Dr Stephanie Jane Bennett
Programme Coordinator for BSc Criminology; Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Forensic Psychology
About
Stephanie holds a BSc, MSc, PhD in Psychology, and a MSc in Crime Science Investigation and Intelligence.
Stephanie has been teaching for over 20 years, initially at the University of Plymouth (1999-2008) and more recently in the Institute of Criminal Justice Studies at the University of Portsmouth between 2011-2021. Stephanie also has been teaching Forensic Psychology (Masters level) for the Open University since 2018.
Stephanie has experience of working for the NHS, and the charity sector (Down Syndrome Education International) as well as extensive experience of teaching and researching both Psychology and Criminology in academic settings. Stephanie is a specialist in quantitative research methods, in particular survey design and analysing survey data using descriptive and inferential methods.
Professional
2021 BPS Associate Fellow
2017 BPS Solent Hub lead – Wessex Branch
2015 BPS Committee member – Wessex Branch
2013 BPS DARTP Chartered member.
2011 HEA Fellow
Key Publications
Chapters in edited books
Cooper, V. L., Payler, J. and Bennett, S. (2019) ‘Beyond talk: Learning from children and young people experiencing a family health crisis’, in Robb, M., Montgomery, H. and Thomson, R. (eds.) Critical Practice with Children and Young People (2nd edition), Bristol, Policy Press, pp. 143 – 160.
Peer reviewed articles
Bennett, S., Illett, C.,(2021) Analysis of Police response to the Pandemic. Policing Quarterly. In preparation.
Bennett, S, Milne., R (2021) Interviews with child victims of trafficking, developing best practice (in preparation). Journal of Forensic Practice.
Illett, C & Bennett, S. Inkpen, R, Ghaemmaghami, A G., Charman, S., Smith, P., Newiss, G. (2021) Public Perceptions of Compliance in the context of Pandemic Policing, Journal of Psychology, Policing, and Law. In submission.
Vakcova, P., Bennett., S., Plowright-Pepper., L (2021) Childrens’ narratives of loss, death and dying during the COVID-19 pandemic. (in review).
Ghaemmaghami, A., Inkpen, R., Charman, S., Illett, C., Bennett, St., Smith, P. and Newiss, G. (2021). Responding to the public during a pandemic: perceptions of ‘satisfactory’ and ‘unsatisfactory’ policing. Policing: A Journal of Policy and Practice (in review).
Newiss, G., Charman, S., Illett, C., Bennett, S., Ghaemmaghami, A., Smith, P., Inkpen, R. (2021). Taking the strain? Police wellbeing in the Covid-19 era. The Police Journal: Theory, Practice and Principles. In review.
Charman, S., Bennett., S (2021) Voluntary Resignations from the Police Service: the impact of organisational and occupational stressors on organisational commitment. Policing & Society. https://doi.org/10.1080/10439463.2021.1891234
Payler, J., Cooper, V. and Bennett, S. (2019) Children and young people living through a serious family illness: structural, interpersonal and personal perspectives. Children & Society. DOI:10.1111/chso.12348.
Denault, V., Plusquellec, P., Jupe, L. M., St-Yves, M., Dunbar, N. E., Hartwig, M., … van Koppen, P. J. (2019). The analysis of nonverbal communication: The dangers of pseudoscience in security and justice contexts. Anuario de Psicología Jurídica. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.5093/apj2019a9
Smith, P. A., Mound, S., Brown, N., Leonard, R., Lovell, C., & Bennett, S. (2017). Empirical Approaches to Improving the Use of DNA in Crime Scene Investigative Practice. International Journal of Police Science & Management, (Issue 1), 54. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1461355716688921
Fasulo, A., Shukla, J., & Bennett, S. (2017). Find the Hidden Object. Understanding Play in Psychological Assessments. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 1. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00323
Bennett, S., Holmes, J. and Buckley, S. (2013) Computerized memory training leads to sustained improvement in visuospatial short-term memory skills in children with Down syndrome. https://doi.org/10.1352/1944-7558-118.3.179
Bennett, S. The Development of Vocational Interests and Abilities in Secondary School Aged Children, PhD Thesis. https://pearl.plymouth.ac.uk/handle/10026.1/1232
Evans, J.St. B.T., Handley, S.J.,Hadjchristidis, C., Thompson, V., Over, D., & Bennett, S.J. (2007). On the basis of belief in causal and diagnostic conditionals. The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 60, No. 5. Pages 635-643. https://doi.org/10.1080/17470210601100274
Presentations to political and professional audiences
Payler, J., Cooper, V. and Bennett, S (2018) Extent of need for HOPE support amongst children and young people. Launch of research at the Houses of Parliament, 27th March 2018.
