Esther Wilkinson

Profile

In 2021, I graduated with first-class honours in Sociology and Criminology from Leeds Beckett University. Building on this, I completed an MSc in Criminology with Distinction in 2022. My research positioned and analysed the phenomenon of Websleuths in the context of late modernity, neoliberal consumerism, and the exploitation of the digital world. 

Following this, I was awarded an ESRC-funded PhD programme under the Security, Conflict and Justice Pathway. As part of the 1+3 White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership, I completed an MA in Social Research Methods (Interdisciplinary) at the University of Leeds.

I also have experience as a researcher and analyst at West Yorkshire Police, where I contributed to key projects aimed at enhancing public safety and understanding criminal behaviour. This role allows me to apply criminological theory in real-world contexts, and aim to bridge a gap between research and practical policing.

During my studies at the University, I also served as a Senior Investigating Officer for a Cold Case Unit with Locate International, a charity dedicated to resolving long-term missing person cases. Collaborating with a team of volunteers, homicide detectives and field experts, I led an investigation of an unsolved long-term missing person case, applying critical analysis and investigative techniques to uncover new insights. This experience depended on my understanding of investigative processes. 

Research interests

My research interests include Websleuths, The True Crime Phenomenon, Plural Policing, Digital Vigilantism, Virtual Communities, Digital Ethnographies and Ethical Considerations in Online Research. 

Qualifications

• MA Social Research Methods (Interdisciplinary)
• MSc Criminology
• BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology

Research groups and institutes

• Centre for Criminal Justice Studies