The Evidence Trail

In this episode of The Evidence Trail, forensic botanist Mark Spencer reveals how plants can become silent witnesses to crime. From analyzing species distribution to tracking regrowth patterns, he explains how vegetation can place suspects at specific locations and times. The episode highlights a remarkable case where a single leaf provided the crucial link needed to solve a murder, demonstrating the surprising power of forensic botany in modern investigations.

This episode takes you inside the forensic response to the Grenfell Tower fire. Former Metropolitan Police Operational Forensic Manager Andrew Langley reveals the realities of Disaster Victim Identification (DVI), mortuary examinations, and the unseen work carried out to identify victims and support justice. We also explore the emotional and ethical challenges faced by those on the frontline, the lessons learned from handling one of the UK’s most devastating modern disasters, and the dedication of forensic teams working behind the scenes to bring closure to families and communities. This might be an upsetting topic for some. Listener discretion is advised. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Digital Forensic Investigator Jake for a fascinating look inside the world of digital forensics and the critical role it plays in modern criminal investigations. We explore how Jake got into the field, what it really takes to build a career in digital forensics, and the skills and pathways available to those interested in working in unearthing digital traces left behind. Jake also shares insights into real investigations where digital evidence helped secure convictions, giving a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on how devices, data, and digital trails can become key pieces of evidence in the Criminal Justice procedure. This episode also touches on the sensitive reality that some digital forensic work involves cases of sexual offences. If this raises difficult issues for you, support is available. In the UK, organisations such as Rape Crisis, Samaritans, Victim Support and Sexual Assault Referral Centres offer confidential support, and in the USA similar help can be accessed through national sexual assault hotlines and local crisis centres. You do not have to report a crime to access support. If you need emergency support, contact the emergency services immediately.  Listener discretion is advised due to discussion of these real, sensitive issues. 🎙️ If you’ve ever wondered how digital evidence helps bring offenders to justice, or how to start a career in this important field, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

What is Bloodstain Pattern Analysis? How do bloodstains differ? Is the science in Dexter anything like real life? All good questions, which I hope to answer in this Podcast! Having trained with experts in the Netherlands and UK, I discuss the basics of BPA and give you some real examples of how this knowledge can be used at Crime Scenes.  A great starting point for anyone about to study BPA, or just for those who are curious!  For more info, please see: https://www.iabpa.org/ https://www.spattered.co.uk/ https://www.bevelgardner.com/  

This podcast may be upsetting to those who have lost people close to you recently. I discuss the facination around death, the trauma that comes with it, and how we assist in an autopsy/post mortem. 

We begin a new season of The Crime Scene Investigator! In my first episode back behind the mic, I discuss what I've been up to recently, the news surrounding my department, and my first ever court case.    If you have any questions for me, please head over to Twitter and message me - @CSIChrisGee

I go into more depth about DNA than I have previously, and discuss methods on how to recover DNA samples from Crime Scenes. 

There are so many myths and expectations regarding fingerprints, and I aim to answer these in this podcast! Hope you enjoy it and learn a few things.

Ever wondered how to recover an item as evidence, wonder no longer! In this episode I discuss the techniques we use to package some weird and wonderful exhibits. I feel I've said wonder too much...

I catch up with previous guest Hayley and discuss the top 5 types of forensic evidence we collect, their positives and limitations, and which piece of evidence would be most useful in a court room. 

I give you all the tips and tricks to prepare you to enter a crime scene, and we have a silly scenario at the end putting our new skills into practice!

Lots of things can race through my mind whilst dealing with a traumatic crime scene. I look back at some of the difficult times which challenged my mental health, and how I overcame them. 

No guests today, just moi. I talk about the different types of crime a CSI can attend, from burglary to suspicious death. I look into the amount of CSI resources needed for a serious crime and how draining it can be. 

I've got Adelle with me from the Forensic Recovery Unit or FRU (pronounced F-Roo!). She explains the role of the department, how to develop a fingerprint with chemicals, and how difficult it becomes when your office is in an elevator.  

In this episode I have a very special guest Brian Gee (no relation!), a retired Crime Scene Manager and ex CSI. He discusses his new book, which is out now, titled Murder By The Seaside. At the end of the podcast, I read through the first chapter and already I cannot wait to see how the story unfolds. 

What would happen if you were digging up your garden and came across a skull, or you throw a ball for your dog to fetch and she returns with a bone? Find out in this episode with Caroline, a fellow Crime Scene Investigator. 

This episode takes us into the life of CSI Hayley. We discuss juggling the work of a CSI around home life, why females get drawn to the job, and the funny stories that come out of the crime scenes! 

The destructive nature of fire makes arson and fire investigation rather tricky, however experts are always on hand to provide specialist skills. In this podcast, I chat with Fire Scientist Iain Peck from Prometheus Forensic Services.

Ever wondered the steps to take in order to become a CSI, or what different career paths are available. We discuss everything from choosing the right courses in education, to how to write a good application form.  

This episode promises to be DEAD good! This podcast journey kicks off with an interview of number 1 best selling crime author, Peter James. Peter discusses his new book and some exciting news for the future.