Research reports, consultancy and professional/policy engagement
Ilett, C., Newiss, G., Charman, S., Bennett, S., Ghaemmaghami, A., Inkpen, R. & Smith, P. (2021). Police preparedness and response to Covid-19. Evidence submitted to the Home Affairs Select Committee. https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/22325/pdf/
Charman., S., Bennett S., (2021) Understanding voluntary resignations from the police service, The Police Foundation. https://www.policingreview.org.uk/understanding-voluntary-resignations-from-the-police-service/?mc_cid=b2c2fc3859&mc_eid=8155d07430
Charman, S. & Bennett, S. (2021). Understanding voluntary resignations from the police service. The Strategic Review of Policing in England and Wales. Retrieved from https://www.policingreview.org.uk/understanding-voluntary-resignations-from-the-police-service/?mc_cid=b2c2fc3859&mc_eid=8155d07430
Chamberlain, L., Karlsen, M., Sinitsky, G., Bennett, S., Plowright-Pepper, L., Vackova, P. (2021) Coronavirus and my life: What children say. Milton Keynes Children Heard/The Open University. http://oro.open.ac.uk/74879/
Payler, J., and Bennett, S. (2020). Workforce composition, qualifications and professional development in Montessori early childhood education and care settings in England. Montessori St. Nicholas Charity, & OU, Milton Keynes, UK. Available online at http://oro.open.ac.uk/72360/1/Open%20University%20Montessori%20final%20research%20report%2021%20Sept%202020.pdf. Accessed 25.9.2020.
Charman, S., Bennett, S. (2019). Police leavers Report commissioned by Anon Police Force in South UK.
Payler, J., Cooper, V. and Bennett, S. (2018) ‘Caring for young carers’ in Children & Young People Now, May 2018.
Bennett, S., Cooper, V. and Payler, J. (2018) The Need for Support: Young People Living Through a Family Health Crisis. Report of research commissioned by Hope Support. http://oro.open.ac.uk/56167/
Bennett, S., Green, N., (2013) ‘Mum can you lend me £20’ Operation Fortress- Survey data analysis report for Hampshire Constabulary.
Conference presentations
Charman, S., Bennett, S., Ghaemmaghami, A., Inkpen, R., A Illett, C., Newiss, G., Smith, P., ‘Them and Us’ : An analysis of public attitudes towards policing and compliance during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Open University Centre for Policing Research and Learning Annual Conference “Resilience in Policing and Publics” 26th-28thApril 2021
Charman, S., Illett, C, Newiss, G., Smith, P., Inkpen, R., Bennett, S., Ghaemmaghami, A. Responding to change, An early analysis of one force’s response to policing a pandemic. UCL Institute for Global City Policing. London Policing Seminar Series 2021. Police Perspectives on Policing the Pandemic 3 February 2021
Bennett, S. & Milne, R. Forensic interviews with children who have been trafficked, developing best practice. British Psychological Society Wessex Branch, July 2019.
Bennett, S., & Milne, R. Forensic Interviews with Child Victims of Trafficking: Understanding the Challenges. Paper presented at the 3rd International Conference on Missing Persons and Adults, Dundee, U.K, June 2017.
Bennett, S. & Milne, R. Forensic interviews with child victims of trafficking, developing best practice. EAPL, Mechelen, May 2017.
Bennett, S., Wakefield et al. Evaluating a critical incident: analyzing data collected during and directly after a critical incident exercise part of symposium for International Emergency Response Day, Portsmouth, Mar 2017.
Bennett, S. A day in the life of a researcher and teacher in Psychology, from child development to crime science. British Psychological Society Wessex Branch Careers Conference, Southampton Solent University, Nov 2016.
