How do I get police case data for my PhD?

Hi there

I am looking at applying to the Forensic Science PhD at the University of Staffordshire

I am a current Masters student, and have loosely discussed my topic with my current lecturer who has said that it would be a fine topic for research, involving the review of police casework information/forensic results from a police force(s).

My question is; how do I get this information?

Do I need to obtain provisional approval from a prospective force regarding my intentions with the project before I apply, is this something that the university can assist me in facilitating, or something completely different?

Any advice is appreciated :smile:

(edited 2 weeks ago)

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

Freedom of Information Act requests may get some. It might be easier to just approach them and directly work with the force(s) in question instead though.

Reply 2

jfcll

Original post by artful_lounger

Freedom of Information Act requests may get some. It might be easier to just approach them and directly work with the force(s) in question instead though.

Ahh makes sense, that's great, thanks for the advice!

Reply 3

threeportdrift

Careers Forum Helper

Original post by jfcll

Hi there
I am looking at applying to the Forensic Science PhD at the University of Staffordshire
I am a current Masters student, and have loosely discussed my topic with my current lecturer who has said that it would be a fine topic for research, involving the review of police casework information/forensic results from a police force(s).
My question is; how do I get this information?
Do I need to obtain provisional approval from a prospective force regarding my intentions with the project before I apply, is this something that the university can assist me in facilitating, or something completely different?
Any advice is appreciated :smile:

If your data set is likely to be hard to access, sensitive etc, and it sound like yours is, then yes, you should show in your application that you are able to access the necessary data.

Reply 4

jfcll

Original post by threeportdrift

If your data set is likely to be hard to access, sensitive etc, and it sound like yours is, then yes, you should show in your application that you are able to access the necessary data.