A national symposium for Chief Officers and criminal justice leaders to examine independent evidence on prevention and diversion.
Thursday 19 November 2026, 9:00 to 4:00
In person at The Hugh Aston Building (room 0.10), De Montfort University, Leicester
The East Midlands Policing Academic Collaboration (EMPAC), De Montfort University and the Simon Cole Centre invite Chief Officers and senior criminal justice leaders to a national symposium. The day will examine the findings of an independent evidence review on the future role of prevention, diversion and resolution in criminal justice reform.
The reviews led by Sir Brian Leveson and David Gauke, and the Sentencing Act 2026, have set a clear direction for reform, with a focus on courts and sentencing. Yet most cases do not end in custody. Far less is known about how diversion, deferred interventions and other non-custodial pathways can improve outcomes for victims, reduce reoffending and make better use of resources.
EMPAC has been commissioned to address this gap. The review that will inform this event was designed to test assumptions and weigh risks alongside opportunities, and it does not advocate any predetermined solution.
The day is built around discussion. Delegates will:
- Examine the findings and what they mean for policing, victims and public confidence
- Learn from national and international practice
- Challenge the emerging conclusions and share operational experience
- Help shape a future research-to-practice framework
Hosted by
Chief Constable Paul Gibson, EMPAC Chief Constables' Lead
Professor Rob Nixon CBE QPM DL, Founding Chair, Simon Cole Centre
Dr Ahmad Al-Hiari, Co-Founding Director, Simon Cole Centre
The symposium also marks a milestone for the Simon Cole Centre at De Montfort University, named in honour of the late Chief Constable Simon Cole.