Students praised for contribution to police forensics

Five Staffordshire University students have been praised after presenting important forensic studies to the force.

They presented their findings to police and university staff at the force’s headquarters on Weston Road, Stafford.

The students recently completed a six-week placement, under the Staffordshire Forensic Programme (SFP), focusing on the best methods of gathering DNA evidence from a car steering-wheel and how to retrieve data from instant messaging apps.

The course was made possible through a long-standing partnership between the force and Staffordshire University, aimed at driving the boundaries of forensic science in the region.

Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Jennie Mattinson said: “What particularly impressed me was how well they connected with our forensics department from an operational perspective.

“It was clear that the students had really thought about the operational impacts of their research and how it can change our practices within forensics.”

The students completed four projects in total, with one focused specifically on forensic packaging.

Integrated Masters student, Sarah Hartley, worked with the force’s forensics submissions team to create a guide for police officers and staff to reference when packaging evidence.

SFP co-ordinator Martyn Horden, said: “The presentations raised lots of interest and questions and it was clear from the students’ feedback that the placements were really useful in terms of working with the police and giving them an idea of the jobs and careers available.”

ACC Mattinson added: “Partnership working is an essential tool for the force in both serving the public and creating effective employment opportunities.

“We are constantly looking at new ways to deliver an effective service for our local communities and remain committed to developing these methods and practices to improve our capabilities to solve crime, both in the present and in the future.”

Staffordshire Police are currently recruiting for a number of operational and staff roles. To find out more, visit our careers page: Careers | Staffordshire Police