Discover the world of crime firsthand at the University of Portsmouth’s interactive festival

Experience interactive crime scenes and activities, along with the latest techniques in forensic investigation, criminal profiling, psychology, wildlife crime, policing, criminal justice and much more at a unique event at the University of Portsmouth next month (2 May, 2026). 

Home to the internationally renowned School of Criminology and Criminal Justice and one of only nine Policing Academic Centres of Excellence (P-ACEs), the University is opening its doors to anyone curious about the latest advances in understanding and tackling crime. 

On Saturday 2 May, from 10am to 4pm, the Festival of Crime will take place across the University’s Portland, Richmond and Dennis Sciama Buildings. Open to members of the public of all ages, the festival will offer visitors the opportunity to explore the latest techniques and developments used to train police officers, forensic specialists and criminal justice professionals worldwide. 

Entry is free and visitors will be able to get involved in a wide range of crime solving activities from solving mysteries through quizzes and puzzles and getting up close with crime scenes to meeting police officers and University experts.

Criminal and forensic psychologists will give attendees an insight into the workings of the criminal mind. Experts in cybercrime, cybersecurity and computer forensics will also be on hand to demonstrate how online threats and international gangs are tackled by law enforcement both at home and abroad.  

Dr Katherine Brown from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Portsmouth will showcase her innovative LEGO crime scenes, where visitors can work through a miniature investigation. 

Dr Brown added: “If you have an interest in crime, the criminal justice system or forensics, or are thinking about a future in this important field - the Festival of Crime is the perfect place to start.  

“Through my teaching in forensic science, taphonomy, entomology and crime science on our BSc Criminology and Forensic Investigation course, it’s fantastic to be able to offer attendees a real, first-hand glimpse into the subject.” 

Attendees will also be able to attend a number of insightful talks covering a range today’s most pressing issues including scams, crime and punishment and incels. 

Professor Paul Smith, Head of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Portsmouth, said: “This event reflects our commitment to educating, innovating and researching crime through everything we do. It’s about how we tackle crime in practice and how the work being carried out in Portsmouth supports that ambition. 

“We’ll take a closer look at the latest techniques and give visitors the opportunity to get hands-on with recreated crime scenes. It’s a fantastic chance to gain insight into how law enforcement works to solve and prevent a wide range of crimes.” 

Across the day, visitors will be able to:  

• Test skills by identifying microscopic traces and matching finger marks. 

• Understand the criminal mind as our psychologists present an interactive display. 

• Try out our fully functioning mock courtroom. 

• Learn about local services, including the team at Hampshire Police. 

• Meet criminal and forensic psychologists, and learn about cybercrime, cyber security and forensic computing.  

• Meet the university's current students and hear how they’re shaping their careers. 

• Enjoy a full programme of talks and interactive presentations from our experts 

There were over 3000 visitors at the Festival of Crime in 2024, the Festival of Crime 2026 promises to be bigger and better. For more information and to book your free place, visit: https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/events/festival-of-crime 

Header image: Festival of Crime at the University of Portsmouth, May 2024. Credit: Karen Bornhoft Photography.