David graduates with First Class confidence

David Thompson was unsure about going to University because he didn’t think he was bright enough. His fears proved unfounded, as he graduates today from the University of Teesside with a First Class BSc (Hons) degree in Criminology and will also receive the £500 Cleveland Police Prize.

David has stayed at the University to study for a Masters degree in Criminology, which he will complete in 2007. He aims to follow this with a PhD and eventually work as a University lecturer.

David, 21, is originally from Bridlington. He came to the University with A levels in Geography, History and Business Studies from Headlands School. David was the first in his family to go to University. He said: "I didn't want to go to University at first; I was worried about the money and didn't think I was clever enough. My parents Carole and Paul have supported me all the way through, they were the ones that pushed me to come here. I've done well for them.

"I've learned so much about Policing through studying Criminology, the degree was such an eye opener. The lecturers were really helpful; they went out of their way to help you as long as you worked hard. And I've made lots of good friends." David received the Prize for his final-year dissertation, which looked at the changing nature of policing in the 21st century. The prize-winning dissertation examined the increasing use of 'private policing', such as security staff in the night-time economy of clubs and pubs. David said: "The study found that although the common view is that bouncers are increasingly seen as the 'new police' of the night time economy, much of the literature disputes this, claiming the public police force still maintain the monopoly over policing. When I heard I was been nominated for the Prize by one of my lecturers, I was ecstatic, over the moon to receive it."

Back in Bridlington, David plays football for his local pub team, The Friendly Forester and also played for the University team in the North Varsity, against York and Hull.

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