Bennett, S., Wakefield et al. Evaluating a critical incident: analyzing data collected during and directly after a critical incident exercise part of symposium for British Psychological Society 5th Military Psychology Conference, Nov 2016.
Bennett, S.J. Buckley, S, Holmes, J, Gathercole, S. Evaluating working memory training for children with Down syndrome. IASSID, Canada, July, 2012.
Fasulo, A., Bennett, S. Early Communication in children with Down syndrome. Language, Culture and Mind, Lisbon, 2012. Buckley, S., & Bennett, S.J. A longitudinal study of the emergence of autistic profiles in young children with Down syndrome – what is the picture over 3 years?. Gatlinburg, Annapolis March, 2012.
Bennett, S.J. Buckley, S, Holmes, J, Gathercole, S. Evaluating working memory training for children with Down syndrome. Cogmed Annual Conference, Florida, February, 2012.
Bennett, S.J. Buckley, S, Holmes, J, Gathercole, S. Evaluating working memory training for children with Down syndrome. BPS Developmental Conference, Northumbria University, September, 2011.
Bennett, S.J., Handley, S.J., Dennis, I., Vocational Interests & Science/Spatial Aptitude: how are they related in U.K. Secondary School aged children? BPS Developmental Conference, Northumbria University, September, 2011.
Bennett, S.J. Buckley, S, Holmes, J, Gathercole, S. Evaluating working memory training for children with Down syndrome. Invited Research Seminar, University of Portsmouth, 24th November, 2010.
Bennett, S.J. Buckley, S, Holmes, J, Gathercole, S. Evaluating working memory training for children with Down syndrome. DownsEd UK and Europe Down syndrome research Forum, Portsmouth, 11th-12th November, 2010.
Bennett, S.J. Buckley, S, Fidler, D. Improving problem solving skills in toddlers with Down syndrome. DownsEd UK and Europe Down syndrome research Forum, Portsmouth, 11th-12th November, 2010.
Bennett, S.J. Buckley, S, Holmes, J, Gathercole, S. Evaluating working memory training for children with Down syndrome. IASSID Conference, Rome; 20th-23rd October, 2010.
Bennett, S.J. Buckley, S, Holmes, J, Gathercole, S. Evaluating working memory training for children with Down syndrome. Cogmed Annual Conference, Chicago, IL, 23rd-27th, September, 2010.
Bennett, S.J. Buckley, S, Holmes, J, Gathercole, S. Evaluating working memory training for children with Down syndrome. BPS Developmental Section, Goldsmiths, London, 12th-15th September 2010.
Bennett, S.J., Buckley, S. Early development in children with Down syndrome. BPS Developmental Section, Nottingham, 9th-11th September, 2009.
Bennett, S.J., Buckley, S. Early development in children with Down syndrome. Down syndrome World Congress, Dublin, 19th 22nd August 2009.
Bennett, S.J. The development of vocational interests and abilities in secondary school age children. BPS AGM, Dublin, 2nd-4th April 2008. Bennett, S.J. The development of vocational interests and abilities in secondary school age children, Preliminary Findings from Phase 1, BPS Developmental Section, Plymouth, 29th-31st August, 2007.
Research
Stephanie’s research has had a focus on cognitive development in children with and without developmental disability, evaluating the impact of school and home-based educational intervention, in particular the project ‘evaluating working memory training for children with Down syndrome’. Stephanie’s PhD explored the development of vocational interest and abilities in secondary school aged children.
Stephanie is currently working on a research project exploring the impact of having a parent in prison on children and families in collaboration with a charity who deliver interventions in the community (YSS) and the Open University.
Also, in collaboration with the Open University, Stephanie is currently working on two projects, one of which is exploring children’s perceptions of the Pandemic through drawings and written narratives, and the other is a Systematic Review of literature published on ECEC staff qualifications and child outcomes.
After her PhD, Stephanie completed a Masters in Crime Science Intelligence and Investigation, focusing on evaluating witness interviews for children who have been trafficked into the UK. Stephanie has just finished a project exploring why police officers leave the police and is on the team of researchers at on the large-scale project ‘Policing the Pandemic’, both in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth.
PhD Supervision
I am interested in supervising projects that are in the broad areas of Forensic Psychology, Criminology, Children and Young People (CYP), Police Investigation and Rehabilitative culture in Prisons.
