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 — working as a CSI, Crime Scene Manager and Crime Scene Coordinator at Northumbria and Durham Constabulary — before moving into her current role as a UK and overseas specialist trainer, passing on her expertise to the next generation of forensic investigators at home and abroad.

We go under the barrier tape on Suzi’s fascinating career journey — from her early days as a CSI inspired by Patricia Cornwell novels, through senior leadership roles, and into the world of international forensic training. We also explore what a single national police force could mean for forensic science and the training of CSIs across the UK.

But at the heart of this episode is a conversation that really matters. Suzi speaks with extraordinary candour about her experience of PTSD — how it crept up on her, what it felt like, and why she believes that if it can happen to her, it can happen to anyone. It is a powerful, honest and important conversation about the mental health toll of a career spent working with trauma, and why reducing the stigma around asking for help could change — and save — lives.

This is the third episode in which we have explored mental health in the world of forensic science and policing. It is a subject we are deeply passionate about, and we are so grateful to Suzi for having the courage to share her story.

⚠️ This episode discusses PTSD and the mental health impact of working in forensic science and policing. Listener discretion is advised.

💙 If you are struggling with your mental health, please know that help is available:

Mind Blue Light Programme — specialist mental health support for emergency services workers: mind.org.uk/bluelight

Oscar Kilo — the national police wellbeing service: oscarkilo.org.uk

Mind — for everyone: mind.org.uk or call 0300 123 3393

Samaritans — available 24/7: call 116 123

#TheCrimeSceneInsiders #TrueCrime #TrueCrimeUK #MentalHealth #PTSD #MentalHealthMatters #ForensicScience #CSI #UnderTheBarrierTape #Podcast #TrueCrimePodcast #TraumaAwareness #BlueLight #EmergencyService

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