Members of the Thames Valley Writers’ Circle had an unusual guest speaker at a recent meeting, Hayley Scott, who had spent 20 years in the police force in London, the last 15 as a member of a forensics unit.
Hayley’s talk concentrated on what happened when they were called to a crime, not only the techniques of forensics but also how they examine the scene of the crime, which could be a burglary or murder.
First, they establish what had happened as they needed to know what was the proof they were looking for. It could make a difference for example if a suspect was already in custody.
The forensic unit then take control of the crime scene with a safe path to ensure that no evidence is trampled on. In the case of murder, they have access to the body before it is put in the body bag, so no forensic evidence can be contaminated.
Hayley illustrated how fingerprints can be discovered and how they are transferred to glass plates which are listed with where they were found and the angle of the prints.
She also illustrated how DNA was captured, which could be from blood or any other bodily fluid, saliva or phlegm or even from loose skin that has been shed. Moulds of shoe imprints were also made as they can provide clues.
Hayley concluded her presentation with tales of actual cases she had been worked on including one where she received a citation for work above the call of duty. Although her presentation was of most use to those members who wrote crime or mystery stories it was of considerable interest to all members who attended.
Since leaving the police, Hayley has established her own company, The Forensic Experience, making presentations to various interest groups.
DICK SAWDON SMITH
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