Locate International CEO Awarded Doctorate in Criminal Justice
Locate International is proud to announce that its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Mark Greenhalgh, has formally been awarded a Doctorate in Criminal Justice — a milestone that represents both academic distinction and a deeply personal achievement.
Dr Greenhalgh’s journey to this point has been far from conventional.
Reflecting on his early education, he openly shares:
“I was not a natural academic at school. I had to retake some GCSEs and did not particularly enjoy A levels. University was not the obvious path.”
Rather than following a traditional academic trajectory, he chose a path of service - first joining the RAF and then moving directly into policing. His professional foundation was built through frontline experience, operational leadership and investigative practice, rather than lecture halls and seminars.
That is why, as he describes it, completing his doctorate feels “both surreal and deeply rewarding.”
Research with Real-World Impact
Dr Greenhalgh’s doctoral research, titled “Case Closed or Case Cold? Exploring Investigative Interventions in Long-Term Missing Person Cases,” examined which investigative interventions are most effective in complex and long-term missing person investigations.
Long-term missing person cases present unique challenges. Over time, investigative momentum can slow. Evidence may degrade. Opportunities may be overlooked. Families are often left in prolonged uncertainty, navigating both emotional trauma and investigative stagnation.
His research sought to identify what genuinely shifts these cases forward - and what risks allowing them to become inactive.
From this work, he developed two structured frameworks designed to support practitioners:
COMPASS – providing strategic clarity and structured direction in unresolved cases.
TRACE – supporting targeted review and analytical intervention to identify new investigative opportunities.
These frameworks are designed to help move investigations “from inactivity to impact,” ensuring that cases are not simply managed, but meaningfully progressed.
At the Heart of the Work: Families
Central to Dr Greenhalgh’s research is a clear and consistent principle:
Dr Mark Greenhalgh
“At its core, this research is about people. About families living with uncertainty and our responsibility to continually improve how we investigate and support.”
This ethos directly informs the mission of Locate International - to bring clarity to long-term missing and unidentified cases through detailed analysis and investigation, working alongside families, law enforcement and partners worldwide at no cost to those supported.
The integration of doctoral research into operational practice strengthens Locate’s evidence-led approach and reinforces its commitment to continual improvement in complex casework.
Gratitude and Recognition
Dr Greenhalgh has expressed sincere gratitude to Professor Karen Shalev (BSc, MSc, PhD), Dr Cheryl Allsop, Dr Craig Collie and Dr David Keatley for their guidance and academic challenge throughout the journey. He also acknowledges everyone who participated in the study and supported him over the last several years.
Their contributions helped shape research that is both academically rigorous and operationally practical.
Curiosity as an Investigative Tool
Throughout his career - from military service to policing, and now academic research - one principle has remained constant:
“Curiosity remains the most important investigative tool.”
That curiosity continues to underpin the work of Locate International and its approach to long-term missing and unidentified person cases.
Today, we are proud to recognise not only the formal achievement of a doctorate, but the dedication, resilience and service that led to it.
Please join us in congratulating Dr Mark Greenhalgh on this outstanding accomplishment.