Peter Martin is a Professor of Practice within the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Griffith University, Queensland, Australia. Peter’s key responsibilities entail Ph.D. supervision and support, consulting on research design and methodology, translating and operationalising research findings for industry, presenting on Griffith courses as an expert on police & corrections practice, inter-governmental relations and relationship management between the university and industry. Peter also works with state and commonwealth government agencies on issues associated with safety and security particularly drawing upon his long career in policing, corrections, and research.
Peter is a graduate of the Leadership in Counter-Terrorism (LinCT) Pacific Program and was a past President of LinCT Alumni Association (AA). His research interests naturally are aligned to counter terrorism & countering violent extremism, and extreme right-wing radicalism. His other research interests include, police legitimacy, police responses to alcohol & other drug-related harms in and around licensed premises, disaster preparedness and response, vulnerable populations in custody, and numerous others.
Peter was appointed Commissioner, Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) in November 2017 and separated in July 2021. Prior to his commencement as Commissioner, QCS, he was Deputy Commissioner, Queensland Police Service, with responsibility for the strategic direction, leadership, overview and review of the delivery of policing services across Queensland, Australia.
He is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the Faculty of Health, School of Psychology and Counselling at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Peter is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland and was awarded Doctor of the University (honoris causa) at Griffith University. He has an Executive Masters in Public Administration through the Australian and New Zealand School of Government and Griffith University. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Justice Administration as well as other tertiary qualifications.
Peter was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia on the King’s Birthday Honours 2023 for his significant service to public administration in Queensland. He was awarded the Australian Police Medal on Australia Day 2008 for his contribution to policing and the community of Queensland. He is also the recipient of various national and state-based awards for his work of over four decades in public safety agencies in Queensland. In 2010, Peter was inducted into the Evidence-Based Policing Hall of Fame at the George Mason University, Virginia, US and was the founding chair of the Australia and New Zealand Society of Evidence Based Policing.
Presentation
Black Swans: Analysing Right-Wing Mass Killing Events
This presentation will explore the complex trajectories leading to Right-Wing Extremist Mass Killings (RWEMKs), with a focus on identifying commonalities across individual pathways, the influence of online platforms, the motivations and ideologies as expressed in manifestos, and outcomes following the attacks. This research adopts a novel approach by comparing six case studies of RWEMKs through the lens of Black Swan theory, which characterises improbable events by their unpredictability, extreme consequences, and the retrospective narrative that they were, in fact, predictable. The study aims to uncover common risk factors and intervention points to assist in the prevention of future attacks.
The scope of this research encompasses a detailed examination of the life stages of the perpetrators, from early childhood experiences to adulthood, and includes an analysis of their manifestos and the legal and social aftermath of their attacks. This comprehensive approach allows for the identification of shared experiences and factors that may contribute to the radicalisation process, such as adverse childhood experiences, social isolation, and engagement with extremist ideologies online.
A significant issue under consideration is the challenge of detecting and intervening in the radicalisation process, especially given the pivotal role of online platforms in fostering extremist ideologies and the complex interplay of personal, social, and environmental factors that influence the path to extremism.
The conclusion of this study highlights the necessity of a multifaceted, holistic approach to preventing RWEMKs. This includes early intervention strategies targeting at-risk individuals, robust monitoring of online platforms, educational programmes to foster resilience against extremist narratives, policy changes to address societal issues highlighted in manifestos, and effective de-radicalisation programmes within the criminal justice system. The study underscores the importance of understanding the trajectory towards extremism in developing comprehensive prevention strategies.