Capturing Crime Scenes: A Day in the Life of an Forensic Multimedia Officer

From scanning crime scenes in 3D to producing powerful visuals for court, the work of the Imaging Unit is both technical and creative. We spoke with Julia, one of our Forensic Multimedia Officers, to learn about her typical day, what inspired her career path, and how her work helps bring clarity and justice to complex investigations.

Can you describe your role and what a typical day looks like for you in the Imaging/Forensic Audio Visual Unit (FAVU)?

Working in the Imaging Unit involves a wide range of responsibilities, making each day different. Every day, we have to be prepared to head out to a crime scene, so this is one of the first things we check when getting into work. At a scene, our role is to capture the environment using our 3D laser scanner, which is a device that uses lasers to calculate the distance between the scanner and an object’s surface.

If we aren’t off at crime scenes, we still have lots of work to do at base. We can take the data we collect at a scene to create detailed 3D models, which can be used to help a jury understand the crime scene and the context in which a crime has taken place. We also produce other types of court presentation material, such as 2D mapping, floor plans, and interactive packages.

What inspired you to pursue a career in digital forensics, and how did you get started?

I was inspired to pursue this career due to a long-standing interest in law enforcement, influenced by stories my grandfather shared from his time in the force. I achieved a 1^st in my Forensic Investigation undergraduate degree, which helped me understand how to apply my digital skillset to help others. Whilst at university, I volunteered at West Midlands Police, aiding them in similar duties to what I perform now, such as laser scanning and Computer Aided Design (CAD). I was attracted to this role as it has a unique combination of being on the front line at crime scenes while also having the opportunity to develop my expertise in software like Premiere Pro and AutoCAD.

What is the most rewarding part of your job—and what’s the most challenging?

The most rewarding aspect of my job is knowing that the work I do contributes to achieving justice for victims and their families. In this role, we are closely involved with every detail of the cases we handle. While this level of exposure can be emotionally challenging, it also brings a deep sense of purpose, as it fosters a strong connection to the people we’re helping.

How does your work contribute to criminal investigations and the wider goals of policing?

The work I produce as a Multimedia Officer can have a direct impact on the outcome of a case. It is my job to ensure the jury understands the information that is put in front of them so they can make an informed decision in the trial.

What advice would you give to someone considering a role in digital forensics?

In my opinion, one of the best ways to prepare for a career in any area of the force is by gaining hands-on experience through a police volunteer program such as the one I completed with West Midlands Police. That said, there are other accessible and digitally focused options, such as enrolling in online courses or joining clubs related to fields like video editing, software engineering, or graphic design.

Can you share something interesting or unexpected about your role that most people might not know?

Most people wouldn’t realise that this role requires skills similar to roles within the film industry, such as editing, camera knowledge, and the ability to tell a story.

—

Learn More About The Imaging/FAVU

The Imaging and FAVU team plays a key role in transforming complex evidence into clear, compelling visuals that support investigations and court proceedings. To learn more about this fascinating area of policing and explore career opportunities, visit our Forensics page.