Alex Murray OBE was awarded University of Staffordshire’s highest honour at its Autumn Awards ceremonies this month, alongside Social Work, Law, Criminology and Policing graduates.
From counter-terrorism to tackling the emerging world of AI related crime, Alex has dedicated his career to protecting communities and shaping the future of modern policing.
After beginning his career in uniform roles with West Midlands Police, Alex rose through the ranks and has held several senior positions in the field.
“It is a huge privilege and perhaps just a recognition of the work of all police officers who try and make where they serve a better place,” Alex commented.
“It has been great to meet some of the staff and colleagues here and to celebrate hundreds of people graduating in really important areas. This university is really good at taking students and making them think why, think critically and think about making a difference.”
Alex is currently Director of Threat Leadership with The National Crime Agency and the National Police Chief Constables Council’s lead for Artificial Intelligence. He founded the UK’s Society of Evidence-Based Policing (SEBP) to drive improvements in police practices and was awarded an OBE on 2019 for his services to policing.
Alex has also been a longstanding supporter of University of Staffordshire’s collaboration with police forces, helping to develop the next generation of officers and championing student-led research that informs real, operational change.
Speaking to those entering the policing profession today, Alex said: “I reflect on when I started to when people are starting now. Not only has the law changed, but threats have changed the way people are treated has changed. The online vector is ubiquitous and affects every crime type, every type of vulnerable individual. And so the skills you need to bring not only are human based and empathy based and knowledge based, they are technology based.
“But don't forget the basics. Which is to treat whoever it is you're dealing with – a prisoner, a victim or member of the public – like you would want your family to be treated.”
He added: “I think, deep down, real satisfaction comes from knowing you have changed the life of someone else, whatever your profession. I’d definitely say work hard so at the end of each day, at the end of each week, and at the end of your career, you think, actually, I'm leaving this world a slightly better place than when I started.”