Emma Cunningham

Dr. Emma Cunningham is a Senior Lecturer at the University of East London (UEL), specializing in Criminology and Policing with an intersectional feminist lens. She is the joint course leader for Criminology and Criminal Justice and leads the Centre for Policing, Innovation, Enterprise and Learning (PIEL). Her work focuses on policing culture, gender equity, and the intersection of feminism with criminal justice systems.

Education:

• BA (Hons) Politics, University of Teesside (1st Class)
• MSc Criminology, University of Teesside
• PhD Politics, University of Teesside
• PGCLTHE, University of Teesside

Research Interests: Dr. Cunningham examines toxic police culture, stop-and-search practices, women’s experiences in policing, and systemic misogyny. She uses creative methodologies like Freedom of Information disclosures to analyze disciplinary records and challenges patriarchal structures in policing. Her work intersects with social justice advocacy, informed by radical feminist theory.

Media and Impact: She has contributed expert commentary to The Guardian, iNEWS, BBC, and international outlets like Foreign Affairs New Zealand. Recent engagements include a keynote on Policing and Patriarchy in Amsterdam (2023) and a panel on Police Misconduct in Philadelphia (2023).

Awards and Roles:

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• External Examiner, University of Hull
• Independent Advisory Scrutiny Member, City of London Police

Student Engagement: Collaborates with City of London Police to involve students in analyzing body-cam footage and providing community feedback, enhancing employability and social justice awareness.