Ed Horley

Biography

I spent 8 years in the police, serving with both the Metropolitan Police Service and Thames Valley Police. During these years, I have worked in uniform and detective roles as both a constable and sergeant; serving in response and neighbourhood policing, as well as the CID. I served in the Sapphire Unit investigating sexual offences and was trained as a Sexual Offences Liaison Officer prior to becoming a detective.

Qualifications

• MA Comparative and International Social Policy, University of York, 2013
• BA Politics and Social Policy, University of York, 2011

Teaching & research

Teaching

I currently teach the following modules:

• From Crime Scene to Court
• Forensic Investigative Case Study
• Miscarriages of Justice
• Strategic Policing
• Crime Scenes: Evidence, Investigation & the Courtroom

I have a focus on active learning and the use of technology within my teaching. I have received several awards – nominated by the student body – for my teaching since I started at the university and received the university-wide ‘WOW! of the Year Award’ at the Staff Awards (2025) in recognition of this work.

Research

I am currently undertaking a PhD alongside my teaching. My research interests include the history and political development of policing – particularly in relation to the early 20^th century – the impact of trauma on police officers & staff as well as a focus on how to utilise new technology such as virtual reality in the higher education sphere.