Criminology Expert of the Year Dr Simon Harding on Crime, Gangs, and the Role of Criminology in the Legal System As Director of the National Centre for Gang Research Ltd, you work closely with the Home Office, MPS, NCA, and HMICFRS on issues like youth violence, gangs, and county lines. How does your research and expertise inform policymaking and law enforcement strategies? I’m fortunate enough to have been at the cutting edge of research on drugs, street gangs and crime and have achived this by getting into the weeds and working directly with young people and hearing their voices. Sadly, translating this into policy is difficult and the political will is not there to hear the challenging messages that research will deliver; nor do they always wish to make the changes required. Criminal behaviour is constantly evolving—what are some emerging crime trends that legal professionals should be aware of? In the UK we are seeing a recent evolution of gang culture and also drug markets. Both are altered and accelerated by social 57 LAWYER MONTHLY EXPERT WITNESS AWARDS 2025 Simon Harding UNITED KINGDOM Director Criminology Services Ltd. With decades of experience researching gangs, youth violence, and drug markets, Dr Simon Harding of Criminology Services is at the forefront of criminology in the UK. His work goes beyond theory, engaging directly with gang-affiliated young people to uncover the realities of crime and its evolving dynamics. In this interview, Dr Harding discusses the changing landscape of crime, from county lines expansion to the impact of social media, as well as the challenges of integrating criminological research into policy and legal proceedings. He also explores common misconceptions about criminal behaviour, the role of expert witnesses in court, and how legal professionals can better leverage criminological expertise in their case strategies.
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