DrChris Linke

I am a Criminology Lecturer at Deakin University with over 20 years of teaching and research experience across History, Australian Studies, and Criminology. My research sits at the intersection of socio-legal studies, institutional memory, and police culture, with a specialised focus on police memorialisation and commemoration.

My academic trajectory originated in Australian historical and military memory work. In 2011, I transitioned to Criminology to pioneer research into how law enforcement agencies utilise public memorials, built environments, and state rituals to navigate institutional legitimacy and commemorate sacrifice. This work culminated in my doctoral thesis on Victoria Police memorialisation, supervised by Associate Professor Darren Palmer.

Crucially, my move to Criminology provided a vital conduit for my commitment to social justice. For me, teaching and research go far beyond passing on academic information—they are tools for civic awareness and systemic change. By equipping students with a critical understanding of the criminal legal system, I aim to foster the political will needed to tackle urgent societal challenges, including community inequality and the hyper-incarceration of First Nations peoples.