Forensic collision investigator — Olivia Godfrey

Olivia studied BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation at Bournemouth University. She now works as a forensic collision investigator (FCI) for Hampshire Constabulary

Why did you decide on a career in forensic science?

Honestly, I watched too much CSI. From about the age of ten I told my parents I wanted to be a forensic scientist. I loved crime dramas and used to do all sorts of science experiments in the kitchen, so it seemed a natural fit to pursue both of those interests. At every step I have been fascinated with what I learned and how science can be used to answer so many questions, so I have stuck with it.

How did you get your as a forensic collision investigator?

When I finished studying at university I applied for everything with the word 'forensic' in it for a year. I saw lots of FCI roles with police forces throughout the country so began completing applications. When I got an interview with Hampshire, it sounded like my dream role.

I passed an online maths and physics test and had to do a short presentation on a science topic of my choice at the interview.  

What's a typical working day like?

I knew I wanted to have a scene-based job rather than working in a laboratory, and as an FCI I get to be part of the whole investigation from scene to court.

I work a combination of shifts with on-call hours, so a typical day involves being in the office where I'll be working on expert reports for collisions I have attended. If a fatal or serious injury collision occurs while I'm on shift, then I deploy to the scene on blue-lights.

I process the scene - identifying any physical marks, photograph, 3D-laser scan and gather any physical evidence that might help determine how the collision happened and who may be at fault.

When I have finished processing a scene I use various techniques and methods to determine how the collision occurred.

I may also be required to attend inquests and court as an expert witness.

How relevant is your degree to your job?

Having a science-based degree was a requirement of the role.

Although not directly related, my degree has helped hugely in understanding investigative and forensic processes. It also gave me a basic understanding of the law and the role of an expert witness in court. My degree cemented in my mind that forensic science was something I wanted to continue doing and pursue a career in.

What part of your job do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy attending scenes and ensuring the best possible evidence is preserved. If we don't do everything we can at that stage the evidence is lost as soon as the road is reopened.

What are the challenges?

It's an emotionally demanding job. At the end of the day, somebody has lost their life for me to be involved in the investigation and it is never a nice thing to think about. But I feel proud that my role helps to bring answers and justice to grieving families.

It can also be challenging to deal with last minute changes if work comes in and balancing a large workload with time pressures.  

What three skills are needed for a career in forensic science?

• passion and interest in the job
• time management and organisation
• an ability to learn from both an academic and a practical perspective.

Are you a member of a professional body?

I have a membership with the Institute of Traffic Accident Investigators and am an associate member of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS).

I have been a member of the CSFS since university and have recently been elected co-chair of their new Emerging Forensic Network. The society offers a place to keep up to date on latest news and vacancies, is a good place to network with forensic practitioners and also hosts a series of webinars covering all areas of forensic science.

What are your career ambitions?

I would love to continue working as a collision investigator within the police, but there are also many areas of collision investigation science that have limited research or haven't been researched at all, so that is an area I am interested in developing. I'm not sure of my long term goals yet.

Tell us about some issues affecting the sector today.

Collision investigation will soon fall under the forensic regulators codes and therefore need's to be ISO compliant. The field has faced huge challenges in preparing for this, attempting to validate and verify processes and implement SOPs and procedures, which are the same across all English police forces.

There is also a shortage of qualified FCI's meaning greater workloads and pressure for qualified experts. As a new FCI there are several academic and professional qualifications that need to be obtained in order to practice as a collision investigator and an expert, this is challenging to manage alongside full-time work.

What advice can you give to other aspiring forensic scientists?

If you are interested in forensics then stick with it. There are so many specialist and unique areas of forensic science that I didn't know existed until I started studying and working, so do lots of research and see what's out there.

It's a competitive field to get a job in. Find a degree or college course that fits your passions, join professional bodies and network where you can, and don't be put off if you don't succeed at first. I applied for more than 50 jobs, had three interviews and was offered two jobs (both of which I was originally turned down for), you will get there in the end and it will be worth it.

Find out more

• Learn more about the role of a forensic scientist.
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