Police Staff Week of Celebration: Forensic Collision Investigator

This week we’re celebrating our incredible Police Staff and everything they do to keep North Wales Police’ wheel turning.

Launched by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), with support from the College of Policing, the first ever Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition hopes to shine a spotlight on the individuals who play an important role within the policing family.

From studying fingerprints and managing our IT systems, through to call handling and keeping the finances in check, police staff play an integral role in the success of police forces.

Ian Thompson: Forensic Collision Investigator

Ian Thompson has worked as a Forensic Collision Investigator (FCI) for North Wales Police for almost eight years.

Prior to joining the force Ian previously worked for Coleg Llandrillo as an Innovation Manager but also lectured computer-aided design, engineering, manufacturing, and maths.

“My role primarily involves attending the scenes of fatal and life-threatening collisions to gather and provide expert evidence to the investigation team. As an FCI I get to be part of the whole investigation – from scene to court.

“I work a combination of shifts with on-call hours, so a typical day involves being in the office where I'll be working on expert reports for collisions I have attended. If a fatal or serious injury collision occurs while I'm on shift, then I deploy to the scene on blue-lights.

“I process the scene - identifying any physical marks, photograph, 3D-laser scan and gather any physical evidence that might help determine how the collision happened.

“When I have finished processing a scene, I use various techniques and methods to determine how the collision occurred. We ensure that the best possible evidence is preserved because if we do not do everything we can at that stage, the evidence is lost as soon as the road is reopened.

“Every collision is different. It is solving a puzzle on a large-scale. Part of my role also sees me attend inquests and court as an expert witness.

“The main aim is to bring answers and justice for grieving families.”

Ian works as part of a team with another three forensic collision investigators, three trainees and two vehicle examiners.

Ian will feature on the forthcoming new series of Y Llinell Las on S4C which will be aired in late Spring.

North Wales Police have a huge range of police staff opportunities across the Force, so you can pursue an exciting career whatever your chosen field. Working alongside frontline officers, police staff keep the force operating smoothly.

To find out more please visit our Careers page Careers | North Wales Police

Follow the campaign on our social media channels using #CelebratingPoliceStaff and to learn about some of our amazing police staff and what career opportunities are available.