David Shipley, Instructor at Anglia Ruskin University, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to talk about the human cost of online safeguarding work and his fight to close a gap in UK law. Drawing on 16 years investigating abusive imagery and online child sexual offending, David reflects on what the work actually involves — from the scale of the problem and the relentless build-up of warrants and digital forensic backlogs, to the difficult triage decisions investigators must make when no team can examine every device. He's candid about what "safeguarding" really means in practice, and about the mental toll the role takes on the people who do it.

The conversation then turns to David's final year in policing, when his work on the David Fuller case led him to discover that much of the sexual abuse of corpses he was cataloguing was not actually illegal. David explains how he took that discovery from a Ministry of Justice rejection through a lost bill and a change of government to eventual Royal Assent — a four-year campaign that introduced a new offence and raised the maximum sentence for sexual penetration of a corpse from two to seven years. He closes with frank advice for the next generation of investigators on protecting their own well-being and holding onto an investigative mindset.

#OnlineSafeguarding #InvestigatorWellbeing #LawReform #Policing #MentalHealth #DigitalForensics #DFIR

00:00 Introducing David Shipley

01:20 An Unusual Route Into Safeguarding

03:23 The Scale Of The Problem

06:55 Warrants, Workload And Backlogs

08:40 Triage: You Can't Examine Everything

11:52 What Safeguarding Really Means

14:46 The Hidden Mental Toll

18:21 How Welfare Support Evolved

22:27 Questionnaires And Team Culture

24:58 The Session That Changed My Mind

26:15 The David Fuller Case

29:27 Retiring, Then Returning To Finish The Job

31:51 Continuity And Limiting Exposure

33:50 Discovering The Gap In The Law

36:38 Shock, Duty And Dignity In Death

38:24 Launching The Campaign

41:11 The Ministry Of Justice Says No

44:05 Setbacks, A Lost Bill And A Second Chance

47:00 Royal Assent And Mixed Emotions

50:31 What The New Law Actually Changes

55:32 Advice For The Next Generation

58:08 Closing Reflections

👉 Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com

🎧 Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/david-shipley-investigating-the-darkest-corners-of-digital-evidence/

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Marcus Rowe, Business Director – Public Safety & Forensics at Leica Geosystems, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to talk about 3D laser scanning, forensic digital twins, and the role of LiDAR in modern crime and collision investigation. Marcus shares his path from military and civilian policing — including a career in forensic collision investigation with Devon & Cornwall Police — into industry, and explains how Leica Geosystems (part of Hexagon) is empowering investigators with tools that capture entire scenes for analysis, courtroom presentation, and cold case review.

Marcus and Si also discuss the upcoming Forensics Europe Expo at Olympia on 1–2 July, which is set to bring together senior leaders, practitioners and solution providers from across the forensic community. To learn more and secure a free visitor pass, visit: https://www.forensicseuropeexpo.com.

The conversation also turns to Marcus's involvement in the world's largest crash test, featured in the Channel 4 documentary Pile Up. Working blind to the staged scenario, Marcus reconstructed the multi-vehicle collision from post-event scene capture and 3D modelling — at times surfacing detail that the 90 cameras filming the event had missed.

#LiDAR #3DScanning #CrashInvestigation #ForensicDigitalTwins #LeicaGeosystems #DigitalForensics #DFIR

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 Welcome Marcus Rowe

02:44 From Policing to Leica Geosystems

05:35 Leica Conference Highlights

08:43 Forensic Digital Twins Talk

17:55 What to Expect at FEE

22:29 Students and Career Pathways

26:08 World's Largest Crash Test

31:07 LiDAR Explained Simply

34:36 Courtroom Storytelling in 3D

36:02 Real Cases and Proof Standards

38:40 TV Production

41:20 Micron Accuracy Use Cases

42:25 Footprints Without Contact

46:56 From Microns to Kilometers

50:35 VR for Juries and Trust

52:04 Holistic Capture Beats Bias

56:02 FEE Event Invitation

01:00:36 Wrap Up

👉 Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com

🎧 Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/leicas-marcus-rowe-on-investigating-the-worlds-largest-crash-test-plus-what-to-expect-at-fee-2026/

