The Crime Scene Insiders

In this episode of The Crime Scene Insiders, we continue the conversation that began in Episode 14, where Ange shared her experience of being assaulted and feeling let down by the criminal justice system.

This time, we’re joined by Angela Whitworth — the friend who was with Ange on the night of the assault and who was also seriously injured, suffering a broken arm that required surgery.

Ang talks through what happened from he...

This week we’re joined by Justine Shanahan — a CSI with over 25 years’ experience and a part-time lecturer at the University of Lincoln.

Justine takes us back to the beginning: a teenager spending her pocket money on true crime books (long before CSI was cool), arranging her own attachments, and attending a post-mortem at just 17.

And then comes the moment every new CSI fears most: her first night on call — and she’s deployed...

In this episode of The Crime Scene Insiders, we focus on the murder of Judith Richardson, a 77-year-old woman living independently in Hexham, Northumberland, whose life was taken in August 2011.

Judith was known in her community for her kindness, her love of music, and her regular attendance at organ recitals at Hexham Abbey. She lived a quiet life, rooted in routine and connection.

Her murder came to light after the discover...

In this episode of The Crime Scene Insiders, it’s just the two of us — and we’re sharing a case that hits much closer to home.

Angela recounts her experience of being burgled while asleep in her own home — and what followed was a forensic and investigative process that raised serious questions about triage decisions, evidence recovery, and the wider criminal justice system.

From being told no CSI would attend, to carrying out...

In this episode of The Crime Scene Insiders, we’re joined by Charlotte Thorpe, a former Crime Scene Investigator, Crime Scene Manager, and Senior CSI, who spent over 20 years with Kent Police.

Charlie has worked on thousands of crime scenes, from volume crime through to serious and complex investigations, and has led teams through some of the most challenging moments of their careers. She shares what it’s really like learning th...

Merry Christmas! In this Boxing Day episode, we lift the festive tape and share what it’s really like to work as a CSI over Christmas and New Year.

From frozen crime scenes to festive chaos, hear real stories from our days in the field — the good, the bad, and the downright ridiculous:

• Christmas Day shifts you can’t dodge

• The forbidden “Q word” and its consequences

• Burglaries, assaults and alcohol-fuelled incidents

• T...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr Gary Currie — the CSI, Crime Scene Manager, national trainer, and senior lecturer who has shaped countless careers… including ours.

Gary reflects on more than 30 years under the barrier tape: from the early SOCO days to modern CSI work, the culture shifts, the chaos, the humour that keeps you going, and the moments that stay with you long after leaving the job.

We talk openly about:

🧪 Wh...

Former Detective Sergeant Joanne Mackel joins us for a deeply personal conversation about her life, her policing career, and the decades-long search for answers surrounding her mum’s disappearance.

Joanne’s mother, Ann Law, went missing from Newcastle in 1973. Ann’s body has never been found, and it is long believed that she was murdered and buried by her husband — Joanne’s father, Gilbert Law. Growing up in the shadow of a flaw...

In this episode of The Crime Scene Insiders, we sit down with expert investigator and diving specialist Peter Faulding, Founder of Specialist Group International (SGI). Peter shares his remarkable journey — from early careers in emergency response to becoming a leading voice in underwater search and recovery operations.

We dive into the technology behind Peter’s work, the hidden challenges of interpreting sonar, and some of his ...

This week’s episode of The Crime Scene Insiders is a deeply personal one.

Ange opens up about an assault she and a friend experienced three years ago, and the long, exhausting journey through the criminal justice system that followed. As someone who’s spent years working within the sector, Ange offers a unique perspective on how victims can be let down by a system that’s supposed to protect them.

In this longer-than-usual epi...

In this episode of The Crime Scene Insiders, we’re joined by James Harris — former City of London Police detective, specialist in major crime investigations, and one of the UK’s most highly trained investigative interview specialists.

James shares insights from his policing career, including his approach to interviewing suspects and witnesses, and the realities behind major crime investigations. He also talks about his transitio...

This week on The Crime Scene Insiders, we’re joined by Lindsy Slamon as she reflects on her remarkable 20+ year career across roles as a Crime Scene Investigator, manager, and coordinator. From gripping cases—including the high-profile Dale Cregan investigation—to the unforgettable moments that kept her on her toes, Lindsay shares stories that are equal parts fascinating and entertaining.

Now transitioning into policing educatio...

This week on The Crime Scene Insiders we’re joined by Anthony Schembri - aka “The Commish.”

Anthony’s career is nothing short of extraordinary! From typing DA reports in Brooklyn at just 16, to leading homicide units, becoming a Police Commissioner in New York, overhauling Toronto’s jail system, and running Florida’s juvenile justice system. Along the way he’s also taught, trained and inspired the next generation. He's even the ...

In this episode of Crime Scene Insiders, we open up about our own struggles with mental health and the impact of working as Crime Scene Investigators (CSI).

From shocking crime scenes to the moments that never leave you, we share the side of CSI work that doesn’t make it onto TV. We discuss the cases that turned our stomachs, the emotional weight of dealing with victims and their families, and the coping mechanisms that helped u...

Former CSI Rebecca Jones shares her personal journey with PTSD, while shedding light on the broader mental health impact of crime scene work.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses traumatic topics including child and infant death, and includes personal accounts of PTSD. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of The Crime Scene Insiders, we speak with Rebecca Jones — former Crime Scene Investigator with 15 years’...

In this episode of The Crime Scene Insiders, Ange and Dee speak with medicolegal death investigator Julie Wolf, who has handled over 3,000 cases in the U.S.

Julie shares the good, the grim, and the unexpected realities of her work. Join us to explore the differences between U.S. and U.K. investigations, what it’s really like to attend scenes, talk to families, and be the one to “speak for the dead.”

It’s candid, surprising, a...

Why are people so fascinated by death, but so afraid to talk about it? In this episode of The Crime Scene Insiders, Ange and Dee get candid about what it’s really like to deal with death as part of the job. From first experiences to the questions they’re always asked, they share the reality behind the scenes.

This episode also sets the stage for our next guest: U.S. death investigator Julie Wolf, joining us on August 8th to shar...

In July 2010, Raoul Moat became the most wanted man in Britain — just days after walking out of prison. What followed was a week of shootings, threats, and a tense armed standoff that gripped the nation.

In this Crime Scene Insiders special, Angela and Dionne take you beyond the headlines — and under the barrier tape — into the case they lived through as CSIs inside the Police.

They discuss the lead-up to Moat’s release, the ...

From the crash of a Chinook in the Falklands to the pursuit of organised crime across international borders — Steve Horgan has lived a forensic career like no other.

In this episode, Steve takes us on a journey from his time in the RAF, through years as a Crime Scene Investigator, to leading complex investigations with the National Crime Agency.

Along the way, he shares gripping stories, naw dropping moments, and the realiti...