Forensics students help police secure evidence and harness data

The students and recent graduates presented the results of their six-week placements within Staffordshire Police to Staffordshire University academics, the Force’s forensics team and Deputy Chief Constable Nick Baker.

More than 40 students have worked with the Staffordshire Forensic Partnership since its creation in 2016 by Staffordshire University, Staffordshire Police and the Staffordshire Commissioner.

This was the fourth year of the six-week placements since the partnership was formalised and four students presented on the day.

The first presentation was by Sarah Felton, who focused on Amazon Alexa in terms of what data was stored, where it was stored and how it could be retrieved.

Kirsty Chevannes looked at detection of biological fluids at crime scenes using specialist torches.

Suzy Hladik’s presentation was around the tape used to seal evidence bags and samples up and the effects of heat, cold and dust on the integrity of the tape.

The final presentation was from Tina Kaur, whose work was around the management of offenders and the creation of a guide to standardise the checking of offenders’ computers during visits by police.

Staffordshire Forensic Partnership Co-ordinator, Martyn Hordern, said: “The partnership and the students are grateful for all the help and support they have received during the placement period.

“The students all commented on how well they had been received within the various teams and what a rewarding experience it had been.”

Since the programme was set up, graduates have gone on to work in roles including forensic investigator, forensic presentation officer, university lecturer, and digital forensic analyst and examiner.