📝 Show Notes

Leica Geosystems – https://leica-geosystems.com

Hexagon – https://hexagon.com

Leica DISTO – https://shop.leica-geosystems.com/disto

Forensics Europe Expo (FEE) – https://www.forensicseuropeexpo.com

Channel 4 "Pile Up" documentary – https://www.channel4.com/programmes/pile-up-worlds-biggest-crash-test

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Phil Anderson from Northumbria University joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss the launch of the Forensic Focus International Well-Being Study — a global research project examining the psychological and physical impact of digital forensic work across both law enforcement and the private sector.

Drawing on his 24-year academic career and long-standing collaboration with Northumbria Police, Phil explains how digital forensics units have evolved and why DFIs are facing unprecedented levels of stress, burnout, and workload pressure.

Together with host Paul, he outlines the four core research themes behind the study — early-life trauma and resilience, the mind-body impact of occupational stress, organisational protective factors, and the role of neurodiversity — and issues a clear call to action for DFIs worldwide to take part and help drive meaningful change.

#DigitalForensics #DFIR #ForensicWellbeing #DFIs #MentalHealth #Neurodiversity #Trauma #PoliceForensics

00:00 Phil Anderson's Journey into Digital Forensics

01:34 Collaboration with Northumbria Police

02:33 The Evolution of Digital Forensics Units

03:34 Planning the Forensic Focus Well-Being Study

11:40 Exploring the Impact of Early Life Trauma on DFIs

19:51 Coping Strategies and Physical Health in DFIs

24:37 Challenges and Stressors in Digital Forensics

27:51 Challenges in Digital Forensics

28:42 Recruitment and Retention Issues

30:18 Acknowledging the Crisis

33:34 Protective Factors Against Trauma

44:08 Neurodiversity in Digital Forensics

47:46 Call to Action: Participate in the Survey

👉 Visit Forensic Focus at https://www.forensicfocus.com

🎧 Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/forensic-focus-international-well-being-study-have-your-say/

📝 Show Notes

Forensic Focus International Well-Being Study - https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/northumbria/forensic-focus-wellbeing-survey

Forensic Focus and Northumbria University Launch International Well-Being Study for Digital Forensic Investigators - https://www.forensicfocus.com/news/forensic-focus-and-northumbria-university-launch-international-well-being-study-for-digital-forensic-investigators/

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Solution consulting for a digital forensics vendor demands a deep knowledge, not just of digital forensics practice, but also of the people who are doing the practice. This month's special vendor edition of the Forensic Focus podcast brings Nuix's Aidan Jewell, head of solution consulting in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Aidan started working in digital forensics in January 2005 with a law enforcement agency in England, coming to specialize in Apple Macintosh forensics.

Si and Desi close out the year on the Forensic Focus Podcast with a wide-ranging end-of-2025 wrap-up, reflecting on how the year unfolded for the show and the DFIR community. They discuss the mental health series, guest appearances, and how everyday technologies — from streaming services to wearables — are increasingly intersecting with forensic investigations, even when people don't realise it.

The conversation then broadens to bigger technology shifts, including the rapid rise of AI and its legal, ethical, and societal implications. Si and Desi explore bias, misinformation, validation, and why human oversight still matters, before turning to the resurgence of operating system "wars," Apple's growing market share, Linux's expanding presence, and what changing user behaviour could mean for digital forensics in the years ahead.

