Jennifer Murray

Dr. Jennifer Murray is an Associate Professor at the School of Health and Social Care at Edinburgh Napier University. She holds qualifications including PhD, BSc(Hons) First Class, and professional designations AFBPsP, CPsychol, FHEA, and PgC. Her work bridges forensic psychology, mental health, and public health, with a particular focus on the intersection between law enforcement and health services.

Her research interests include:

• Forensic psychology and cognitive bias in decision-making
• Mental health, particularly suicide risk assessment
• Public health interventions, especially regarding substance use disorders
• Law enforcement and public health collaborations
• Vulnerability assessment across health and justice systems
• Threshold models in juror decision-making

Murray's recent work has focused on the implementation of naloxone programs in Police Scotland, examining both practical aspects and officers' perspectives on people who use drugs. Her research demonstrates how public health approaches can be integrated into law enforcement contexts. She has also conducted significant work on suicide risk assessment in emergency departments, identifying gaps in current practice and developing more effective assessment tools. Her publications show a progression from foundational work in forensic psychology to practical applications at the intersection of public health and criminal justice.

Murray has supervised several PhD students, including Dr. Barbara Piotrowska, Dr. Avril Montgomery, and Wendy McInally. Her collaborative approach is evident in her work with colleagues across Napier University and with external partners including Police Scotland and the Scottish Government.

She has been involved in significant research projects funded by organizations including the Scottish Government, Scottish Institute for Policing Research, and Royal Society of Edinburgh. These projects address critical issues at the intersection of public health and law enforcement, particularly regarding vulnerability assessment and response to substance use issues.