Digital forensics

What is your main area of expertise?

I hold a BA (Hons) in Forensic Science and have 15 years of experience within a Police Digital Forensic Unit.  Eight years were spent within a Senior Management role for Digital Forensics which allowed me the opportunity to lead the department through significant transformations; to enhance efficiency, quality, and service delivery.

How do you help the FCN's stakeholders in policing and beyond?

I’m always happy to assist with any digital forensic queries. My key areas of expertise include operating models, performance optimisation, workflow improvements, CSAM investigations, and digital forensic strategies.

What is your favourite part of your role?

What drives me every day is the commitment to doing the right thing for the right reason and making a real difference. I feel privileged to be in a role that supports the advancement of forensic capabilities across police forces nationally. Working in the ever-evolving field of digital forensics presents constant challenges and opportunities for growth, allowing me to continuously learn, adapt, and develop both personally and professionally.

What was your first job in policing or forensics?

In 2009, I started as a ‘Computer Crime Investigator’, examining computers and producing evidential statements for Dyfed-Powys Police. It was a highly rewarding and interesting introduction to the field, setting the foundation for my career in digital forensics.

I’ve enjoyed every aspect of digital forensics, from hands-on investigative work to understanding emerging technologies and enhancing forensic capabilities. More recently, I’ve found great satisfaction in project management, process development, and implementing change to improve key deliverables. The fast-paced nature of this field keeps me engaged, ensuring there’s always something new to tackle.

What is your main area of expertise?

Digital Forensics

How do you help the FCN’s stakeholders in policing and beyond?

I can assist with all aspects of Digital Forensics, including validation, generation of ground truth data, collaborative learning exercises.

Which piece of work delivered in the FCN are you proudest of?

I’m proud of all the work delivered, and struggle to identify a single piece of work. I have enjoyed generating standardised ground truth data, and digital forensics validation templates. Working with the Cell Site Analysis community for Geolocation and developing a national collaborative learning exercise. 

What is your favourite part of your role?

As a Scientific Officer I enjoy working with and supporting the growing digital forensics community. 

What was your first job in policing or forensics?

In 2001 I joined Staffordshire Police as an assistance digital forensics examiner within the economic crime unit to recover digital evidence and providing support to financial investigators. The digital evidence capability within the economic crime unit evolved into a dedicated digital forensic service provision. 

What is your main area of expertise?

BA (Hons) Photography in Europe

With a BA (Hons) in Photography in Europe, I worked for 20 years with the Forensics Team in Hampshire Police, originally as a practitioner and manager with the Photographic team that then evolved into the Imaging Unit. In recent years my team became part of the accredited Digital Forensic team in the Forensic Innovation Centre working in partnership with Portsmouth University.

I have technical knowledge in imaging and audio-visual services and with broader management experience across other forensic disciplines including formal qualifications in change management and as an interpersonal mediator.

How do you help the FCN's stakeholders in policing and beyond?

I’m passionate about digital forensics particularly all aspects of forensic imaging/audio visual with experience working with CCTV, audio and 2D/3D imagery including laser scanning, visual comparison, body mapping and enhancement techniques.  

What is your favourite part of your role?

I’m inspired that this role provides me with a unique opportunity to support forensics nationally working closely with the wealth of experience and knowledge we have across forensics in UK policing and within the FCN.

What was your first job in policing or forensics?

In 1998 I worked within a temporary role with Nottingham Police Major Crime Team doing audio transcribing while working in freelance photography, before securing a Photographic Technician Role with Hampshire Police in 2000 (it was a 6-month maternity cover and I never left!)

I have loved every aspect of my journey through forensics.  I have been lucky enough to live through the transition from analogue to digital and can now only think back fondly to cases that only included VHS tapes and 35mm films to examine.  This is nothing compared to the exciting digital challenges we face today!