David Dixon

David Dixon is a Professor at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in the School of Law, Society & Criminology, Department of Law & Justice. He previously served as Dean of UNSW Law for a decade until mid-2016. His work focuses on how legal and non-legal regulations shape policing practices, with expertise in interrogation, drug law enforcement, and institutional reform.

• Education:
• BA Camb (Law)
• BPhil Hull (Criminology)
• PhD Cardiff, Wales (Sociology)

Research Interests: Dixon’s research integrates criminology, legal studies, and sociology to examine policing practices in diverse jurisdictions. Key areas include police interrogation techniques, the regulation of illegal markets (e.g., gambling and drugs), comparative criminal justice systems, and post-colonial legacies in policing. He emphasizes empirical fieldwork and interdisciplinary analysis, particularly in exploring the tension between law enforcement and harm reduction in drug markets.

Consultancies and Roles: He has advised governmental bodies such as the UK Home Office, NSW Police, and the Royal Commission into the NSW Police Service. Dixon co-edited the Criminal Justice: An International Journal of Policy and Practice and served as editor of the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology. His consultancy work highlights practical applications of his research.

Advising & Grants: While no specific grants are mentioned, his extensive advisory roles indicate significant contributions to policy development. His current research explores interrogation practices and post-colonial influences on legal systems, reflecting a shift beyond traditional criminal justice frameworks.

Labs/Teams: Though not explicitly named, his work aligns with interdisciplinary teams studying policing and legal education. Collaborations with scholars like L. Maher and J. Chan underscore his network-driven research approach.