Department of Criminology and Criminalistics

On 6–7 March 2026, the National Scientific Conference titled “The Architecture of Lies: Consequences of Disinformation for Criminal Policy and Public Awareness” took place at the Faculty of Law and Administration of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. The event was organized by the Department of Criminology and Criminalistics, in cooperation with the Student Scientific Association of Criminology “Vestigium” and the Student Scientific Association of Intellectual Property Law. The conference was held under the Honorary Patronage of the Minister of Energy and the Voivode of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship. A total of 70 papers were presented during the conference by representatives of 12 academic institutions from across Poland. The debate brought together lawyers, criminologists, sociologists, cybersecurity experts, as well as representatives of uniformed services and public administration. The event created a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience, as well as for developing strategies to counteract disinformation in the public sphere.  

We are pleased to announce that the 4th Criminology Congress will take place on 24–25 September 2026. The event will be hosted by the Department of Criminology and Criminalistics at the Faculty of Law and Administration of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. As in previous years, the Congress will bring together researchers and practitioners interested in the latest developments in criminology, the exchange of experience, and the presentation of research findings. Please save the date. Detailed information regarding the Congress theme, submission guidelines for papers, and panel proposals will be announced soon.

A new radio series titled “Criminal Stories of Warmia and Mazury” has premiered on Radio Olsztyn. In the programme, Dr. hab. Monika Kotowska, Prof. UWM, explores fascinating criminal cases from across the region. The series is hosted by Leszek Tekielski and airs every fourth Tuesday of the month from 1:15 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.Recent episodes have focused on some of the most high-profile police investigations in Warmia and Mazury:https://radioolsztyn.pl/kryminalne-historie.../01799536as well as on ransom kidnappings in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship:https://radioolsztyn.pl/kryminalne-historie.../01854204We invite you to tune in.

In the February episode of the programme “O Paragrafie przy kawie”, Dr. Michał Gornowicz hosted Dr. hab. Denis Sołodow, Prof. UWM, in the studio of Radio UWM FM. The topic of the discussion was cybercrime: what it is, what this type of crime involves, what mechanisms are used by offenders operating online, and how we can effectively counter digital threats in everyday and professional life. The conversation also addressed issues related to data security, including the principles of creating strong email passwords and the importance of multi-factor authentication. An important thread of the discussion concerned the role of artificial intelligence – both as a tool used by offenders and as support in detecting and combating crime in cyberspace. The recording of the interview is available on the Radio UWM FM website (in Polish) 

Dear Colleagues, Students, and Friends of the Department,on the occasion of Christmas, we extend our warmest wishes for peace, joy, and the warmth that comes from spending time with loved ones. May this special time be an opportunity for rest, reflection, and renewed energy. In the coming New Year, we wish you good health, prosperity, and the fulfilment of all plans—both professional and personal. May each day bring satisfaction and good news!

Today, on 08 January 2026, a meeting organised by the Student Research Club Vestigium was held with officers of the Prevention Unit of the Provincial Police Headquarters in Olsztyn. It was a unique opportunity to learn about the realities of police service, the scope of preventive activities, and the practical aspects of police work. Students had the opportunity to ask questions, gain insight into the daily duties of police officers, and learn about the challenges faced by the Police in the contemporary world. We would like to thank our guests for an engaging meeting and all participants for their active involvement and commitment.

We are pleased to inform that the Chair of Criminology and Criminalistics at the Faculty of Law and Administration of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn has received official letters of appreciation from the Municipal Police Commander in Olsztyn for the cooperation, exchange of experience, and joint initiatives carried out with police officers.Particular appreciation was expressed for the didactic and practical classes devoted to the use of modern technologies in criminalistics, including the presentation of a 3D scanner and the opportunity for officers to become familiar with the potential of spatial technologies in documenting procedural activities. Words of recognition were also addressed to the engagement of students and the Student Scientific Circle of Criminalistics “Na Tropie” in the organisation of the meetings. We thank you for your trust and look forward to further fruitful cooperation between the academic community and uniformed services.

We are pleased to announce that our colleague Denis Solodov (Poland), has received a nomination from the Editorial Board of Gazeta Olsztyńska for the prestigious Personality of the Year 2025 title in the Science category. The Chapter recognized D. Solodov’s contribution to the development of science, in particular for the project “Establishing Networks to Implement the Principles on Effective Interviewing for Investigations (IMPLEMENDEZ)”, which focuses on the implementation of the Mendez Principles in Poland and other countries. The Personality of the Year plebiscite honours individuals whose scientific activity and innovative achievements have a significant impact on the development of knowledge and social life. Winners of the regional stage advance to the nationwide final, which culminates in a ceremonial gala in Warsaw. More information about the plebiscite is available at: https://www.gazetaolsztynska.pl/osobowosc (in Polish)

Olsztyn forensic technicians were invited to the Criminology and Forensic Science Laboratory operating within the Department of Criminology and Forensic Science at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn to test the capabilities of a modern 3D scanner. The visit to the university represents another step in the developing cooperation between Police officers and the academic community. This is yet another meeting within the framework of this collaboration — a week earlier, the Head of the Forensic Technology Division of the Municipal Police Headquarters in Olsztyn, Sub-commissioner Tobiasz Wiśniewski, conducted classes for students belonging to the Forensic Science Student Research Group “Na Tropie.” This time, the team from the Forensic Technology Division of the Olsztyn Municipal Police Headquarters took part in demonstration workshops. During the meeting, the officers had the opportunity to explore the possibilities of using a 3D scanner for three-dimensional reconstruction of a crime scene. The device enables the creation of an almost perfect spatial model of the location where the examination is conducted. On such a model, forensic technicians and investigators can add information and visualizations related to the recovered forensic traces — including body position, bloodstains, the arrangement of objects, and footwear or fingerprint impressions. New tools, along with cooperation between academic and police communities, pave the way for developing modern methods of crime scene work, increasing the effectiveness of evidence preservation and interpretation. A post with information about the event has been published on the website of the Provincial Police Headquarters in Olsztyn.

The Head of the Forensic Technology Division of the Municipal Police Headquarters in Olsztyn, Sub-commissioner Tobiasz Wiśniewski, visited a meeting of the Forensic Science Student Research Group “Na Tropie”, created by students of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. The meeting was dedicated to issues related to conducting crime-scene examinations. The students had the opportunity—under controlled conditions—to observe and practically test what activities are carried out during a crime-scene inspection. Participants learned how extensive knowledge, manual precision, and experience are essential to properly reveal and secure traces left by a perpetrator. Sub-commissioner Tobiasz Wiśniewski shared his many years of experience and presented the practical aspects of the work of a forensic technician. A post about the event has been published on the website of the Provincial Police Headquarters in Olsztyn (in Polish)