Episodi

  • Policing's Well-Being Problem: Stigma, Isolation And The Retention Crisis
    Apr 13 2026

    Dr Sarah-Jane Lennie, Associate Professor at the Centre of Excellence for Equity in Uniformed Public Services at Anglia Ruskin University, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to talk about mental health and well-being in policing — and the often-overlooked toll on police families. Drawing on 17 years as a police officer before moving into academia, Dr Lennie shares the moment her own mental health forced a career-defining decision, and how that experience shaped her research into the culture of silencing, stigma, and emotional masking that still pervades policing today. She explains why the context of policing — the trauma, threat, and violence — is not what harms officers most; it's how they're treated by the organisation afterwards.

    Dr Lennie describes the isolation partners face, the vicarious trauma they absorb while debriefing their officers, the intergenerational patterns that pull children of police into the same job with the same emotional rules, and the practical support families are asking for. She also discusses the Leapwise National Police Wellbeing Survey, the shift away from "resilience" messaging, the role of the academic working group at Anglia Ruskin, and why properly evaluating interventions is the only way to secure lasting change.

    #PoliceWellbeing #PoliceFamilies #MentalHealth #PoliceMentalHealth #VicariousTrauma #DigitalForensics #dfir

    ⏱️ Timestamps

    00:00 Introducing Dr Sarah-Jane Lennie

    02:40 From Policing to Academia

    03:51 Mental Health Breaking Point

    06:54 Culture of Silence

    11:13 Evidence Into Action

    12:44 Biggest Challenges Today

    13:59 How Families Are Impacted

    18:38 Why Families Are Overlooked

    19:29 Support Families Need

    22:31 Kids and Hidden Trauma

    26:42 Stress at Home

    28:07 Emotional Silencing

    29:23 Punitive Help-Seeking

    32:46 Investigations and Isolation

    33:32 Academic Working Group

    35:32 Evidence Into Practice

    46:41 Research Trust Barriers

    51:57 Final Message

    👉 Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com

    🎧 Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/policings-well-being-problem-stigma-isolation-and-the-retention-crisis/

    📝 Show Notes

    Centre of Excellence for Equity in Uniformed Public Services (CEEUPS) – https://www.aru.ac.uk/research/our-research-institutes-and-centres/centre-of-excellence-for-equity-in-uniformed-public-services

    Dr Sarah-Jane Lennie (email) – Sarah-Jane.Lennie@aru.ac.uk

    National Police Well-Being Survey 2025 – https://oscarkilo.org.uk/national-police-wellbeing-survey-2025-deep-dive-psychological-safety

    Oscar Kilo Thank You Film – https://youtu.be/f-WUJeQG_E4?si=1PgwYD24n58T0M3z

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    54 min
  • Rob Fried On New Challenges In Digital Forensics
    Mar 19 2026

    Rob Fried, digital forensics consultant, author, and assistant professor at Hofstra University, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to talk about the evolving challenges of forensic practice, AI in investigations, and his latest book. Rob discusses his annual publication cadence — now in its fourth edition — and how each year's content is shaped by real cases, collaborations, and emerging topics in the DFIR community. This year's edition tackles AI policy, data culling strategy, and the documentation practices that keep forensic work defensible in court.

    The conversation also covers the growing complexity of remote collections and the soft skills required to manage them effectively, the tension between targeted and full file system approaches, and what happens when those decisions come under scrutiny in litigation. Rob shares his experience building a forensics practice from the ground up within an established e-discovery firm, his work teaching the next generation of examiners at Hofstra, and his upcoming symposium — now in its fifth year — which this year will focus on open source intelligence and corporate investigations.

    #mobileforensics #digitalforensics #dfir

    ⏱️ Timestamps

    00:00 Introducing Rob Fried

    03:48 Why Rob Keeps Writing

    07:33 AI Policies and Teaching

    09:39 AI Tools and NotebookLM

    11:42 AI Spam Call Story

    14:33 Forensic Lab and Data Strategy

    22:30 Targeted Collection Risks

    26:10 Remote Collections and Soft Skills

    33:41 Building a Forensics Practice

    35:14 Academia and Closing Skill Gaps

    39:17 Forensics Network

    41:26 Learning and Collaboration

    45:42 Planning the Annual Symposium

    50:36 Tech Roots and Career Values

    54:49 Swag, Challenge Coins and Future Plans

    👉 Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com

    🎥 Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/rob-fried-on-new-challenges-in-digital-forensics/

    📝 Show Notes

    Forensics By Fried – https://forensicsbyfried.com

    Rob Fried's Books – https://forensicsbyfried.com/books

    AI Spoof Call (Instagram) – https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVOXY5MiGNT/?igsh=N3J0cDJwaXk1bW5o

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    1 ora e 5 min
  • Preparing Investigators For Trauma Exposure In Digital Forensics
    Jan 22 2026

    📝 Complete the Forensic Focus International Well-Being Study: https://www.forensicfocus.com/survey

    Bunmi Bloom, co-founder of Sena Forensics, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss the emotional reality of working in digital forensics and the psychological toll of long-term exposure to traumatic material. Drawing on her background with the Metropolitan Police and the Financial Conduct Authority, Bunmi reflects on how DFIR practitioners navigate disturbing images, case reports, and the pressure to "stay strong and get on with it."

