Associate Professor in Criminology at the University of Derby’s Social, Cultural and Legal Research Centre. His research draws on the lived experiences of people recovering from addiction and rehabilitating from offending histories to co-produce new visions for transforming the criminal justice system and society.
He challenges the idea that pain is the primary driver of behavioural change, showing instead that pull factors—like hope and opportunity—often motivate sustained recovery, even in difficult circumstances. His work shifts focus from the individual to societal and structural influences.
Dr. Patton is Director of New Central Media, a knowledge hub working with vulnerable and marginalised groups to explore how their beliefs and practices offer alternatives to societal challenges such as isolation, competition, and materialism.
He is currently developing an international Photovoice project with recovery organisations, enabling individuals in drug recovery to document and share effective strategies through photography.