Jonathan A.

What's a brief synopsis of your research project?

My doctorate focused on predictive policing – a broad term for a range of approaches that analyse police data (e.g., victim crime reports) and other data (e.g., socioeconomic) to forecast the likelihood of crime events. This includes ‘predictions’ of the time and location that crimes, such as burglary, will occur; or determining the likelihood of an offender or victim becoming involved in a crime. I specifically examined the lifecycle of predictive policing, from the development of individual programmes to its integration in police organisations, and how predictions were used in police operations. I explored how stakeholders (i.e., police staff, officers, and leaders, data scientists, software developers, academics, and oversight mechanisms) influence this process and the consequences for police work and police accountability. 

The analysis suggests that predictive programmes are iteratively constructed by stakeholders across various stages. This, in turn, contributes to how predictive policing is subsequently framed and understood, which ultimately impacts on its (non)use in practice. Accountability challenges can be mitigated to some extent with oversight mechanisms (e.g., police data ethics committees). However, the nature of predictive policing means that some accountability challenges remain issues for the police (e.g., how the use of predictive programmes is justified and determining the value added).

Why did you choose to study at Surrey for your PhD?

Between 2016-2020 I studied the Criminology BSc at Surrey, including an 8-month placement in Sociology. 

Throughout my undergraduate degree and especially during the placement, I really developed an interest in social research, so by the time I entered my final year, I knew I wanted to go onto a Master's and eventually a PhD. 

There were three main drivers for choosing Surrey for the PhD, (i) the staff and community within Sociology, (ii) my previous positive experience at Surrey as an undergraduate, and (iii) the ability to apply for a studentship. I knew Surrey could provide a constructive, supportive environment and a variety of opportunities in research, teaching, and academic service throughout the degree – and it did exactly that!

Why are you passionate about your area of research?

Policing and the police are fascinating research areas, with a wealth of topics worthy of investigation! It is also important to conduct research, interrogate and scrutinise topics in these areas due to the specific powers the police are given to use on members of the public (e.g., the power of arrest and detention). 

My passion derives from wanting to help improve police organisations to benefit how they work, and importantly the service they provide to communities. 

Technologies and data systems are often full of promise but through research we can unveil how and to what extent they benefit policing and with what consequences. This is significant especially considering the adoption of and investment in various forms of artificial intelligence within police organisations and wider public services.

Have you had opportunities to collaborate with others during your PhD?

I had a variety of opportunities to collaborate on research, teaching, and improving the postgraduate experience during my PhD. For example, I was fortunate to work with Dr Maria Adams (Lead investigator) and colleagues on the ‘Doing Porridge’ project, exploring women’s experiences of food in prison. Additionally, I collaborated with Dr Francesca Menichelli (Lead investigator) and colleagues on research that examined the policing procedures and everyday work of university security services. 

For teaching, I worked with many lecturers in the Department of Sociology, normally leading seminars for Level 4 and 5 Criminology, Sociology and Law students. Further, I volunteered for over two years as the Postgraduate Researcher (PGR) Representative for Sociology which meant I got to work with the PGR Director on workshops, socials and community building, whilst feeding back to a range of other staff across the faculty and university.

What support have you had?

There are many sources of support to acknowledge. The Doctoral College funded the first three years of my PhD via a studentship, and I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. 

They provided a wide array of workshops, writing retreats and opportunities to connect with other PGRs, through the Researcher Development Programme. Additionally, my supervisors (Professor Ian Brunton-Smith and Dr Francesca Menichelli) served as an anchor throughout the doctorate, they were always there to help, and their mentorship got me to the end! My colleagues in the Sociology department, both staff and PhD researchers, consistently provided a sense of community. Additionally, the friends I met throughout my undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Surrey made the years even more memorable. Finally, my family were at the centre of my support system!

What do you plan to do once you've finished your PhD?

I was awarded my doctorate in August 2026 and will formally graduate in April 2027. I have recently started a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Essex – funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and supported by the South and East Network for Social Sciences. This is a fantastic opportunity to consolidate my PhD research into publications, develop networks in and beyond academia, and work towards practice impact. Building on the skills and experience across my degrees but especially my doctorate, this fellowship will provide an excellent foundation for a career in social research. I would love to continue working in higher education but am equally interested in exploring roles in non-profit, charity, or government. 

My central career aim is to work in research environments that are impact-focused, purposeful, and allow for continuous development and learning.