NEWS The Unit of Police Work welcomes Anna Elmquist as the very first doctoral student in the new PhD program in Police Science at Umeå University. Her research will focus on police investigative work and what enables high-quality and effective investigations.
Anna Elmquist is the first doctoral student at the PhD program in Police Science
ImageAnnika EngströmAnna Elmquist is a police officer and behavioral scientist with a broad background in both law enforcement and academia. She has worked in field service, as an investigator, preliminary investigation leader, and manager within the Police Authority and the Swedish Economic Crime Authority before joining Södertörn University in 2015. Anna teaches criminal law, interrogation, and psychology and works within SMOB (Sweden Against Organized Crime).
Since October, Anna has been enrolled as a doctoral student in the Police Science program, becoming the first in Sweden to do so. Her research is connected to the Unit of Police Work at Södertörn University, but during her doctoral studies, she will regularly visit Umeå University.
– I’ve long been interested in research, especially in how we develop and strengthen police education going forward. Pursuing research in police science feels like a natural next step, she says.
Anna’s research project stems from her deep interest in investigative work. Her research will examine individual and organizational factors that affect the police’s ability to investigate economic crimes, such as fraud.
–I’m passionate about investigative work. It’s important for citizens that the police can conduct investigations that are both high-quality and efficient,” she says.
She emphasizes the importance of understanding police work from multiple perspectives. How do crime victims view the police’s ability, capacity, and methods to conduct legally sound investigations? And what do investigators themselves think?
– Legal security for victims of crime is essential. It shouldn’t be a lottery which cases are investigated, there should be equal treatment across the country, says Anna.
For Anna, the doctoral journey is about both personal development and contributing to the future of police work. She feels proud to be the first doctoral student in the new Police Science program.
– It feels fantastic, finally! Of course, a brand-new program comes with both advantages and challenges, but I feel very grateful and optimistic about this opportunity, she says.