    The conversation explores coping mechanisms inside the lab, the vital role of social support, and how desensitisation can develop over time. Bunmi shares why many investigators feel unable to speak openly, how team culture shapes resilience, and what better preparation for new DFIs could look like. She also considers whether psychological screening, mentoring, and leadership-driven change could help create safer, more supportive forensic workplaces.

    #digitalforensics #DFIR #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Policing #CSAM

    00:00 Introducing Bunmi Bloom

    00:39 Sena Forensics: Mission and Services

    03:44 Professional Background

    05:35 The Impactful LinkedIn Post

    07:50 Emotional Challenges in Digital Forensics

    10:55 Coping Mechanisms and Social Support

    15:20 Desensitization and Emotional Detachment

    18:39 Preparation and Support for New DFIs

    22:56 The Importance of Recognizing Stressors

    25:16 The Role of Social Support

    28:27 Cultural Shifts in Mental Health Awareness

    31:53 Psychological Screening in Recruitment

    38:53 Systemic Change and Leadership

    41:20 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

    👉 Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com

    🎧 Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/preparing-investigators-for-trauma-exposure-in-digital-forensics/

    📝 Show Notes

    Sena Forensics on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sena-forensics-bunmi-bloom-76a592374/

    Forensic Focus International Well-Being Study - https://www.forensicfocus.com/survey

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    43 min
  • Covert Cyber Investigator Well-Being With Carol Brooks
    Jan 15 2026

    📝 Take The Surveys

    An Exploratory Study of Covert Cyber Investigators and the Psychological Factors Impacting on Personal Resilience and Investigative Decision-Making

    https://hud.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3gwyXAR281cY12C

    Forensic Focus International Well-Being Study

    https://www.forensicfocus.com/survey

    Carol Brooks, a cyber and organisational psychologist and leadership consultant, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss her PhD research into covert cyber investigators and the psychological factors that shape their resilience and investigative decision-making. She explains what it really means to work "covertly" online and why inconsistent job titles across law enforcement, cybersecurity and the private sector make it difficult even to define the workforce she is studying.

    The conversation explores the significant challenges involved in recruiting participants — from suspicion and cultural barriers to the difficulties of engaging freelancers and small teams — and highlights why anonymity and ethical oversight are critical to building trust. It also examines the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry if research is to have real-world impact, before concluding with a call for covert cyber investigators worldwide to take part in the study and help give this hidden workforce a much-needed voice.

    #DigitalForensics #DFIR #CyberPsychology #InvestigatorWellbeing #CovertInvestigations #mentalhealth

    00:00 Introducing Carol Brooks

    02:05 Carol's PhD Journey and Research Focus

    06:49 Understanding Covert Cyber Investigators

    13:11 Challenges in Recruiting Participants

    27:18 Psychological Factors in Cyber Investigations

    29:54 Setting PhD Goals and Challenges

    31:02 Connecting with Covert Investigators

    32:25 Overcoming Suspicion and Misconceptions

    33:26 Strategies for Accessing Networks

    36:37 Supporting Investigator Wellbeing

    46:55 Bridging Academia and Industry

    52:50 Balancing PhD and Personal Life

    58:36 Call to Action for Covert Investigators

    👉 Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com

    🎧 Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/covert-cyber-investigator-well-being-with-carol-brooks/

    📝 Show Notes

    An Exploratory Study of Covert Cyber Investigators and the Psychological Factors Impacting on Personal Resilience and Investigative Decision-Making - https://hud.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3gwyXAR281cY12C

    British Psychological Society Cyber Psychology Section – https://www.bps.org.uk

    Forensic Focus International Well-Being Study - https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/northumbria/forensic-focus-wellbeing-survey

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    1 ora e 2 min
  • Forensic Focus International Well-Being Study - Have Your Say
    Jan 8 2026

    Phil Anderson from Northumbria University joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss the launch of the Forensic Focus International Well-Being Study — a global research project examining the psychological and physical impact of digital forensic work across both law enforcement and the private sector.

