Publications

Latest Publications

Review of the Aberdeen Problem-Solving Approach

Published: September 2018

The Aberdeen Problem-Solving Approach (PSA) has been running in Aberdeen Sheriff Court since November 2015 (for women) and since August 2016 (for young men). In line with theory and evidence on problem-solving justice, it aims to reduce the use of short custodial sentences and reduce reoffending by combining the authority of the court with support and rehabilitative opportunities to address the...

The Scottish Prisons Commission 10 Years On – A Briefing Paper

Published: July 2018

This briefing paper highlights the key issues that the Commission concerned itself with during its deliberations, quoting from its report and sketching how the landscape in these areas has developed since then. We hope it serves as a useful refresher for stimulating your participation at the conference on 29th June 2018. The presentations, lectures and discussion at this event will inform the...

Community experiences of serious organised crime: Summary findings

Published: June 2018

This research was commissioned by the Scottish Government to explore the community experiences of serious organised crime ( SOC) in Scotland. The study sought to provide, for the first time, focused qualitative research on the lived experiences of residents who have an awareness of SOC in their communities and may have been affected by it, directly or indirectly. The research was led by the...

Scottish Prisons Commission Conference Programme

Published: June 2018

Researching Inclusively With People With Learning Disabilities in Prisons

Published: June 2018

Very little is known about how people with learning disabilities symbolically engage with imprisonment and discursively account for it within their wider self-narratives. Although there is little published research on this, literature shows that this group are over-represented among prison populations worldwide and that their needs are simply not being met during their incarceration. My doctoral...

SCCJR’s Written Submission on the Management of Offenders (Scotland) Bill

Published: April 2018

Dr Beth Weaver (University of Strathclyde) and Dr Hannah Graham (University of Stirling), Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research (SCCJR) provided written evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee who were taking evidence on the Management of Offenders (Scotland) Bill. Hannah also provided oral evidence which can be viewed here.

Time for Policy Redemption : A Review of the Evidence on the Disclosure of Criminal Records

Published: March, 2018

There is wide variation in disclosure practices within and between the U.S, the U.K and Europe, although there is some consensus that reasons for checking criminal records by employers include: minimising risk of liability and loss; concerns surrounding public protection where the nature of employment includes working with vulnerable groups; assessments of moral character in terms of honesty and...

‘Home game’: domestic abuse and football

Published: February 2018

Increased reports of domestic violence and abuse (DVA) following football matches have been documented, within both quantitative studies and the media, leading to questions about the policy and practice responses required. However, qualitative research facilitating understanding of the apparent link between football and DVA is lacking. Drawing upon research with key stakeholders across England...

Employment and Employability in Scottish Prisons: A Research Briefing Paper, Feb 2018

Published: February 2018

Laura Piacentini, Beth Weaver and Cara Jardine, SCCJR School of Social Work & Social Policy, University of Strathclyde This research briefing paper provides an analysis of the limited research into employment and employability in prisons research. It was produced by Piacentini, Weaver and Jardine to inform discussions at an event held at the University of Strathclyde on 19th February,...

British Transport Police: Leaving Home Project: The impact of the transfer of BTP D Division into Police Scotland on officers and staff

Published: February 2018

In November 2014 the Smith Commission recommended that the functions of the BTP in Scotland should be a devolved matter. Responsibility for railway policing in Scotland subsequently passed from the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) to the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) under the Railway Policing (Scotland) Act 2017. At the time of writing it is expected that railway policing in Scotland...