3. #CSI: CSI Perth – A Day in the Life of a Forensic Police Officer

Today we chat to Andrea, a forensic police officer in Western Australia who is here to bust some myths about her role.

Andrea breaks down what her role looks like, how it’s not exactly what the TV shows portray, and the importance of being able to switch off from the job.

In this episode we cover:

• What the day-to-day role of a forensic police officer looks like.
• Some of the big myths around crime scenes and results.
• Forensic crimes aren’t always murders or even where people have died.
• Walking into the unknown of a crime scene and how that can feel.
• Getting into the industry.
• The burn out of frontline police roles.
• The scientific nature of forensic work and following the evidence.
• How prolonged exposure to death can lead to PTSD and trauma responses.
• Recognising the need for additional support for those dealing with death.
• The importance of switching off the job.
• Dealing with cases which are in the public eye.
• Policing can be about relying on instinct, while forensic work builds on that with science.
• Behaviour patterns can emerge in common crimes like burglaries.
• Processing a crime scene can take a long time.
• The growing diversity of the police force and how that helps the public.
• Seeing a case through from the crime scene to the courtroom.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• #Hashtag Death Instagram: @hashtag_death 
• Ways to work with Ingrid: forevernow.com.au
• Ingrid Reiger’s Facebook: @forevernowcelebrant
• Ingrid Reiger’s Instagram: @ingrid_forevernowcelebrant
• Lifeline: Lifeline
• Lifeline phone: 13 11 14

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