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 the role from the ground up, being thrown in at the deep end, and building confidence through experience — not textbooks.

We discuss early career mistakes, major scenes, the realities of forensic work behind the scenes, and how the job impacts you over time. Charlie also reflects on leadership, mentoring new CSIs, and the importance of looking after yourself and your team — something she continues to do today in her current role as a trainer.

An honest, insightful episode for anyone working in forensics, considering the career, or wanting to understand what happens underneath the barrier tape.

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

• Technical winter nightmares: batteries dying, blood in snow, and footwear marks

• Stuck vans, burnt clutches, and blizzards

• The emotional impact of festive crimes

• Camaraderie, office decorations, microwave party food & keeping spirits high

Funny, honest and eye-opening — a look at the human side of forensic work when everyone else is celebrating.

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:

🧪 What CSI work used to look like vs now

🚔 Stories only a real SOCO could tell

🧠 Coping mechanisms, hindsight & mental health

🎓 Teaching and influencing the next generation

🎶 And how Gary created our podcast theme tune

It’s honest, funny, and deeply personal — a conversation about the realities of a career that changed lives!