Page 3 of The Scene of the Crime

‘The panel is ready to interview you, Miss Russell. Sorry it’s a bit earlier than expected. The last candidate’s chances were pretty much over before the interview began. Commander Williams does her homework on all the applicants. Shediscovered the chap had made derogatory remarks on Facebook and X about the Met’s senior management. He tried to deny it but had to fess up in the end.’

Jessica shook her head. She wasn’t on social media herself, and couldn’t believe how foolish some people could be. Jordan took her to the Commander’s office, and she took a deep breath as she entered.

Despite Commander Williams’s desk being positioned in front of the windows, Jessica was surprised to find her sitting in a comfortable armchair and the two male officers seated on a matching three-seater sofa.

‘Nice to see you again, Jess,’ Williams smiled. ‘I don’t expect you’re used to being interviewed this way, but I prefer a less formal surrounding as it helps candidates feel more at ease.’ Williams smiled, gesturing for Jessica to sit in the other armchair. Morgan nodded in agreement, but Jessica noticed Anderson’s dour expression as he picked up his clipboard and pen from the coffee table.

Williams’s opening question was to ask her if she knew who the other officers present were, and Jessica was immediately thankful for Jordan’s tip as she reeled them off.

‘And what do you know about MSCAN?’

‘It was your vision to create a team of the best crime scene examiners working alongside a behavioural psychologist for the homicide and major crime command. They will deal with all forensic matters throughout an investigation, from crime scene to court. This will include crime scene analysis, reconstruction, victimology and suspect profiling. They will also consider the value and limitations of the available evidence, as well as suggesting any additional investigative and forensic opportunities.’

Williams nodded with a look of approval and wrote something on her clipboard.

DCS Morgan raised his pen. ‘The Commissioner was initially reluctant about Commander Williams’s idea as the Met already has its own forensic lab and crime scene managers. He was also concerned about the running costs. How do you think MSCAN will bring value to major crime investigations?’

‘Having a specialised unit of experts on hand to identify and optimise the best forensic opportunities in the early stages of an investigation should ultimately be more cost-effective.’

Williams smiled. ‘That’s pretty much what I told the Commissioner. That said, he decided MSCAN would be evaluated after a year. If it isn’t cost-effective and producing results, it could be disbanded. How would you feel about that?’

‘I’d like to think that won’t happen, ma’am. If selected for the team leader role, I know I can run a unit that will get results and prove its worth.’

Williams and Morgan nodded. The expressionless Anderson twirled his pen between his fingers, then pointed it at Jessica. ‘What makes you think you’d be a good team leader?’ he asked bluntly.

Jessica took a deep breath. ‘I have good communication skills, a strong work ethic and the ability to empathise with others. Good leadership is about supporting the people around you, trusting them, and allowing them to contribute their expertise so the team can be successful.’

‘Yes, I’m sure I read that definition in a manual somewhere,’ Anderson glibly replied. He then flicked through a couple of pages on his clipboard before continuing. ‘You are only thirty-four, and according to your CV, have been a crime scene manager for two years, which isn’t a lot of experience in managing people.’

Jessica wondered if he was just trying to unsettle her or was totally against her leading the MSCAN team. Either way, she was determined he wouldn’t get to her. ‘The director of forensicservices in Kent was the referee for my MSCAN application. He recommended me for the position and commended my crime scene management and forensic investigation skills,’ Jessica replied calmly.

Anderson was about to continue, but Williams raised her hand to stop him. ‘Tell us about your academic qualifications, Jessica.’

‘I have a joint first-class honours degree in Psychology and Criminology and a master’s degree in Investigative Psychology.’

‘Was criminal profiling part of your degrees?’ Williams asked.

‘Yes, ma’am, for my master’s, but it was called Behavioural Investigative Analysis.’

‘We haven’t selected a behavioural psychologist for the team yet. How do you think they will assist murder and major crime investigations?’ Morgan asked.

‘Essentially, behavioural analysis studies an offender’s motivation and method by examining their verbal and nonverbal actions during and after the commission of the crime. Identifying these behavioural clues at a crime scene is fundamental to developing an accurate profile of an unknown offender. It’s a valuable investigative tool that detectives can use to narrow down a list of suspects.’

‘Some say it’s nothing more than guesswork,’ Anderson said.

‘A behavioural adviser should only base their conclusions on the information and documented evidence they receive from investigators,’ Jessica replied calmly, not taking the bait.

Morgan nodded and made a tick mark on his clipboard.

‘Do you find your behavioural knowledge helps as a crime scene manager?’ Williams asked.

‘Undoubtedly. I try to get inside the offender’s head, to think and act like them in order to identify the correct forensic approach.’

‘You have impressive qualifications, but my question is this. Have you ever actually given behavioural advice on live or cold case investigations?’ Anderson asked.

‘No, sir, but I have been involved in a case where a behavioural adviser was called in and . . .’

Anderson shook his head, ‘The National Crime Agency has an approved list of highly qualified behavioural investigative advisers that senior investigators can contact for advice on major investigations. Is your name on that list?’