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Introduction
This special edition of the Journal of Criminal Psychology (JCP) focuses on the contribution of behavioural and social science (BaSS) in directly support law enforcement investigative practice. This goes beyond conceptual or theoretical support for investigators to real-world practical outputs with immediate strategic, tactical or operational gains.
The role of BaSS and Investigative Psychology continues to be recognised within law enforcement, but the research literature is often dominated by more conceptual or theoretical contributions which lack real world impact. The core aim of this special edition is to bring together cutting-edge research which has clear and immediate application to current practice.
Whilst often characterised by out-dated perceptions of ‘offender profiling’, Behavioural Investigative Advice continues to evolve and we are looking to collate the latest cutting edge research focussed on applying existing methods to new and emerging crime types (such as cybercrime) or the development of new methods to tackle existing problems (e.g., violence against women and girls).
Papers can be empirical with quantitative and/or qualitative research designs or more reflective critiques relating to practice or policy – the key is to move the discipline forward within a research to practice paradigm.
International contributions as well as multidisciplinary papers are welcomed and we actively encourage joint submissions from academics, researchers, and practitioners. We are responsive to initial enquiries to ensure suitability for the journal and happy to support identification and approach to potential co-authors to maximise the practitioner/researcher collaboration.
All papers will be peer-reviewed.
List of Topic Areas
- Behavioural science,
- Behavioural investigative advice,
- Investigative psychology,
- Profiling
Submissions Information
Submissions are made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. Registration and access are available here: https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/jcrimp
Author guidelines must be strictly followed. Please see here: https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/journal/jcp
Authors should select (from the drop-down menu) the special issue title at the appropriate step in the submission process, i.e. in response to ““Please select the issue you are submitting to”.
Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication anywhere else, while under review for this journal.
Key Deadlines
Opening date for manuscripts submissions: 01/05/2026
Closing date for manuscripts submission: 30/09/2026
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