ARU researcher’s work showcased for impact by national data organisation

Research led by a senior member of ARU’s International Policing and Public Research Institute (IPPPRI) has been highlighted for its impact in a report released by Administrative Data Research UK (ADR UK).

ADR UK is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, and is a UK-wide partnership transforming the wealth of public sector data into research assets and policy-relevant insights.

In September 2024, it published its annual report, using research led by IPPPRI’s Dawes Chair of Public Protection, Prof Tim McSweeney, as an example of impact.

Tim’s research, published in March 2023, carried out as part of an inaugural Data First Research Fellowship, drew on over 12.6 million linked records from the criminal courts and prison system over an eight-year period (2013-2020), and examined the extent, nature and outcomes of serious and organised crime (SOC) -related appearances and cases heard before the Crown Court in England and Wales.

The research found that 6% of Crown Court appearances and 3% of cases met the definition of SOC. Most SOC-related Crown Court appearances involved a white (68%), male defendant (83%) aged in their early 30s. There were important differences in the offence profiles of SOC-related appearances and other defendants – most notably an over-representation of drug offences for SOC (57% vs. 15%).

SOC appearances were concentrated in the North-West, London, and the Midlands. These SOC-related appearances were more likely to result in both a guilty plea (65% vs. 47%) and conviction (79% vs. 56%) at court. Fewer SOC defendants, however, reappeared at court for further charges (28% vs. 38%) or were recalled to prison (2% vs. 8%) within two years, compared with other defendants.

This research has fed into policy discussions with various government departments including the Home Office, His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service and the National Crime Agency. It provides evidence to support the recommendations in the UK Government’s current SOC strategy published in December 2023. The findings also provide new insights to support the Ministry of Justice’s policy priorities: to reduce reoffending and protect the public from serious offenders.

Tim joined IPPPRI in 2023 to lead a data-driven programme of research on public protection issues, funded by the Dawes Trust. He has over 20 years’ experience of undertaking research, evaluation and consultancy examining the processes and impacts of different criminal justice interventions in the UK, Europe, and Australia.

Tim explains: “It was good to see this research highlighted specifically for its impact. We strongly believe that research should lead to tangible outcomes and the intention of this project was always to do just this.

“Serious and organised crime (SOC) is considered a national security threat by HM Government and protecting the public from serious offenders was one of three priority outcomes set for the Ministry of Justice by the 2020 Spending Review.

"Until now, government and law enforcement agencies have not had the extent or depth of data they need to formulate an effective response, and data and insights are not shared consistently. ADR UK has access to a wealth of public data that can be used to plug these gaps and help us better understand issues such as this, that have such a significant impact on individuals, communities and on public spending.

“This is the first data insight of its kind, and is the first step is us understanding the patterns and associated impacts of SOC-related offending. Within my report, I highlighted the potential for further research that my work could support, drilling deeper into areas such as ‘what works’ in the effective management of SOC offenders, and what can be done to reduce the risk of further offending. I hope this will lead to further understanding and positive change.”

Read ADR UK’s Impact Report and download Tim’s Data Insights Report.