معرفی
Helen Jones is a Research Fellow at the University of South Wales' Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, within the Criminology, Policing and Security Research and Innovation Group. She transitioned from a 12-year career in Leicestershire Police (2002–2015), where she specialized in homicide reviews and missing persons investigations. Her academic work focuses on homicide investigation, forensic science integration, vulnerability assessment, and policing practices. Dr. Jones holds a PhD in Criminology (University of Hull, 2008) and has secured funding from the Home Office, Police STAR Fund, and South Wales Police.
- Education: PhD Criminology (University of Hull), MSc Clinical Criminology (University of Leicester), BSc Psychology (University of Leicester)
Her research employs qualitative methods to examine forensic science's role in homicide investigations, digital evidence challenges, and vulnerability in marginalized populations. Key contributions include process evaluations of the Missing from Care Framework and the Right Care Right Person model. She actively collaborates with police forces and forensic agencies, leveraging tools like i2 Analyst Notebook and HOLMES databases.
Helen has presented at international conferences and published in prestigious journals like Homicide Studies. Her work informs police training and policy, emphasizing multi-agency collaboration and ethical investigative practices. She currently supervises four PhD students exploring forensic science provision, crime scene investigation, homicide charge rates, and missing youth trajectories.
- Awards: Welsh Crucible Fellowship (2022), Police Understanding of Vulnerability Award (2022)
Helen's research networks include the National Police Chiefs' Council Forensic Capability Network and academic collaborations focusing on homicide investigation trends. She advocates for transparent, evidence-based approaches to improve investigation outcomes and victim support systems.
