Counter-forensics: Responding to Police ViolenceCounter-forensics: Responding to Police Violence

Counter-forensics is a mode of investigative research employed by organisations in civil society, which seeks to respond to human rights violations and acts of police and state violence. It constitutes socialised research, knowledge production, and design-led storytelling in which interdisciplinary coalitions of citizens and civil society organisations come together to challenge the results of official investigations, presenting their findings in courtroom, political processes, but also in media and cultural forums.

On 24 April, invited speakers from FA, Forensis, INDEX, and Controle Alt Delete will share their expert perspectives on the case of the killing of Sammy Baker, alongside members of Sammy’s family. Through reference to Sammy’s case and other cases of police violence across Europe, they will discuss technical investigative practices, activism, advocacy, and the pursuit of accountability. How can we make police violence visible, and address it?  How can technical research and lived experience complement one another? How can designers and spatial researchers contribute to exposing systemic injustice?

This Research Night follows on from Evidencing the Police Killing of Sammy Baker.

Forensic Architecture (FA) is a research agency affiliated with Goldsmiths, University of London, that investigates human rights violations, including violence by governments, police and companies.

Forensis, FA’s Berlin-based sister organisation, works with communities that are confronted with state and corporate violence, and supports them in their struggle for justice and accountability.

INDEX reports on violence and human rights violations, with contributions from journalists, researchers, artists, filmmakers, architects, engineers and lawyers.

Controle Alt Delete promotes fair and effective law enforcement and fights against racial profiling and excessive police violence.

• 19:00 – Doors open
• 19:20 – Welcome by Aukje Bolle (Nieuwe Instituut)
• 19:25 - Introduction by Justine Seewald, mother of Sammy Baker
• 19:35 - Contributions by Bob Trafford (Forensic Architecture), Phoebe Walton (Forensis), Francesco Sebregondi (INDEX) and Stafford Scott (Goldsmith’s University / Forensic Architecture)
• 20:30 – Conversation with contributors and  Jair Schalkwijk (Controle Alt Delete) moderated by Setareh Noorani (Nieuwe Instituut)
• 20:55 - Closing Reflections, Setareh Noorani
• 21:00 – Drinks at the bar

These recurring events offer an insight into ongoing research in the Nieuwe Instituut. In a small-scale and interactive setting, participants can exchange ideas through discussions, workshops, films or other experimental activities. Join in and contribute to collective research.

Combine this event with a visit to our exhibitions – admission to the museum is free on Thursday evenings. Fancy a bite to eat? Join us in the Nieuwe Café!