Esther Wilkinson

Profile

I am currently a student on the ESRC-funded PhD programme of study, 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.

In 2021, I graduated with a 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 under the context of late modernity, neo-liberal consumerism and the exploitation of the digital world.

I also have experience as a Researcher and Analyst in West Yorkshire Police, where I contribute to key projects to enhance public safety and understand criminal behaviour. This role allows me to apply criminological theory in real-world contexts and aims to bridge the gap between research and practical policing.

During my studies, I also volunteered 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.

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