Research Output
Articles
Inkpen, R., Ghaemmaghami, A., Newiss, G., Smith, P., Charman, S., Bennett, S. J. and Ilett, C. (2023) “Othering” by Consent? Public Attitudes to Covid-19 Restrictions and the Role of the Police in Managing Compliance in England. The Sociological Quarterly, 64 (2). pp. 205-226. ISSN 1533-8525 10.1080/00380253.2022.2066030
Charman, S., Newiss, G., Smith, P., Inkpen, R., Ilett, C., Ghaemmaghami, A. and Bennett, S. J. (2022) ‘Giving the right service to different people’: revisiting police legitimacy in the Covid-19 era. Policing and Society. pp. 1-18. ISSN 1477-2728 10.1080/10439463.2022.2113785
Charman, S. and Bennett, S. J. (2021) Over and out: Understanding the rise of voluntary resignations from the police service. Policing Insight. ISSN 2634-7822
Charman, S. and Bennett, S. J. (2021) Voluntary resignations from the police service: the impact of organisational and occupational stressors on organisational commitment. Policing and Society. pp. 1-20. ISSN 1043-9463 10.1080/10439463.2021.1891234
Payler, J., Cooper, V. and Bennett, S. J. (2019) Children and Young People Living Through a Serious Family Illness: Structural, Interpersonal and Personal Perspectives. Children & Society, 34 (1). pp. 62-77. ISSN 0951-0605 10.1111/chso.12348
Denault, V., Plusquellec, P., Jupe, L. M., St-Yves, M., Dunbar, N. E., Hartwig, M., Sporer, S. L., Rioux-Turcotte, J., Jarry, J., Walsh, D., Otgaar, H., Viziteu, A., Talwar, V., Keatley, D. A., Blandón-Gitlin, I., Townson, C., Deslauriers-Varin, N., Lilienfeld, S. O., Patterson, M. L., Areh, I., Allan, A., Cameron, H. E., Boivin, R., Brinke, L. t., Masip, J., Bull, R., Cyr, M., Hope, L., Strömwall, L. A., Bennett, S. J., Menaiya, F. A., Leo, R. A., Vredeveldt, A., Laforest, M., Honts, C. R., Manzanero, A. L., Mann, S., Granhag, P.-A., Ask, K., Gabbert, F., Guay, J.-P., Coutant, A., Hancock, J., Manusov, V., Burgoon, J. K., Kleinman, S. M., Wright, G., Landström, S., Freckelton, I., Vernham, Z. and Koppen, P. J. v. (2019) The Analysis of Nonverbal Communication: The Dangers of Pseudoscience in Security and Justice Contexts. Anuario de Psicología Jurídica, 30 (1). pp. 1-12. ISSN 1133-0740 10.5093/apj2019a9
Fasulo, A., Shukla, J. and Bennett, S. J. (2017) Find the Hidden Object. Understanding Play in Psychological Assessments. Frontiers in Psychology, 8. ISSN 1664-1078 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00323
Smith, P. A., Mound, S., Brown, N., Leonard, R., Lovell, C. and Bennett, S. J. (2017) Empirical approaches to improving the use of DNA in crime scene investigative practice. International Journal of Police Science & Management, 19 (1). pp. 54-60. ISSN 1461-3557 10.1177/1461355716688921
Buckley, S., Holmes, J. and Bennett, S. J. (2013) Computerized Memory Training Leads to Sustained Improvement in Visuospatial Short-Term Memory Skills in Children with Down Syndrome. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 118 (3). pp. 179-192. ISSN 1944-7558 10.1352/1944-7558-118.3.179
Evans, J. S. B. T., Handley, S. J., Hadjchristidis, C., Thompson, V., Over, D. E. and Bennett, S. J. (2007) On the basis of belief in causal and diagnostic conditionals. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 60 (5). pp. 635-643. ISSN 1747-0218 10.1080/17470210601100274
Theses
Bennett, S. J. (2011) The Development of Vocational Interests and Abilities in Secondary School Aged Children. Doctoral theses, University of Plymouth.
Other
Charman, S. and Bennett, S. J. (2021) Understanding voluntary resignations from the police service. CoPaCC, London, UK.