Key Placement Information
Closing Date: Tuesday 30th September 2025
Start Date: Flexible
Duration: 3 months
Full-time or Part-time: Flexible
In Person, Online or Hybrid: Hybrid
Job Sector: Public
Project Areas: Research, Strategy, Data and Insight
How to Apply: Submit a CV and cover letter alongside the completed ESRC placement and funding permissions form to Kate Pearce on Kathryn.pearce@westmercia.police.uk.
NOTE: Interested researchers must submit the placement and funding permissions form for completion by the WRDTP Manager no later than Tuesday 23rd September
Project Description
There are two available placements to contribute to West Mercia Police’s developing knowledge of what works to reduce crime, keep communities safe and deliver an excellent service to the public.
1. Are increases, or decreases, in crime due to changes in reporting by the public or actual increases or decreases in crime and disorder?
2. How can the force use autonomous vehicles to assist in mitigating the large distances that are sometimes required to be covered? And how can we ensure the support of the public to use them?
Researchers will use extensive data to inform good decision making that can deliver an effective service, make the police service more productive and reduce bureaucracy. Data includes crime and incident reporting as well as potential access to specialist systems depending on the research area.
West Mercia Police are also flexible to accommodate research in an area that fits with the doctoral research of the student and make the best of their existing area of speciality, if they have one.
