Investigations and intelligence expert joins ARU
Dr Mark Harrison MBE appointed Head of Academic Delivery for Police Education
Dr Mark Harrison MBE
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has appointed Dr Mark Harrison MBE as Head of Academic Delivery within its Police Education department.
Dr Harrison is a globally recognised expert in police intelligence, geoforensic science and missing persons investigations, with over 35 years of international law enforcement experience.
He will lead the development and delivery of ARU’s Police Education programmes, with a focus on informed, evidence-based practice to equip officers with the skills necessary to respond effectively to real-world challenges.
His appointment comes as ARU celebrates a significant milestone, having just enrolled its 5,000th Student Police Officer through the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship and Degree Holder Entry routes.
ARU works in partnership with seven police forces across the Eastern Region – Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Norfolk and Suffolk – to deliver professional development and entry pathways for policing roles, and Dr Harrison’s leadership will be pivotal in driving continued innovation in these programmes.
Dr Harrison began his policing career in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Constabularies before progressing to senior roles including National Special Adviser for the National Policing Improvement Agency (UK), Commander in the Australian Federal Police, and Executive Director at the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.
Recognised globally for advancing investigative and intelligence practices, he has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications, advised governments and international bodies, including Interpol, and was awarded an MBE in 2004 for outstanding innovation and contribution to research and professional practice.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr Mark Harrison to ARU. His wealth of experience and global perspective will enhance our academic delivery and inspire future policing professionals.”
Sara Archer, Head of Partnerships Delivery – Police Education at ARU
“With ARU’s vision for police education, I’m absolutely delighted to join a university at the forefront of transforming how officers learn and lead. Together, we’ll equip the next generation with class-leading, practical expertise and innovative approaches – creating meaningful impact for the communities we serve.”
Dr Mark Harrison MBEDr Harrison’s arrival coincides with the launch of ARU’s fully online MSc in Advanced Policing Practice, which is a flexible postgraduate programme designed to equip policing professionals with the leadership skills and expertise to drive ethical and inclusive change. The programme launches in January 2026, with further cohorts planned for May and September.