Jessica earned Master’s Degrees from King’s College London (2014) and LSE (2012), and served in the Metropolitan Police Service, concluding her service as a Detective Constable on the Homicide Command.
As a Met Police Officer, she worked in uniform response, linked-series squads, domestic abuse, international liaison, CID (Major Crime Unit), and MIT (Homicide). As a Detective on the Homicide Command, she served as a lead officer for: exhibits, FLO (family liaison), suspect interviewing, intelligence, and witness liaison. Her outstanding investigations earned her multiple commendations, a mentorship position to direct-entry detectives, and selection to train officers in improving victim care.
Whilst studying in the War Studies Department at King’s College London, Jessica developed an interest in security sector reform (SSR) in states emerging from armed conflict, particularly where police officers were active combatants. Jessica’s dissertation, ‘Policing the Peace: Police Reform and Sexual Violence in Bosnia' focused on police perpetration of war crimes during the 1992-1995 war, subsequent police reform, and the legacy of officers’ war crimes on public trust and accountability. She conducted extensive field work in the Balkans, interviewing police officers and victims of war crimes perpetrated by police-combatants. She presented her research at conferences, including the United Nations University in Iceland. Jessica is building on this research currently in her PhD in the War Studies Department at King's College London.
Jessica’s LSE dissertation, ‘Framing Race and Masculinities: African Migrant Protests and Political Responses in Italy’ explored Italian police and societal responses to African migrant protests, earning her a speaking engagement at the University of Bologna, Italy.
Previously, Jessica worked at York Women’s Prison in Connecticut, USA delivering decision-making courses, and in London delivering conflict resolution and violence prevention workshops to ex-offenders and homeless individuals.