Graduate from Telford celebrates “perfect start” to career in forensics

A recent Staffordshire University graduate says landing a job in digital forensics is the “perfect start” to her career.

BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation graduate Lucinda Eaves, 22, from Telford, said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Staffs. All the staff have been amazing and I’ve met some really great people.

“One of the biggest influences for me when I was deciding to take this course and come to Staffordshire was the course being accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Science and the amazing facilities which gave us the opportunity to develop first hand skills, like dealing with crime scenes.

“There was a big array of different disciplines within forensics that we were taught, which I think was really beneficial because it’s difficult to know what you’ll enjoy. I think it set everybody up in a really good position when we graduated.”

During her studies, Lucinda had the opportunity to undertake a six week placement with Staffordshire Police, through the Staffordshire Forensic Partnership. She was placed with the Quality Service Team, who were tasked with ensuring all the forensic departments were ready for the introduction of the Forensic Science Regulators Code of Practice. She also worked with the Digital Forensics department and got the chance to observe various operational procedures.

During another placement with West Midlands Police, Lucinda worked with the Crime Scene Coordinators, assessing case files.

“Going into a professional environment can be quite daunting but doing a placement helps to take away that barrier and helps you to develop those employability skills,” Lucinda commented.

“The placement at Staffordshire Police was really beneficial as quality assurance is vital in forensics and has been a topic that has come up in any job interview I’ve had. My time with West Midlands Police also gave me the opportunity to speak to relevant teams to support my dissertation, which was really valuable.

“I think my biggest takeaway is the reputation that Staffs has. The amount of people who are working within those forces who have qualified from Staffordshire University just speaks volumes.”

Having achieved a first class degree, Lucinda has started a job as a Digital Imaging and Reconstruction Support Officer with West midlands Police. In the role she helps to provide a range of different services, such as enhancements, injury body mapping, 3D reconstructions of scenes, 2D floor plans, route mapping and E-Fits.

It has been a double celebration for Lucinda and her family, as her mum has also graduated from Staffordshire University this summer.

“The most amazing part of graduating was that my Mum also graduated a week before me, with a Foundation Degree in Counselling Skills. I’m so proud of her and know she will make an absolutely wonderful counsellor.”

Lucinda added: “It feels very rewarding to have graduated with a first-class degree. The hard work and dedication have truly paid off, and securing a job with West Midlands Police is the perfect start to my career.

“I’m still very much getting used to it, but I am surrounded by a great team and thoroughly enjoy my job.”

Pic: Lucinda Eaves and her mum have both graduated