Research
Research is at the heart of Building Blocks of Communication.
My research philosophy is simple: evidence should improve practice, not remain confined to academic journals.
I hold a First-Class BSc (Hons) in Psychology, a Master's degree in Psychological Research Methods (with Distinction) and a PhD in Psychology, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). These qualifications have provided me with extensive training in research design, methodology, statistical analysis and evidence appraisal. I utilise both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. My doctoral research examined rapport building during child investigative interviews, and since then I have continued to carry out and collaborate on research that informs policy and practice across policing, the justice system and trauma-informed care. Alongside my own research, I have supervised over 100 undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral research projects, supporting the development of the next generation of researchers.
My research focuses on communication with vulnerable people, investigative interviewing, intermediary practice, trauma-informed practice and participation within the justice system. I have worked in teams who have secured competitive research funding, published in peer-reviewed journals, supervised PhD researchers and collaborated with universities, police forces and national organisations to improve professional practice.
Research at a Glance
PhD in Phychology
Students Reasearch projects supervised
National Advisory Groups
Peer-reviewed publications and professional Reports
Research Influencing uk Policing and Justice
Current Research
I am currently collaborating with researchers from Teesside University, the University of the West of Scotland and Liverpool John Moores University on a project exploring how police video identity parade procedures can be adapted to better support children. The research aims to improve children's understanding of the identification process, enhance communication throughout the procedure and maximise the accuracy and reliability of identification evidence.
The project is supported by a national advisory group comprising representatives from the Crown Prosecution Service, the National Vulnerable Witness Advisor, Police Identity Suite Officers, the National PROMAT Users Group and Registered Intermediaries. Working closely with practitioners ensures that the research addresses real-world challenges and has immediate relevance to frontline practice.
The research has already begun to influence practice, with police forces introducing changes to the way video identity parades are conducted with children based on our early findings. Our longer-term aim is to contribute to national guidance and improve children's participation in video identity parades and therefore wider participation within the criminal justice system.
Research Impact
My research has been recognised for its contribution to improving professional practice and access to justice for vulnerable people. During the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), I was selected to lead one of Teesside University's Psychology impact case studies, demonstrating how my research has influenced real-world policy and practice. The case study received a high rating as part of the University's REF submission.
My research has contributed to:
- Improving communication with vulnerable victims and witnesses.
- Advancing trauma-informed policing and investigative interviewing.
- Developing evidence-based guidance for Registered Intermediaries.
- Informing police training, policy and professional practice.
- Supervising and mentoring undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral researchers.
- Translating research into practical guidance that improves communication, participation and access to justice.
Example Publications
Peer-Reviewed Publications
The impact of a trauma-awareness
Brodie, Z., Gillespie-Smith, K., Goodall, K., Deacon, K., & Collins, K. (2023). The impact of a trauma-awareness session on police officers' trauma-informed attitudes in Scotland. Psychology, Crime & Law, 31(1), 26–40. https://doi.org/10.1080/1068316X.2023.2210736
The relationship between rapport and communication during investigative interviews with suspects
Collins, K., & Carthy, N. (2018). No rapport, no comment: The relationship between rapport and communication during investigative interviews with suspects. Journal of Investigative Psychology and Offender Profiling, 15(1), 77–90. https://doi.org/10.1002/jip.1487
Registered intermediaries' assessment of children's communication
Collins, K., & Krahenbuhl, S. (2020). Registered intermediaries' assessment of children's communication: An exploration of aims and processes. The International Journal of Evidence & Proof, 24(4), 340–357. https://doi.org/10.1177/1365712720952335
How the police conceptualise and view the relevance of adverse childhood experiences
Goodall, K., Brodie, Z., Deacon, K., Collins, K., & Gillespie-Smith, K. (2023). How the police conceptualise and view the relevance of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) for policing: A qualitative investigation. Policing: An International Journal, 46(5), 878–892. https://doi.org/10.1108/PIJPSM-02-2023-0023
Can a communication assessment provide a reliable indication of a child's communication at interview?
Smethurst, A., Carthy, N., Milne, B., & Collins, K. (2021). Can a communication assessment provide a reliable indication of a child's communication at interview? Psychology, Crime & Law, 28(7), 660–679. https://doi.org/10.1080/1068316X.2021.1962864
Professional Guidance
Collins, K., Marchant, R., Mattison, M., & McAuley, C. (2015). Planning to question a child or young witness. The Advocate's Gateway Toolkit.
Marchant, R., Collins, K., Mattison, M., & Hurst, V. (2015). Planning to question someone with hidden disabilities: Specific language impairment, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and ADHD. The Advocate's Gateway Toolkit.
Commissioned Reports
Carthy, N., Collins, K., & Wager, N. (2023). Supporting children and young people who have been victims of crime. Report commissioned by the Thames Valley Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
