Anja Johansen

Dr Anja Johansen is a Reader (equivalent to Associate Professor) in the School of Humanities, specializing in police studies and historical criminology. Her research examines comparative policing systems across France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, with a focus on accountability mechanisms from the 19th century to contemporary frameworks.

Her research interests include:

• Police accountability and oversight systems
• Historical development of European policing
• Comparative analysis of citizen complaint procedures
• French Third Republic policing structures
• Democratic policing evolution
• Non-prosecution of police personnel

Recent publications (2022-2025) reveal a consistent focus on historical roots of modern police accountability, particularly comparing France, Germany, and the UK. Johansen analyzes how 19th-century complaint mechanisms in London and Paris influence 21st-century oversight bodies, while investigating international standardization efforts for independent police accountability systems.

Johansen leads significant research initiatives including the EU-funded "Police Accountability - Towards International Standards (POLACS)" project (2021-2024) and the Royal Society of Edinburgh-supported "Crime and Policing in Scotland, Past and Present" (2011-2013). Her extensive academic engagement includes 84 recorded activities through 2024, featuring conference organization, keynote presentations on police accountability, and media contributions regarding Scottish policing reforms.