Paul Dawson is the research manager of the Strategy, Research and Analysis Unit in the Metropolitan Police Service. This is the only civilian police research establishment in the country which harnesses organisational learning by conducting robust research and analysis into MPS corporate priorities.

Prior to joining the Metropolitan Police Service Paul worked at the Home Office for five years where among other work, he led the research into the national evaluation of the Prolific and other Priority Offender scheme (PPO) and the Tackling Gangs Action Programme. Paul is a chartered psychologist and has also worked within the National Health Service.