The University of Worcester will host a major one-day conference on Friday 26th June 2026, focusing on the use of technology in crime within the framework of evidence based policing.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing policing from a futuristic idea to an active daily operational tool aimed at enhancing efficiency predicting crime trends and analysing large amounts of data. It is highly appropriate for this to be the focus of this year’s annual conference.
Keynote speaker, former Chief Constable Alex Murray OBE, Director of Threats at the National Crime Agency and the UK Police Lead for Artificial Intelligence, will open the day with his session titled ‘Artificial Intelligence: opportunities and challenges for Policing’.
Conference information
The conference brings together an impressive line-up of speakers, all of whom will share their expertise on artificial intelligence, incel culture, cybercrime and digital and counter terrorism investigations.
This event offers a unique opportunity for police professionals, researchers, students, and practitioners from across the criminal justice sector to engage in critical dialogue, share best practices, and forge collaborations to drive safer, smarter policing.
Join us for the Evidence-Based Policing Conference 2026, a one-day event dedicated to exploring innovative strategies in the use of technology in crime through the lens of policing practice and research. Taking place at the University of Worcester Arena, Severn Campus arrival from 09:00, conference start at 09:15 and conference close at 16:30. Refreshments and lunch are provided.
Conference schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | Arrival and refreshments |
| 09:15 | Welcome - Michelle Clarke, University of Worcester |
| 09:30 | Keynote - Alex Murray OBE, Director of Threats, National Crime Agency – Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges for Policing. |
| 10:15 | Katy Wareham-Morris, University of Worcester - Incel culture |
| 11:00 | Refreshments and Networking |
| 11:15 | DS Nathan Rutt and DS Leanne Harris, Counter Terrorism Command. |
| 12:00 | Questions to Panel (speakers 1-3) |
| 12:30 | Lunch and Networking |
| 13:15 | Emma-Jane Scrase, West Mercia Police - Digital Investigation Opportunities |
| 14:00 | Chris Bowers, University of Worcester – Technology Driven Behaviour Change: The virtuous and the nefarious. |
| 14:45 | Refreshments and Networking |
| 15:00 | Rida Hashmi, 3rd year BSc Computer Science student, University of Worcester – Cybercrime Ransomware Groups and Modern Organised Crime |
| 15:45 | Questions to Panel (speakers 4-6) |
| 16:15 | Closing Remarks |
Keynote speaker
Alex Murray OBE, Director of Threats at the National Crime Agency
Keynote Lecture: ‘Artificial Intelligence: opportunities and challenges for Policing’
Registration
Please book your place using the link at the top of this page. Information on registration fees can be found below.
Fees
General Registration
External Delegates - £20
University of Worcester Staff – No fee
University of Worcester Students – No fee
Registration fee includes:
Attendance at all sessions
Lunch and morning and afternoon tea/coffee breaks throughout the day
Not included in the fee:
Please note the registration fee does not include travel to and from Worcester for the conference or accommodation whilst in Worcester. It is anticipated that hotel costs will be between £70 and £140 per night depending on your choice of hotel.
Travel and accommodation information can be found at the bottom of the page.
Travel
The conference will be held at The University of Worcester Arena, University of Worcester, Severn Campus, Hylton Road, Worcester, WR2 5JN
By train
The nearest station is Worcester Foregate Street, a 15-20 minute walk from the University of Worcester Arena, WR1 1DX.
By Car
Worcester is served by the M5 motorway and is accessible from Junctions 6 and 7. Under normal traffic conditions all University campuses can be reached in 15-20 minutes from Junction 7. The University is clearly signposted once you come off at Junction 7.
Car Parking
There are 186 regular parking spaces, 14 blue badge bays and 100 EV bays located at Severn Campus. ANPR is in use at the Arena car park.
If you are travelling by car we can offer you free parking at the University of Worcester Arena, provided you send your car make and model and car registration to Clare Rhoden by Wednesday 24th June 12.00pm
If you have not provided car registration, make and model details and you do need a car park space, you will be required to pay for your parking.
The Severn Campus is also very close to several council run car parks. Croft Road car park is a 10 minute walk away from the University Arena.
Accommodation
There are a number of hotels close to the University of Worcester Arena offering a range of rooms including single, twin, double and king size standard or premier options.
Below is a suggested list of hotels in Worcester. Hotels are expected to cost between £70 and £140 per night. Conference attendees are encouraged to check hotel reviews before booking.
| Hotel | Approximate distance from University of Worcester Arena | Approximate price per night (based on standard double room) |
|---|---|---|
| Premier Inn (Worcester City Centre) | 0.3 miles | £90 to £120 |
| Travelodge Worcester | 0.7 miles | £70 to £96 |
| Worcester Whitehouse Hotel | 0.7 miles | £100 to £120 |
| Upstairs at 33 | 0.9 miles | £95 to £125 |
| Premier Inn (Worcester M5, Jct6) | 5.8 miles | £90 to £140 |
Please note: The information is current at time of creation of this document. Please do access the listings own webpage for current information.
Further information
For enquiries related to the conference content and presentations please email the conference organiser, Angi Hart.
For enquiries related to booking conference tickets, travel, car parking, accommodation and dietary / access requirements, please email the conference administrator Clare Rhoden at c.rhoden@worc.ac.uk.