Department of Criminology and Criminalistics

Dear Collegues, on behalf of the Department of Criminology and Criminalistics of the Faculty of Law and Administration at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, we are pleased to invite you to participate in the 4th Criminological Congress, combined with the celebration of the 70th Jubilee of Professor Wiesław Pływaczewski, which will be held on 23–24 September 2026 in Olsztyn. Further information can be found in the attached invitation and on the official Congress website: https://kongreskryminologiczny.uwm.edu.pl/  

On 11 May 2026, Dr. habil. Denis Solodov, Professor at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, participated in the international scientific conference entitled “Five Years of the Méndez Principles: From Vision to Practice”, held at Özyeğin University in Istanbul, Türkiye. The conference was organised within the framework of COST Action CA22128 “ImpleMéndez”. The conference programme included scientific presentations, panel discussions, and exchanges of experiences concerning the implementation of international standards in the field of human rights protection and investigative interviewing tactics. Participants discussed, among other topics, the practical application of ethical interviewing principles, contemporary challenges related to the protection of interviewees’ rights, and the role of scientific research in the development of international standards.

On 23–24 April 2026, an international scientific conference titled Safeguarding Against Ill-Treatment in Interrogation: Aligning Disciplines for Effective and Fair Interviewing was held in Geneva, Switzerland. The event, organised by the Geneva Academy (University of Geneva) in cooperation with COST Action CA22128 ImpleMéndez (Working Group 2), brought together experts in law, human rights, and investigative practice to examine how interdisciplinary approaches can strengthen safeguards against ill-treatment in interrogation and support ethical, evidence-based interviewing techniques. Within Theme 4 – Informal Questioning and the Risk to Safeguards, Dr hab. D. Solodov, Professor at UWM, delivered a presentation titled: “Why do informal police interviews occur? Legal and structural drivers in Poland”. 

On March 30 of this year, members of the Forensic Science Student Association “Na Tropie,” operating at the Department of Criminology and Criminalistics of the Faculty of Law and Administration at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, had the opportunity to participate in unique classes conducted by officers of the Forensic Techniques Unit of the Municipal Police Headquarters in Olsztyn. The workshops constituted an extremely valuable educational experience, enabling direct familiarization with the practical aspects of the work of forensic technicians. Participants had the opportunity to take part in a simulated crime scene exercise, including, among others, conducting scene examinations, preparing procedural documentation, securing evidence, and using specialized equipment. The officers’ commitment, professionalism, and openness in sharing their knowledge and experience significantly contributed to enhancing the students’ competencies and deepening their understanding of the specifics of forensic work. Such initiatives play an important role in educating future specialists and in building lasting cooperation between the academic community and the Police. We sincerely thank them for their time, kindness, and the opportunity to participate in this exceptional initiative!

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.