    Drawing on his 24-year academic career and long-standing collaboration with Northumbria Police, Phil explains how digital forensics units have evolved and why DFIs are facing unprecedented levels of stress, burnout, and workload pressure.

    Together with host Paul, he outlines the four core research themes behind the study — early-life trauma and resilience, the mind-body impact of occupational stress, organisational protective factors, and the role of neurodiversity — and issues a clear call to action for DFIs worldwide to take part and help drive meaningful change.

    #DigitalForensics #DFIR #ForensicWellbeing #DFIs #MentalHealth #Neurodiversity #Trauma #PoliceForensics

    00:00 Phil Anderson's Journey into Digital Forensics

    01:34 Collaboration with Northumbria Police

    02:33 The Evolution of Digital Forensics Units

    03:34 Planning the Forensic Focus Well-Being Study

    11:40 Exploring the Impact of Early Life Trauma on DFIs

    19:51 Coping Strategies and Physical Health in DFIs

    24:37 Challenges and Stressors in Digital Forensics

    27:51 Challenges in Digital Forensics

    28:42 Recruitment and Retention Issues

    30:18 Acknowledging the Crisis

    33:34 Protective Factors Against Trauma

    44:08 Neurodiversity in Digital Forensics

    47:46 Call to Action: Participate in the Survey

    👉 Visit Forensic Focus at https://www.forensicfocus.com

    🎧 Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/forensic-focus-international-well-being-study-have-your-say/

    📝 Show Notes

    Forensic Focus International Well-Being Study - https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/northumbria/forensic-focus-wellbeing-survey

    Forensic Focus and Northumbria University Launch International Well-Being Study for Digital Forensic Investigators - https://www.forensicfocus.com/news/forensic-focus-and-northumbria-university-launch-international-well-being-study-for-digital-forensic-investigators/

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    53 min
  • Si And Desi's Holiday Special 2025
    Dec 22 2025
    Si and Desi close out the year on the Forensic Focus Podcast with a wide-ranging end-of-2025 wrap-up, reflecting on how the year unfolded for the show and the DFIR community. They discuss the mental health series, guest appearances, and how everyday technologies — from streaming services to wearables — are increasingly intersecting with forensic investigations, even when people don't realise it. The conversation then broadens to bigger technology shifts, including the rapid rise of AI and its legal, ethical, and societal implications. Si and Desi explore bias, misinformation, validation, and why human oversight still matters, before turning to the resurgence of operating system "wars," Apple's growing market share, Linux's expanding presence, and what changing user behaviour could mean for digital forensics in the years ahead. #DigitalForensics #DFIR #ForensicFocusPodcast #AI #Wearables #Linux #Apple 👉 Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to the Forensic Focus Podcast 00:33 Reflecting on the Year 2025 01:32 Challenges and Changes in 2025 02:09 Mental Health Series and Guest Appearances 04:51 Streaming Services and TV Licenses 09:27 Wearable Technology and Forensics 18:11 AI in Legal and Ethical Contexts 44:20 AI's Inevitable Rise 44:37 The Resurgence of Operating System Wars 45:19 Apple's Growing Market Share 46:31 Linux's Increasing Presence 53:14 Challenges for Linux Adoption 01:02:31 The Shift to Mobile and Tablet Usage 01:14:49 AI-Generated Content and Its Implications 01:21:50 Reflections on Free Speech and AI 01:27:57 Looking Ahead to the Future 🎧 Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/si-and-desis-holiday-special-2025/ 📝 Show Notes Forensic Focus Podcasts - https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast Forensic Focus Jobs Board - https://www.forensicfocus.com/jobs 'The old-school landline is having a cultural moment', ABC - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-16/landline-rotary-phone-social-media-ban-family-connect/106010638 'Judges have become 'human filters' as AI in Australian courts reaches 'unsustainable phase', chief justice says', The Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/law/2025/nov/21/judges-have-become-human-filters-as-ai-in-australian-courts-reaches-unsustainable-phase-chief-justice-says 'Founder Admits His "AI Transcription" Startup Was Just Him Joining People's Meetings and Taking Notes by Hand', Futurism - https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/fireflies-founder-startup-ai 'Man Alarmed to Discover His Smart Vacuum Was Broadcasting a Secret Map of His House', Futurism - https://futurism.com/robots-and-machines/robot-vacuum-broadcasting 👉 Follow Forensic Focus RSS | https://www.forensicfocus.com/feed YouTube | https://youtube.com/@ForensicFocus Podcast | https://forensicfocus.com/podcast LinkedIn Page | https://linkedin.com/company/forensicfocus LinkedIn Group | https://linkedin.com/groups/693917 X (Twitter) | https://x.com/ForensicFocus Facebook | https://facebook.com/forensicfocus Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/forensicfocus.bsky.social Instagram | https://instagram.com/forensicfocus TikTok | https://tiktok.com/@forensicfocus Mastodon | https://dfir.social/@forensicfocus
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    1 ora e 33 min
  • Oxygen Forensics On Smarter, Faster Remote DFIR Collections
    Dec 18 2025

    Keith Lockhart from Oxygen Forensics joins Si and Desi on the Forensic Focus Podcast to examine how remote digital evidence collection is changing investigative workflows across DFIR, eDiscovery, and corporate investigations. Drawing on recent XiB mobile training and real-world deployments, Keith explains where remote and agent-based acquisition delivers practical benefits—and where traditional hands-on methods remain essential.

