Denise Hanson

Denise is the Principal Lecturer and Academic Lead for Policing, Criminology and Public Service courses, being responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the academic team. These include programmes that are part of the College of Policing suite of entry options under the banner of the Police Education and Qualifications Framework (PEQF) which includes a partnership with 3 Northwest Police Forces. Denise is also an ad-hoc assessor for the College of Policing, for new applicants to Home Office forces and is currently engaged in research as a Professional Doctorate student (Elite Performance) exploring the development and acceleration of decision-making skills of police officers.

Denise came to academia part-time in 2015, having completed 14 years in policing in a variety of roles and ranks. Her policing experience includes operational leadership within the emergency response environment and non-operational roles involving governance of Policing divisions and the wider Constabulary, supporting Chief Officers through momentous change in response to fiscal challenge. A passion for staff development saw Denise initiate an internal leadership development programme, receiving a Commendation for its success. She extended this project working in partnership with Blackburn University Centre, to recruit candidates from under-represented communities into the policing family, providing an accredited leadership qualification for participants and mentorship from senior police leaders.

Inspired by academics from the University, Denise discovered a passion for the relationship between scientific knowledge and the practice of policing. This was the catalyst for her career change, where Denise joined us as an associate lecturer in policing full-time in 2016. She attained her Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice and was appointed Course Leader of Policing and Criminal Investigation BSc in 2021. Thereafter Denise embarked on her journey as a doctoral candidate, exploring police officer decision making during incidents of stop and search. Promotion to the role of Academic Lead/Principal Lecturer in 2023 within the School, allows Denise to bring previous leadership experience to the benefit of the academic team.