Law & Order: Academics to check out bouncers

Burly bouncers are to be the target of undercover academics as part of a new study in which researchers will lift the lid on the burgeoning economy in the private policing of pubs and clubs.

Dr Dick Hobbs, a criminologist of Durham University, has been given pounds 116,000 from the Economic and Social Research Fund to try to find out what makes bouncers tick and how revellers are controlled. Lifeline, the Manchester- based drug support and information agency, will also help with the study. Dr Hobbs said: "Sanctioned violence, or the threat of violence, from paid thugs is the usual method of controlling the potentially volatile atmosphere at venues. There is this world which we walk past but we don't know what goes on." The study, The Art and Economics of Intimidation, will look at the options available to establishment owners and try to find the best way to police drinkers, and, increasingly, drug users. An undercover academic will take up a job as a bouncer in the North East. Similar jobs may also be sought in the North West, London and elsewhere. Dr Hobbs has carried out a number of undercover studies into Britain's criminal underworld and has had books and articles published about his work.