Clare Brennan

Clare joined the Institute of Policing in April 2021, having moved into higher education in 2019 following a 12-year policing career.

A former detective constable specialising in public protection, Clare investigated child abuse, sexual offences and domestic abuse. She completed both the ICIDP and SCAIDP programmes and was a registered practitioner on the National Professional Specialist Sexual Assault Investigators' Register. Drawing on this operational experience, Clare leads investigation modules across the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) and Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP).

Her academic interests focus on policing education, particularly the use of authentic assessment to bridge the gap between academic learning and operational policing. She applies this approach through interprofessional simulations, where student officers work alongside learners from other disciplines to develop teamwork, communication and decision-making skills within a safe, realistic learning environment.

Clare is committed to supporting student success and serves as the department's Student Support Lead. In this role, she provides guidance and support to both students and colleagues, helping to ensure the best possible learning experience and outcomes for student officers.