Community Justice Hub

Opening in autumn 2021, the Community Justice Hub in Derby city centre will see students from our School of Law and Social Sciences work collaboratively with the local police and council to tackle crime across the city.

Our Community Justice Hub opens in Derby city centre in autumn 2021. It will see students from our School of Law and Social Sciences work with the police and council to tackle crime across the city.

Our students will have the chance to make a real change in their community to deliver positive benefits for residents. They will work with multi-agency partners, including Derbyshire Constabulary, Derby City Council, voluntary organisations, and homeless charities.

Derbyshire's Police and Crime Commissioner supports the idea of the hub - and collaborative working - to deter crime. This follows discussions with a host of agencies and businesses about problems including street begging, homelessness, and drug use on the streets of Derby.

The hub will allow students to test their skills in a real-life working environment. They will work with other organisations on research projects or real-life projects associated with the city. Students will assess data and apply academic research methodology and practice. They will then make recommendations for the way issues of crime and antisocial behaviour can be addressed in the future.

Tony Blockley, Head of Policing at the University of Derby, sits on the panel of the Safer Communities Board. His involvement will bring opportunities for students, including research and volunteering. The board is made up of key partners from across Derby who give leadership and direction on how to tackle crime, disorder and substance misuse. The Police, Fire Service, and Derby City Council are also on the panel. 

Tony says:

“Having a base in the city centre working with local partners will allow us to work collaboratively on projects. It will give fantastic exposure for our students, providing practical engagement to their studies as well as building up their CV. I hope our students will be essential in delivering outcomes for the hub to see a safer city for future generations.”

As the Community Justice Hub develops, we will share regular updates on what projects our students are working on. So keep an eye out to see the exciting opportunities our students are involved in.

Read our press release about the Community Justice Hub

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School of Law and Social Sciences

The School of Law and Social Sciences encompasses law, criminology, policing and social sciences.

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