The impact of AI and other emerging technologies on modern policing will be investigated during an annual psychology event taking place in Aberdeen later this month.
Organised jointly by the University of Aberdeen, Abertay University and the Scottish Institute for Policing Research, the Applied Psychology in Policing Settings conference will focus on the use of new technology to support and work with vulnerable groups, as well as the impact of AI and other emerging technologies on policing research and practice.
Academics from the Universities of Aberdeen, Stirling and Birmingham City will give presentations on a range of topics, including the effects of alcohol on memory recall in investigative interviews, using virtual reality to improve eyewitness testimony and how facial recognition assists police investigations.
Dr Eva Rubinova, Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen’s School of Psychology, co-organised the event with Dr Penny Woolnough, Reader in Forensic and Investigative Psychology at Abertay University and Associate Director of the Scottish Institute for Policing Research; and Dr Julie Gawrylowicz, Reader in Applied Cognitive Psychology at Abertay University.
Dr Rubinova will give a presentation on her research exploring strategies for interviewing witnesses in domestic abuse cases. Her project aims to collect information about practices currently used by Police Scotland officers when collecting witness statements in these cases, to inform future research.
“We are excited to host the fourth networking conference of the Evidence and Investigation Network of the Scottish Institute for Policing Research at the University of Aberdeen,” said Dr Rubinova. “The lineup of speakers includes Aberdeen, Scottish and UK academics, all experts in their fields who will share their cutting-edge research focused on innovative technologies and evidence gathering in cases involving vulnerable groups.
“Delegates will have opportunities to network and develop new collaborations focused on solving issues in everyday policing practice. We hope the conference will educate and inform our audience and inspire the development of new ideas and knowledge exchange.”
Dr Clare Sutherland and Dr Travis Seale-Carlisle, from the University of Aberdeen’s School of Psychology, will also give talks at the event on hyperrealistic AI and improving eyewitness identifications respectively.
Free to attend, Applied Psychology in Policing Settings 2025 will take place on 16 April, 10am to 4pm, at the University of Aberdeen King’s College Conference Centre. You can book your place and find out more here.