Professor De la Rey says the goal of the MoU is to further develop the existing collaborative andcooperative relationship between the two organisations.
“We hope to see this partnership grow in the future and are excited about drawing together thevarious projects and initiatives the University and the Police are working on,” she says.
“We have a shared goal of improving our understanding of criminal justice matters and the MoUis particularly relevant to the University’s Faculty of Law and our innovative Criminal Justiceprogramme. However, there are other disciplines and faculties that will also contribute to thissignificant partnership.”
Commissioner Coster says the MoU helps formalise the working relationship between theUniversity and Canterbury Police, as well as Police nationally.
“Police work is increasingly evidence‐based, so it makes sense to partner with leading tertiaryinstitutions like UC, which can contribute new research and a critical eye to policing and justiceissues. Strong partnerships, like those being formalised in the MoU, can ultimately help makeour communities safer.
“NZ Police’s mission is to prevent crime and harm through exceptional policing. It’s therefore vital we understand what works to achieve this outcome.”
NZ Police has been part of the University’s Board of Studies for the Criminal Justice programme for the past eight years and is committed to helping it grow, he says.
“It’s been great to see the Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree go from strength to strength, leadon to a popular Master of Criminal Justice degree, and have the first PhD student enrolled thisyear.
“This MoU also creates a springboard for Police and the University to partner on other initiativesin the future.”
UC Faculty of Law Executive Dean Professor John Page says having the support of NZ Police hashelped give the University’s Criminal Justice programme its strong vocational focus.
“Their input has contributed to this qualification being of huge benefit to anyone who aspires towork or is already working in the field. It provides a comprehensive grounding in the NewҶֱ criminal justice system and we’re excited to have launched a new PhD in Criminal Justice this year.”
Many graduates from UC’s Criminal Justice programme have gained employment with NZ Policein various types of roles – from frontline constables through to senior advisors working inintelligence and policy.
Commissioner Coster also visited the UC Te Taiwhenua o te Hauora | GeoHealth Laboratoryfollowing the MoU signing. The GeoHealth Lab specialises in applied research inhealth geography and focuses on how local and national environments shape health outcomesand inequalities.
