It is an interdisciplinary group, with members from fields such as policing, law, psychology, criminology, philosophy, and linguistics.
The research includes basic research, applied research, research-based development work, and in some cases commissioned research. A key principle of the group’s work is that it is based on academic freedom and independence, not governed by external interests (political, economic, organizational), but solely limited by research ethics and internal scientific norms, cf. PHS’s Research & Development Strategy 2022–2026.
Members represent research at doctoral and professorial levels, and master’s students with relevant projects are invited to participate.
The group researches topics such as investigative methods, hypothesis-driven investigation, interview techniques, witness psychology, evidence assessment, miscarriages of justice, as well as human rights and professional ethics in the criminal process.
The research group has existed since 2016 and has continuously evolved, working toward both short-term and long-term goals.
The research group aims to:
- Contribute to identify research needs and knowledge gaps in police investigation and legal safeguards
- Provide high-quality research that generates new knowledge in the field
- Support the connection between research, education, and practice in investigations
- Disseminate research broadly and openly, both nationally and internationally, to support public discussions and internal debate within the police and prosecution services
- Facilitate and contribute to research-based teaching in investigative subjects
- Develop literature that can be used as curriculum and recommended reading in PHS’s educational programs at all levels
- Contribute to knowledge development and the advancement of current practices in the police, prosecution services, and partner organizations
- Engage in dialogue and collaborate with relevant actors in the justice sector: the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Police Directorate, police districts, and special units
- Support PhD candidates and master’s students in conducting and communicating their research, both orally and in writing
- Participate in national and international networks and research collaborations
- Actively collaborate with the national subject coordinator for investigations, the professional development apparatus, and other research groups at PHS
In autumn 2025, the research group changed its name from Police Investigative Methodology to Investigation and Legal Safeguards.
Contact us
If you are interested in learning more about our research or would like to initiate a collaboration, please contact the group leader Nadja Kirchhoff Hestehave at nadja.kirchhoff.hestehave@phs.no