The Development of Expertise in Interpersonal Threat Detection; An Identification, Lived Experience and Defense Perspective'

The project is being conducted in collaboration with North Wales Police (NWP) to examine interpersonal threat detection and build a comprehensive picture of this phenomenon. Current research is unclear or has used alternative methodology (namely written descriptions) in the identification of important cues, specifically, invading personal space, clenching fists, assuming a boxer's stance, and the individual placing their hands in their pockets. The current PhD uses a variety of methods to assess a more ecologically valid measure of interpersonal threat detection, and the behavioral cues associated with this, as well as investigating police training in recognizing threats, how this can be improved and police experiences of assault. Overall, it is hoped the PhD will prove fruitful in the development of a tool in assessing these abilities, that could also be used as a low-to-no cost treatment for assault survivors.