Police Law
Joe accepts instructions in all aspects of police law.
He has drafted advices under the supervision of Olivia Checa-Dover in relation to allegations of police misconduct, civil actions against the police, and complaints arising from operational policing. In his first six, he has also drafted and reviewed internal policies for police forces on contentious areas, such as the withdrawal of police vetting and the use of police materials for political promotion. Joe has observed inquests involving police forces and related preliminary hearings and has assisted with the preparation of advice and written material in advance of such proceedings. Joe has developed a keen interest in POCA proceedings and is eager to expand this area of his practice.
Civil LawJoe accepts instructions in personal injury, disease and data protection matters including civil actions involving the police and related claims. He has drafted advices on liability, procedure, and strategy in civil claims. His civil practice is underpinned by a strong understanding of disclosure, evidence, and the practical realities involved in defending public bodies during litigation
Criminal LawJoe undertook a criminal seat under the supervision of Deborah Smithies. He accepts instructions in all areas of criminal law. Prior to transferring to the Bar, Joe led the criminal law and criminal evidence modules for the University of Sheffield's LL.B programmes.
Publications and ResearchJoe has published extensively in leading legal journals on criminal law, policing, privacy and human rights. His work includes:
- Co-editor of Privacy, Technology and Criminal Justice (Routledge)
- Articles in Legal Studies, Criminal Law Review, Public Law, Journal of Law and Society, and Modern Law Review
- Reports on facial recognition technology and policing for UK and international bodies
His research has informed public policy debate and has been relied upon by parliamentary committees and regulatory bodies.
Public and Professional Engagement
Joe has been a regular contributor to public and professional discussion on policing and criminal justice, including media commentary and invited lectures. He has given evidence to parliamentary committees and spoken at stakeholder events involving police forces, regulators, and policy-makers. He has provided commentary on contemporary legal issues for outlets such as BBC Radio 4, France 24 and the Times of London.
Joe has sat on the National Police Chief's Council's working group on online child abuse activists.
Joe has held visiting positions at Erasmus University Rotterdam and Melbourne Law School. He maintains strong links with the legal academic community.