    The discussion covers targeted versus full acquisitions, consent and governance in corporate environments, and the operational realities of collecting data across networks, jurisdictions, and time zones. It also explores over-the-air mobile collection, workstation memory capture, drone forensics, and why parser development remains a constant challenge as apps and platforms evolve.

    #DigitalForensics #DFIR #MobileForensics #IncidentResponse #eDiscovery #RemoteCollection #DigitalEvidence #cybercrime

    👉 Visit Forensic Focus at https://www.forensicfocus.com

    ⏱️ Timestamps

    00:00 Welcoming Keith from Oxygen

    01:59 Discussing the XiB Course Experience

    05:19 Challenges and Successes in Mobile Phone Extraction

    10:22 Remote Collection and Its Evolution

    14:38 ROI and Practical Applications of Remote Collection

    30:32 Remote Collection in Corporate and Law Enforcement

    35:01 Parole Monitoring Challenges

    35:20 Case Study: Faulty Monitoring Software

    36:34 The Need for Reliable Monitoring Tools

    37:23 Cross-Border Data and Legal Concerns

    38:02 Chain of Custody in Law Enforcement

    39:26 Remote Acquisition and Targeted Data Collection

    41:33 Corporate Use Cases and Data Management

    51:04 Drone Acquisition and Challenges

    01:00:34 Concluding Thoughts and Future Developments

    🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/oxygen-forensics-on-smarter-faster-remote-dfir-collections/

    📝 Show Notes

    Oxygen Forensics – https://www.oxygenforensics.com/

    Review: Oxygen Forensics Training – Extraction in a Box (XiB) – https://www.forensicfocus.com/reviews/oxygen-forensics-training-extraction-in-a-box-xib/

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    1 ora e 7 min
  • The Idaho Murders: From Behavioural Clues To AI's Role In Digital Forensics
    Dec 11 2025

    Heather and Jared Barnhart return to the Forensic Focus Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation covering Cellebrite's growing Case-to-Closure Summit, behind-the-scenes insights from building one of the industry's toughest CTFs, and their digital forensic work on one of the most high-profile US murder cases in recent years. They share why the C2C Summit focuses on practitioner-led talks rather than product pitches, what made the first event such a success, and what's planned for the next gathering — including expanded training and a keynote from Terry Crews.

    The discussion also dives into how they design complex CTFs, why intentionally frustrating questions teach critical thinking, and how their mobile forensics analysis helped reveal behavioural patterns, intent, and attempts to hide activity in the Idaho murders investigation. They finish by exploring the future of investigations and AI — from cautious, evidence-bounded implementations to the importance of validation and avoiding confirmation bias.

    Get 50% off Cellebrite C2C User Summit 2026 registration with promo code: 2026-c2c-ForensicFocus

    #DigitalForensics #DFIR #MobileForensics #Cellebrite #CTF #incidentresponse #ForensicFocus #AIForensics

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions

    01:33 C2C Summit Overview

    03:35 C2C Summit Success and Highlights

    09:45 Challenges and Insights from CTF

    19:56 Introduction to the Idaho Murders Case

    25:10 The Slow Process of Justice

    25:53 Key Evidence: The Knife Sheath and the Car

    27:46 Digital Footprint and Intent

    28:58 Challenges in Mobile Forensics

    31:49 Behavioral Patterns and Digital Evidence

    42:30 AI in Forensics

    43:17 Future of Digital Investigations

    44:00 The Role of AI in Investigations

    50:52 Validation and Confirmation Bias

    54:24 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

    👉 Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com

    🎧 Episode Page & Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/the-idaho-murders-from-behavioural-clues-to-ais-role-in-digital-forensics/

    📝 Show Notes

    Cellebrite – https://www.cellebrite.com

    Cellebrite C2C User Summit 2026 – https://events.cellebritec2c.com/event/2026/overview

    CFReDS – https://cfreds.nist.gov/

    SANS DFIR Summit & Training 2026 – https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-training-events/digital-forensics-summit-2026

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    57 min