University News Last updated 20 October 2009
The leading detective on the Fred and Rose West murders will be visiting Birmingham City University next week to share his experiences with students and fellow police colleagues.
The event, hosted in conjunction with West Midlands Police, will also officially launch the University's new Criminal Investigation Degree, one of the first in its kind in the country.
Nick Howe, Senior Lecturer in Criminal Investigation at Birmingham City University, said: "This seminar is the first of four Murder Investigation Seminars being led by leading detectives from some of the highest profile murder cases from the past twenty years.
"We are delighted that John Bennett will be hosting this seminar to share his vast experience and knowledge with us. The event reinforces Birmingham City University's commitment to studying and researching criminal investigation. We aspire to be a centre of excellence in this regard and the seminars are evidence of our ambition and it is great that we have secured such high profile speakers."
John Bennett retired from the Gloucestershire Constabulary in 1998 as Chief Superintendent , Head of Crime Management & Head of CID; having completed over 35 years police service, joining as a Police cadet when he was 16 . He was Detective Superintendent Operations in 1994 when the "West" Investigation began and the Senior Investigating Officer throughout the enquiry. He is the joint Author of the book ‘The Cromwell Street Murders the Detectives Story.'
John Bennett QPM said: "The Investigation, which eventually spanned over 27 years, into Frederick and Rosemary West , revealed the serial murders and offences committed by them, as well as sexual offences committed by others. This presented many challenges for the Gloucestershire Constabulary and its Investigating Team, which were successfully overcome. The lessons learned and methods employed, having been continually shared and now built upon with the advances in Technology and Forensic Science, are included in today's Major Investigation Training for all Detectives and those who are likely to become involved in a Major Investigation or its management."
Future Murder Investigation seminars will also welcome leading detectives from the Soham murders, the Ipswich murders and the Jamie Bulger case.
Added by on October 20, 2009