Danielle Redgrave

MA Criminology

I am an MA Criminology student, who has also completed a BA Hons in Criminology at Anglia Ruskin University. This course has led me to have a keen passion to change and impact society in a positive way. Having always had an interest in crime and justice, even from a young age, reading books such as The Famous Five by Enid Blyton, I decided to study criminology.

During my time at Anglia Ruskin, as well as writing essays, I have been involved it many practical activities. These were a digital forensics course, where we had a hands on experience of how digital forensic evidence is used and implemented when solving a rang of crimes in unexpected ways; and riot training with Cambridgeshire Constabulary, which was a great experience that led me to be a part of a group taking on the role of an angry crowd by throwing wooden bricks. As well as these, we took part in a hostage negotiation scenario. Counter terrorism training in Poland was exceptionally interesting. I was able to learn first aid for knife/gunshot wounds as well as what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. These activities have led me to have a wealth of knowledge, however I am always curious to learn more.

The recent cost of living crisis has left many households across the UK wondering whether they have to choose between heating or eating with the rising cost of food and fuel. I chose this topic because it is prominent in the media and the nation are communicating their fears of the future. Building on my interest of Criminology, I am interested in the correlation between deprivation and crime. It is already evidenced that deprived communities are more susceptible to crime, with the current crisis I am interested in understanding this more deeply. Topics that interest me include the political aspects and responses towards this crisis and how local communities are aiding in this fight against alleviating the pressures that many face.

I believe this research is important because The Resolution Foundation estimate that absolute poverty will rise in 2022/23 by 1.3 million including 500,000 children. This research is to highlight how this important this problem is and how it should be addressed in order to prevent hunger in the UK. As well as this, there is a huge stigma attached to food poverty and I would like to close the gap. The current realities are working class people who can see no way out. The UK is evidenced to be part of a powerful western state, ranking 5th richest country in the world. The thought that its citizens of all ages and classes are struggling to survive should be recognised and a strategy to aid society should be implemented.

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