Neurodiversity and Policing - Day Two

Date of event: February 13, 2025

Horizon Suite (LRC5) - ENU Sighthill Campus

Neurodiversity and Policing - Banner

Event Briefing

This pioneering and exciting two-day event will see international and local speakers from academia, public health and policing come together to explore the subject of Neurodiversity in Policing. This event will be hosted by Edinburgh Napier University in partnership with the Global Law Enforcement and Public Health Association, the Scottish Institute for Policing Research and Police Scotland.

The event will take place on the 12th and 13th of February 2025 at the Sighthill Campus of Edinburgh Napier University.

The two-day event will offer a platform for learning, exploring, and challenging how neurodiversity impacts officers/staff and the public they serve. Day one will focus on ‘Our People’ as the theme for discussion with Day 2 focusing on ‘Our Public’.

The event is free to attend and will be open on each day.

***Please ensure you select the correct tickets. Police Scotland tickets are for Police Scotland personnel only. Any non-Police Scotland orders for those tickets will be cancelled and reallocated to General Admission.***

***Police Scotland Attendees must have approval from their organisation to attend this event.***

Further programme details forthcoming. 

Event Programme

09:00 -
09:30
- Arrival & Registrations
09:30 -
09:50
- Welcome & Event Outline

Speakers to be confirmed.

09:50 -
10:40
- ABSTRACT: Supporting Offenders with Learning Difficulties (SOLD)

Speakers to be confirmed. 

We propose a conference presentation which will be developed on a model of co-production with people with lived experience.  The presentation will be co-delivered by members of the SOLD User group and SOLD workers.  All members of the SOLD User group are people with learning disabilities and/or autism with experience of the justice system as an accused person.

The content of the presentation will focus on the key reasons people with learning disabilities and autism come into conflict with the law.  This will cover:

  • Loneliness and social isolation
  • Lack of community support
  • Response to harassment and bullying
  • Exploitation
  • Baiting and entrapment (especially online)
  • Deficits in social learning
  • System dependency

We will also provide insights into the key elements required for inclusive justice including identification of needs, accessible information, and additional support, both in relation to system processes, but also for successful long-term rehabilitation.

10:40 -
10:50
- Comfort Break
10:50 -
11:10
- Presentation from Dr Megan Parry, University of Rhode Island, USA

Speaker: Dr Megan Parry 

Abstract to follow.

11:10 -
11:30
- Presentation from Dr Jana De Villiers

Speaker: Dr Jana De Villiers

Abstract to follow.

11:30 -
11:50
- Neurodiversity and British Policing

Speaker: Dr Alice Siberry – Specialist Neurodiversity Criminal Justice Consultant

Abstract to follow.

11:50 -
12:20
- Panel Discussion
12:20 -
13:00
- Lunch
13:00 -
13:45
- Police Scotland Criminal Justices Service Delivery

Speakers: Chief Inspector Patricia Robertson, Professor Stan Gilmour, and Speaker from Edinburgh Napier University (to be confirmed)

Abstract to follow.

13:45 -
14:00
- Panel Discussion
14:00 -
14:15
- Comfort Break
14:15 -
15:30
- Workshop Session
15:30 -
16:00
- End of Day Two and Event Close

Event Speaker & Guests

Register for this event

SIPR Newsletter Sign Up

You will be added to our mailing list to keep you updated with future events and activities from the Scottish Institute for Policing Research

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. For further information please read our Privacy Policy.