Who We Are
Investigation and Research Consultancy is an organisation that specialises in investigation and research. We bring a combination of academic and practitioner expertise and are able to provide independent expert advice on any stage of a criminal or workplace investigation, including but not limited to, investigation plans, interviewing of victims, witnesses or suspects (including those that are vulnerable), evidence gathering and trial processes.
We also offer bespoke training packages to organisations who have responsibilities for investigations. We conduct psychological and scientific research that underpins much of our practice and consultancy work.
Our Mission is to improve YOUR Investigations
Dr Laura Dominique
Assistant Professor at Northumbria University, UK.
Dr Dominique has 10 years of experience in academia. Her research expertise relates directly to vulnerability, police interviewing of vulnerable victims, witnesses and suspects, safeguards within the justice system including the Registered Intermediary and the Appropriate Adult, and false confessions.
Dr Dominique has published extensively in these areas in peer reviewed national and international journals, policing magazines and blogs. She is also the founder of the Forensic Interview Trace. In addition to her academic work, Dr Dominique is a Registered Intermediary and has assisted over 600 vulnerable victims and witnesses in providing their best evidence over a span of 10 years.
She advises police officers on how best to communicate effectively and interview vulnerable individuals. Dr Dominique provides ongoing training to national and international organisations.
Keith Harbottle
Former, PIP Level 2 Detective Constable.
Keith Harbottle has over 25 years in investigative police work spanning over an array of investigations, including serious category criminal offences and complex abuse. Keith was a PIP Level 2 Detective Constable and a nationally accredited Specialist Child Abuse Investigator and was qualified to Sergeant.
Keith has significant experience in dealing with and interviewing hundreds of victims, witnesses and suspects including those with complex needs and vulnerabilities. His successes earned him a lifetime achievement award for investigation and safeguarding, and he was nominated for a lifetime achievement award in policing.
Keith has also worked as a Safe Sport Investigator for a national sports governing body, and he currently sits on an Independent Concerns Panel for The British Dance Council reviewing safeguarding concerns prior to disciplinary actions. He holds a Master’s degree in Terrorism, Intelligence and Security and frequently collaborates with academics for teaching, research and training.
Keith currently provides expert consultancy opinion into the development of the Forensic Interview Trace app.
