Research

Our Research

The Tasmanian Institute of Law Enforcement Studies is a world-class research hub that brings academics, non-government agencies and law enforcement organisations together to conduct industry-relevant research. The Institute is recognised locally, nationally, and internationally for its industry-relevant, innovative, and critical research.

Over the last 20 years, TILES has undertaken research across a variety of topics, drawing on the exceptional expertise, skills, and partnerships of our researchers, affiliates, and adjuncts. Our current research projects showcase our team’s engagement with industry and community organisations in addressing wicked problems such as domestic and family violence, sexual violence, and trauma-informed community supports.

TILES’s research priorities align with the research strategies of the University, College of Arts, Law, and Education, the School of Social Sciences, and the needs and priorities of our primary research partner, the Tasmanian Department of Police, Fire, and Emergency Management. Our translational research seeks to model better practices in law enforcement (including police education), provide critical evidence of the contribution of safety to the good life of Tasmanians, and foster regenerative practices.

Our researchers provide excellent supervision to our current PhD and Masters of Research students and continue to mentor and support our graduates as they embark on academic or pracademic careers.

Research Streams

Research at the Institute is focussed around the following Research Streams:

• Law Enforcement and Public Health (led by Associate Professor Isabelle Bartkowiak-Théron)
• Police Education (led by Associate Professor Isabelle Bartkowiak-Théron)
• Violence and Abuse Research Unit (led by Dr Romy Winter)
• Forensic Studies (led by Dr Loene Howes)
• Policing Vulnerability (led by Professor Nicole L Asquith and Associate Professor Isabelle Bartkowiak-Théron)

There are also two areas of specialised research that are emerging as new strengths of the Institute:

• Sexuality and Gender (In)Justice (led by Associate Professor Angela Dwyer)
• Trust and Ethics in Policing (led by Dr Nick Evans)

Pracademic Mission

TILES is committed to excellence in interdisciplinary research that is collaborative and industry relevant. TILES researchers are proud of the work they conduct that is co-designed with our research partners and has immediate impact in addressing critical issues.

The Institute collaborates with local, national, and international researchers, research centres, institutions, and organisations. In addition to its core partnership with the Tasmanian Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management (DPFEM), TILES is a member of the Global Law Enforcement and Public Health Association, and auspices the Vulnerability, Resilience, and Policing Research Consortium.

TILES and DPFEM Research Committee

The Research Committee’s primary function is to manage academic research conducted with DPFEM (including Tasmania Police).  The Committee is dedicated to supporting collaborative and interdisciplinary research, where research outcomes can inform and assist law enforcement in practice, improve the quality of law enforcement, and enhance community safety. Researchers who wish to conduct research with DPFEM (Tasmania Police) will need to submit an application to TILES, which is available on the Tasmania Police website. Applications are reviewed by TILES prior to forwarding to Tasmania Police for consideration.