The AFP will mark this International Women and Girls in Science Day by showcasing dedicated female members using science and technology to keep Australians safe.
At the helm is AFP Chief Forensic Scientist Sarah Benson, who was at the forefront of developing a new explosives analysis capability in 2000, which positioned the AFP to work alongside Australian and international counterparts in the aftermath of the tragic Bali bombings 20 years ago.
These and other scientific capabilities have positioned Australia to contribute to some of the most devastating incidents in recent times, including the downing of Malaysia Airline flight MH17 in 2014 and support to New Zealand Police in response to the volcanic eruption on White Island in 2019.
Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews, who is the only female MP in the House of Representatives with an engineering background, said the women scientists and technicians who worked for the AFP were helping solve some of the country’s most complex crimes.
“I have long encouraged students—especially girls—to study STEM,” Andrews said. “Studying STEM opens the door to so many opportunities, including to the AFP, which is often leading and creating new forensic capabilities used to identify criminals and solve crimes.”
Chemistry
Jennifer Garcia trained as an organic chemist and fulfilled a life-long dream when she joined the AFP as a laboratory technician in 2014. She has since moved to digital forensics, where she analyzes data on computers, phones and other electronic devices to find evidence of offending, such as child abuse and exploitation.
“Ultimately my role is to help investigators secure digital evidence. We can advise if we think devices are likely to get wiped or integrity of evidence will be compromised in any way and work to secure these devices,” Garcia said. “Working at the AFP for me was a life-long dream. It stems from my upbringing in South America, where crime was rife and everywhere. Some of the things I saw in my youth there made an imprint on me, and I knew I wanted to work for law enforcement at a very young age. The AFP has given me an opportunity to help keep Australia safe.”
Toxicology
While most of her colleagues have postgraduate degrees in various forensic disciplines, AFP analyst Karly Redwood studied criminology, intelligence and drug strategy.
“I joined the AFP Forensic Drug Intelligence (FDI) team almost 10 years ago and have enjoyed working alongside a team of technical experts and translating complex scientific drug chemistry data into actionable intelligence,” Redwood said. “Despite not possessing a formal scientific qualification, I have been able to diversify and enhance my skillset, and that of my team, to ensure we can continue to build on the FDI capability, and the reputation of the AFP as a trusted partner in delivering science in a meaningful way. I have two young boys, and I want them to see their mum continue to learn and play a small, but important role in applying science and technology to disrupt transnational and serious and organized crime.”
CSI
Cherrone Ellis joined the AFP as a Crime Scene Examiner in 2000, and is a member of the Forensic Operation Centre.
“During my career I have led the development of the Forensic Hazardous Scene Cohort, responsible for examinations relating to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats,” Ellis said.
Commander Paula Hudson who heads up the AFP’s day-to-day forensic operational response and capacity, said she was proud to see more female scientists and technical specialists join the AFP and navigate successful and rewarding careers.
“I am so fortunate to work with these women at all levels. Day in, day out, I have the opportunity to see their hard work, professionalism, expertise, passion and achievements,’’ Hudson said. “Science and technology underpins all the work we do—without it we wouldn’t be able to compare glass fragments from crime scenes, recover files on suspects’ computers or identify the chemical components of drug seizures. At the AFP we have inspiring women working across a range of specialist forensic science and technical intelligence disciplines, including biological and chemical criminalistics, identification sciences such as fingerprint and facial identification, imagery and geomatics, digital forensics, audio and video analysis, counter terrorism and rapid response.”
The AFP has committed to achieving gender equality through a number of strategies and initiatives, including its Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and targeted recruitment campaigns. The AFP has committed to increasing diversity in the agency, including a sworn-female workforce target of 30 percent by 2028.
Last year the AFP launched a Forensics Work Experience Program, aimed at high school students who are thinking about pursuing a career in STEM, particularly in forensic science. The program helps students to gain insights into what a career in forensics involves, and the opportunity to engage with AFP forensic experts working in contemporary forensic roles. To learn more visit: AFP Forensics Work Experience Program.
Republished courtesy of AFP.