Monash University > News and Events > Monash Memo

Forensic reporter

27 May 2009

Dr Robert Peacock

By day Dr Robert Peacock lectures students on criminology and criminal justice at the University's South African campus. But one night a week he enters the homes of millions of viewers across South Africa as the chief criminologist on crime documentary series 'Solving It'.

Dr Peacock uses his extensive knowledge of victimology and forensics to provide in-depth analysis of some of South Africa's most serious crimes.

The show, which screens on the South African Broadcasting Commission television station SABC3, is in its fourth year, covering hate crime, family violence, youth, and the criminal elite.

For Dr Peacock the prime time exposure provides the perfect opportunity to raise awareness of the social factors that drive crime.

"Despite the high rate of crime in South Africa, there is a noticeable lack of informed discussion on crime, justice and victim empowerment," Dr Peacock said.

"Although I've never envisaged myself in the media spotlight, the huge reach of the show makes it an ideal platform to lead public debate and generate greater understanding of why people commit crimes.

"The format also encourages the community to critically assess crime and victimisation risk, and to appraise the impact of criminal behaviour on the rights of individuals, communities and society as a whole."

Dr Peacock has appeared in all 39 episodes of the fourth series of the show as its central commentator. Previously he had appeared to analyse individual crimes.

He said the show raised the University's profile as a community-focused institution in South Africa and also fed back into his teaching role, benefiting the next generation of leaders studying at Monash.

"The show provides a good model for the lecture hall, showing how a fact-based and analytical approach can explain the world around us and aid public understanding of an emotionally-charged issue like crime."