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- Qualifications:MSc (Distinction), PGCAPP, LLB (Hons), FHEA
- Position:Joint Programme Leader and Senior Lecturer - Policing
- Department:HAS - Health and Social Sciences
About me
I work at the intersection of academia and policing practice as a Programme Leader and Senior Lecturer, focused on evidence-led, practice-informed learning that prepares students for the complexity of policing in a changing risk landscape. My academic specialism is investigative learning and decision-making, how investigators develop judgement, structure enquiries, manage risk, and make decisions under pressure. I design teaching and assessment that builds these capabilities and connects evidence, policy and practice.
My work today is shaped by a previous UK law enforcement career as a Senior Investigating Officer and strategic investigator lead for major crime and complex intelligence-led organised crime operations, working in partnership with security and international agencies. Alongside my core role, I am Editor-in-Chief of the UWE Policing Blog, I serve as an External Examiner, and I contribute to media projects exploring high-profile investigations.
I hold a Master's degree with distinction in Criminology and Criminal Psychology, a Post Graduate Certificate in Applied Professional Practice and an undergraduate degree in Law. I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a member of the British Society of Criminology.
Area of expertise
Investigations; Organised Crime; Major Crime; Sensitive Intelligence; Critical Incident Management; Decision Making.
Recent Media Contributions: CBS Reality: https://www.cbsreality.tv/uk/about.php?section=watch; Sky Crime.
‘World’s most Dangerous Prisoners’ on 5Action 22 January 2024. It is available to watch on SKY (current channel 150) Virgin (current channel 130) and Freeview (current channel 33), and Channel 5 on demand service My5.Paramount + Crime Documentary with Woodcut Media. April 2023.
Filming for ITN production on Serial Killers (June 2023).
Recent articles:
Williamson, P. (2025) Supporting the Wellbeing of Investigators week of action. UWE Bristol Policing [blog]. 13 November. Available from: Supporting the Wellbeing of Investigators week of action 2025 | Policing blog
Williamson, P. (2025)The Initial Response and Investigation of Sudden and Unexpected Deaths: The Importance of Vulnerability in Decision-Making. UWE Bristol Policing [blog]. 27 March. Available from: The Initial Response and Investigation of Sudden and Unexpected Deaths: The Importance of Vulnerability in Decision-Making | Policing blog
Williamson, P. (2024). To what extent are we winning the war? Breaking the organised crime enigma code. UWE Bristol Policing [blog]. 2 February. Available from: To what extent are we winning the war? Breaking the organised crime enigma code | Policing blog
Williamson, P. (2024). Check out the 'Worlds most Dangerous Prisoners' on 5Action tonight. UWE Bristol Policing [blog]. Available from: Check out the 'World’s most Dangerous Prisoners' on 5Action tonight | Policing blog
Policing Insight (2023) The police data challenge: Maximising the potential of automation and AI [online]. Available from: https://policinginsight.com/feature/analysis/the-police-data-challenge-maximising-the-potential-of-automation-and-ai/
Events:
Speaker at 'The Investigator' Senior Investigating Officer's Decision Making Workshop 28 June 2023. Presentation title: 'Fatal flaw: The impact of crucial actors on decision-making processes in the early stages of a sudden unexpected death investigation.
Speaker at UWE Organised Crime Symposium: 'To what extent are we winning the war? Breaking the Organised Crime Enigma Code'. June 2023.
Delivery of Specialist Workshops for Law Enforcement professionals on the Investigation of Organised Crime for 'The Investigator': 21 - 22 September 2022 and 13 - 14 December 2022 https://www.the-investigator.co.uk/
National Police Chief's Council - National Senior Investigating Officers Conference speaker:
- 2018 (Rotherham Child Abuse Investigation: Operation STOVEWOOD).
- 2013 (Serial Killer: Joanna Dennehy).
Awards
- National Investigator award for Outstanding Leadership.
- Police Federation National Detective Forum 'Investigation of the Year' Award.
- NCA Director General's Commendation & 10 Police Commendations for dedication and persistence in the investigation of Crime.
- Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
Publications
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