Colin Atkinson

Dr. Colin Atkinson is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of the West of Scotland. His work focuses on crime, policing, intelligence, and security with a specialization in terrorism and organized crime. He holds advanced degrees including a PhD in Sociology from the University of Glasgow and has held roles such as Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow and Associate Editor for Criminology and Criminal Justice. His research spans academic publications, policy reports, and media commentary, often analyzing popular culture (e.g., Star Wars) through criminological and security lenses.

Education:

• MA (Hons) Politics (University of Glasgow)
• MPhil International Politics (University of Glasgow, Distinction)
• MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice (University of Strathclyde, Distinction)
• MLitt Terrorism Studies (University of St Andrews, Distinction)
• PhD Sociology (University of Glasgow)

Research Interests:

• Intersection of crime, policing, and security
• Terrorism and organized crime analysis
• Media representation of crime (e.g., Star Wars, video games)
• Police culture and intelligence practices
• Covert policing and informant strategies

Articles Trends: Over 40+ publications since 2014, with recent focus on analyzing popular culture through criminological frameworks (e.g., Star Wars, LEGO games) and Scottish policing practices. Earlier work emphasized terrorism, intelligence analysis, and organized crime policy.

Scientific Awards: Recipient of the Best Main Conference Poster at SIPR Annual Conference 2022 for work on undercover policing and intelligence operations in Star Wars.

Advising & Grants: No formal advisee records listed, but extensive peer-review and editorial work for journals like Journal of Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism and Crime Media Culture.

Labs/Teams: No specific laboratory affiliations noted, but collaborates with researchers on topics like plural policing of Scottish football and security studies.