The Crime Scene Insiders

Working in crime scene investigation means facing things most people will never see. But behind every CSI is a person carrying the weight of what they have seen — and that is a conversation that doesn't get had nearly enough.

In this episode, Ange and Dee are joined by a very familiar face — Suzi Cutler, a former colleague from their time at Northumbria Police. Suzi spent almost 18 years in crime scene investigation &mda...

For our one-year anniversary special, we thought we’d do something a little different and take it right back to where a lot of this started — the two of us working double crewed as CSIs.

In this episode of The Crime Scene Insiders, we go back under the barrier tape and revisit some of the funniest, strangest, most chaotic and memorable jobs we attended together over the years.

From turning up to a “routine” cr...

On 22nd May 2017, a suicide bomber detonated a homemade explosive device in the foyer of Manchester Arena as thousands of concertgoers — many of them children — were leaving an Ariana Grande concert. Twenty-two innocent people were killed and hundreds more were injured. It was the biggest terrorist attack the UK had seen since the 7/7 bombings.

This episode is released one week before the 9th anniversary of that night.

In...

What does it take to move from attending routine crime scenes to leading the forensic response to some of the most complex cases in the UK?

In this episode, Ange and Dee are joined by Bob Gallagher MBE — former Senior Crime Scene Investigator and Crime Scene Manager with Greater Manchester Police. Bob was awarded his MBE for services to forensic and digital investigations, including his role in the forensic response to ...

What does nearly 50 years at the frontline of forensic science look like — and what does it tell us about one of Britain's most enduring cold cases?

In this episode, Ange and Dee are joined by a very special guest and long-time mentor, Brian Rankin — former senior forensic scientist with the Home Office Forensic Science Service, former President of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, and one of the most re...

He went from attending crime scenes… to leading the teams behind them.

In this episode of The Crime Scene Insiders, we’re joined by Peter Hunter — a former Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) who is now Head of Forensics at Staffordshire Police.

We started our CSI journey with Pete back in 2008, and in this episode we explore how a career in forensics really evolves — including what it’s like w...

In October 2009, 50 year old Alan Wood was living a quiet life in rural Lincolnshire. A gentle and well-liked man, he worked nights at Sainsbury’s, ran a small gardening business, and enjoyed spending time with friends at his local pub.

But after what appeared to be a completely routine evening, Alan returned home — and was never seen alive again.

Three days later he was found dead in his living room, the vi...

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 wha...

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 c...

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 di...

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...

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 l...

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...

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 o...

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. G...

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, a...

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 th...

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 talk...

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 i...