Criminology Services Limited operates at the intersection of high-level academic research and the UK Criminal Justice System. We recognise our overriding duty to the Court under Part 19 of the Criminal Procedure Rules (CrimPR). To ensure the highest standards of integrity, we adhere to the following regulatory frameworks: 

1. Data Protection & Confidentiality 
We act as a Data Controller for all privileged material (Police/CPS bundles and Defence instructions). Our processing is governed by the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. 
 
Lawful Basis: Processing is conducted under Article 9(2)(f) (Legal Claims) and DPA 2018 Schedule 1, Part 2, Paragraph 8 (Administration of Justice). 
Security: All digital data is hosted within the UK jurisdiction using Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, featuring advanced encryption and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools. Physical files are secured at our Registered Office under ADT-monitored security protocols and restricted access. 
 
2. AI & Technology Ethics 
In accordance with the December 2023 Judicial Guidance on Artificial Intelligence, Criminology Services Limited maintains a strict "Human-in-the-Loop" policy. 
AI tools are utilised solely for administrative efficiency (e.g., document indexing or transcription of non-sensitive audio). 
Expert Opinions are formulated exclusively by our consultants based on their professional expertise and clinical/academic judgement. 
No privileged or non-public data is ever entered into "open-source" or "public-learning" AI models (e.g. public versions of ChatGPT). 
 
3. Professional Conduct & Accountability 
Our Principal Consultant and Associates operate under the Expert Witness Institute (EWI) Code of Conduct. We maintain comprehensive Professional Indemnity Insurance. As required by law, we are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) [Application Pending]. 
 
For enquiries regarding our Data Management or Complaints procedures, please at info@criminologyservices.com. 
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Privacy Notice 

Last Updated: [28 February 2026] 
 
1. Introduction 
Criminology Services Limited is a data controller committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This notice describes how we collect and use personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. 
 
2. The Data We Process 
We collect and process various types of personal information, including: 
Identity Data: Names, addresses, and contact details of instructing solicitors and professional associates. 
Case-Specific Data: Information contained within "privileged" case bundles, such as witness statements, police records, and digital forensics. 
Criminal Offence Data: Details of alleged or proven criminal convictions, sentences, and related security measures. 
Special Category Data: Where strictly necessary for expert reports, this may include racial or ethnic origin, health data, or information regarding sexual orientation. 
 
3. How We Collect Your Data 
We typically obtain information indirectly from instructing solicitors (CPS or Defence) via secure case bundles. We also collect data directly during face-to-face or video interviews conducted in prisons, care settings, or legal premises. 
 
4. Lawful Basis for Processing 
Our legal grounds for processing your data include: 
Administration of Justice: Processing is necessary for a task carried out in the public interest (Article 6(1)(e)) and under Schedule 1, Part 2 of the DPA 2018. 
Legal Claims: Processing is necessary for the establishment, exercise, or defence of legal claims (Article 9(2)(f)). 
Legitimate Interests: To manage our business relationship with instructing parties and associates (Article 6(1)(f)). 
 
5. Data Security & Storage 
All digital data is hosted within the UK/EEA jurisdiction using Google Workspace Enterprise Plus and Microsoft OneDrive for Business. Both platforms utilise advanced encryption (AES-256) and are configured with Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and UK-only data residency where available. Hard-copy records are stored in a secure, alarmed facility at our designated secure sites, with access strictly limited to authorised personnel via controlled and escorted protocols. 
 
6. Data Retention 
We retain case-related information for the duration of the legal proceedings and a further 6 years to meet professional indemnity and court requirements. Following this, data is destroyed via confidential cross-cut shredding or permanent digital erasure. 
 
7. Your Rights 
Under the UK GDPR, you have the right to: 
Request access to your personal data (a Subject Access Request). 
Request correction of inaccurate information. 
Request erasure or restriction of processing (though these may be limited by our obligations to the Court). 
 
8. Contact & Complaints 
For any questions regarding this notice or to exercise your rights, please contact our office at info@criminologyservices.com. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). 
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A Practitioner’s Guide to Expert Witness Categories Essential Taxonomies for Solicitors, CPS, and Police 

In criminal proceedings, the correct categorisation of expert instructions is critical for ensuring the admissibility of evidence and the clarity of the legal issues at hand. This guide provides a standard taxonomy of our core specialisms and their legal intersections. 

1. Gangs (Specialised & Scarce) 

These instructions often require an expert to provide "social context" evidence to help the court understand the specific hierarchy and culture of a group. 
Culture / Role (CULTR): Analysis of gang territory, signs, and ranking. 
Slang / Drill (SDT/SPT): Deciphering coded language in music or digital communication to distinguish between artistic expression and criminal intent. 

2. Drugs (Specialised) 

Focused on the technical aspects of drug supply and distribution under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. 
PWITS (PWA/PWB): Determining if quantities and "indicia of supply" (scales, packaging) support a charge of Possession With Intent To Supply. 
County Lines (CTYL): Identifying the specific hallmarks of "deal-lines" and urban-to-rural distribution networks. 
Cannabis Farming - Cannabis Farming (Cultivation): Assessing the sophistication of "grow" setups—including yield estimates, bypassed utilities, and "cycles of growth"— to differentiate between domestic use and commercial-scale operations. 

Modern Slavery (Specialised) 

Critical for cases involving the Section 45 statutory defence, where a defendant may have been compelled to commit a crime due to exploitation. 
 
Exploitation / S.45: Expert assessment of whether the criminal act was a direct consequence of slavery or trafficking. 
Cuckooing (CUCK): Examining the forcible takeover of a vulnerable person’s home for criminal bases. 
NRM Referrals: Navigating the National Referral Mechanism framework for victim identification. 

Unique/ Other 

Specialist instructions for high-stakes or technically complex forensic matters. 
Algorithm & Quantification (ALGQANT): Forensic review of data-driven policing and risk assessment models. 
Violent Crime (MUR/ATTM/FIRA): Expert evidence on intent, firearms, ballistics, and weapon-specific cases. 

Home 

We undertake expert witness commissions, specialising in gangs, modern slavery, exploitation, and drugs. 

Consultancy 

We have extensive knowledge in all aspects of consultancy 

Research 

We have 110+ years of collective professional experience working in research 

Associates 

We provide deep expertise in gang research, youth violence and anti-trafficking