James Harris

James Harris is a Senior Lecturer in Policing at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), promoted in August 2024 after joining in April 2022. He serves as Course Director for the BSc Criminal Investigation program and Module Leader for Criminal Investigation (Level 5), Investigative Interviewing (Level 5), and Major Crime Investigation (Level 6) within the Department of Applied Criminology, Forensic Investigation and Sociology.

Prior to academia, Harris spent over a decade as a Detective with the City of London Police specializing in major crime investigations including homicides and complex fraud, notably recognized for his role in the 2017 Borough Market Attack investigation. Previously, he served as Course Director for the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) at the University of Cumbria, delivering police education for Surrey, Sussex, and Hampshire forces.

His research focuses on enhancing interviewing skills of new police recruits post-initial training and the Disclosure process in criminal proceedings, particularly regarding Disclosure Officers' competence amid recent miscarriages of justice. As a Specialist Interview Advisor (highest UK interview accreditation), he provides strategic guidance on suspect interviews and develops tailored approaches for witnesses with complex needs. He is an Executive Board member of the International Investigative Interviewing Research Group (iIIRG) and delivers international training to police, judiciary, and private sectors.

Professional Awards and Recognitions:

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• Recognition for role in the 2017 Borough Market Attack investigation

Harris holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (PGCLTHE) from the University of Cumbria and is pursuing an MSc in Forensic Psychological Studies with the Open University. His teaching integrates extensive operational experience with academic rigor in criminal investigation pedagogy.