SuHG. The brief was written by two wonderful eyewitness researchers, Laura Smalarz and Gary Wells. Key take home messages from the brief: 1. Field data from lineups involving real eyewitnesses in criminal investigations reveal that eyewitnesses make errors at alarming rates—in nearly one out of every four lineups. 2. Police investigators can prevent eyewitness misidentifications of innocent suspects by using research-informed procedures to collect eyewitness-identification evidence. 3. Nine science-based best-practice procedures should be used by police investigators to enhance the reliability and integrity of memory evidence in cases involving eyewitnesses. These recommendations are included in the brief. 4. These recommendations have been reviewed by the scientific and legal community and represent the official position of the American Psychology-Law Society. Check out this brief and 20 others at appliedpolicebriefings.com.

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We (MACC) has incorporated the use of polygraph examinations as a tool to assess credibility of individuals involved in investigations. Polygraph is mainly used to develop and/or verify information. No other credibility assessment tools at the moment can achieve better outcome than Polygraph.

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Take a moment today to honor those we lost in the September 11th attacks as well as our first responders, first preventers, and everyone who contributed to defend our homeland. May we continue to strive toward unity and never forget.   This week on Cyber Focus, I had the privilege of sitting down with Robert M. Lee to discuss the evolution of operational technology (OT), the critical importance of ICS cybersecurity, and the increasing threat of cyber-enabled attacks on physical infrastructure. Rob provides key context on recent cyber incidents targeting our grid and water systems and how cyber factors into recent conflicts and global hot spots. He also shares Dragos’s recent research on new malware aimed at OT & ICS, such as “PipeDream” and “Frosty Goop.” Tune in below to learn from one of the best in the business and the leader who helped put OT security on the map! https://lnkd.in/etssujDK

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To define a prepper we need a set of measurable variables, grounded in evidence, attributable to a theoretical framework. A prepper is someone who holds a distrust in the government's ability to provide the services for which they're responsible, has undertaken a strategy to provide for that failure for a significant period of time. This is an evolving line of inquiry, we believe it to be important to codify a prepper beyond those who self define or are labelled by others. Understanding the level to which peppers exist within modern society is valuable and informative. We will provide more details in the September issue of the Journal of Preparedness in Canada. #emergencymanagement #disastermanagement #preparedness #prepper #emergencypreparedness #resilience #community #innovation #communication #governance Preparedness Labs Incorporated https://lnkd.in/ev-qq4Ny

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