#DigitalForensics #DFIR #ForensicFocusPodcast #AI #Wearables #Linux #Apple

👉 Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to the Forensic Focus Podcast

00:33 Reflecting on the Year 2025

01:32 Challenges and Changes in 2025

02:09 Mental Health Series and Guest Appearances

04:51 Streaming Services and TV Licenses

09:27 Wearable Technology and Forensics

18:11 AI in Legal and Ethical Contexts

44:20 AI's Inevitable Rise

44:37 The Resurgence of Operating System Wars

45:19 Apple's Growing Market Share

46:31 Linux's Increasing Presence

53:14 Challenges for Linux Adoption

01:02:31 The Shift to Mobile and Tablet Usage

01:14:49 AI-Generated Content and Its Implications

01:21:50 Reflections on Free Speech and AI

01:27:57 Looking Ahead to the Future

🎧 Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/si-and-desis-holiday-special-2025/

📝 Show Notes

Forensic Focus Podcasts - https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast

Forensic Focus Jobs Board - https://www.forensicfocus.com/jobs

'The old-school landline is having a cultural moment', ABC - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-16/landline-rotary-phone-social-media-ban-family-connect/106010638

'Judges have become 'human filters' as AI in Australian courts reaches 'unsustainable phase', chief justice says', The Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/law/2025/nov/21/judges-have-become-human-filters-as-ai-in-australian-courts-reaches-unsustainable-phase-chief-justice-says

'Founder Admits His "AI Transcription" Startup Was Just Him Joining People's Meetings and Taking Notes by Hand', Futurism - https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/fireflies-founder-startup-ai

'Man Alarmed to Discover His Smart Vacuum Was Broadcasting a Secret Map of His House', Futurism - https://futurism.com/robots-and-machines/robot-vacuum-broadcasting

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In an era of profound social change, few industries find themselves at the intersection between law, technology, and social justice the way digital forensics does. This month on the Forensic Focus podcast, our vendor edition welcomes Henrik Tjernberg chairman of the board of our longtime sponsor MSAB. Having served in that role since 2002, Mr. Tjernberg has been in the unique position of seeing from a business perspective, how digital forensics has shaped and been shaped by these forces and what it all means for the industry as we enter a new decade.

This month on the Forensic Focus podcast, we have a special vendor edition featuring one of our long-time sponsors, MSAB. Mike Dickinson, the company's chief business development officer, is a senior business professional specializing in technology for law enforcement, military and government agencies. He's held numerous roles within MSAB, directing communications, training and marketing. As such, he's built up an extensive knowledge of digital forensic solutions for public sector policing. 

To paraphrase a popular career title: What color is your digital forensics parachute? What path are you on currently? Is it the one you want to be on? And how do you know, when the field might look very different in five years? 

Welcome to the Forensic Focus podcast, where monthly we interview experts from the digital forensics and incident response community on topics ranging from technical aspects to career soft skills. I'm your host, Christa Miller. 

Careers in digital forensics and information security is a hot topic right now. Gaps in skills, gender, and representation from underprivileged communities are all being discussed and to some extent, even debated. With us today to talk more about that is Douglas Brush, an information security executive with over 26 years of entrepreneurship and professional technology experience. 

When we talk about diversity in DFIR, are we referring to hiring people who look different from us, or do we also mean people who think differently? Welcome to the Forensic Focus podcast, where monthly we interview experts from the digital forensics and incident response community on a host of topics ranging from technical aspects to career soft skills. I'm your host, Christa Miller. 

Today we're talking about diversity, though not just in terms of demographic diversity. We also want to talk about the diverse set of experiences that each practitioner brings to digital forensics, their personal and work experiences, the places they've lived, the people they've encountered, and the cultures they were born into, or maybe adopted. Our guest this month is Lodrina Cherne, Principal Security Advocate at CyberReason, and a SANS-certified instructor of Windows forensic analysis.

Christa: Hello, and welcome to the Forensic Focus podcast. Monthly, we interview experts from the digital forensics and incident response community on a host of topics ranging from technical aspects to career soft skills. I'm your host, Christa Miller. 

Today, we're talking with Josh Brunty, an associate professor at Marshall University, where he teaches both foundational and specialized laboratory courses within the digital forensics, information assuranc,e and forensic science graduate degree programs. A former digital forensics laboratory manager and examiner, Josh has over a decade of experience in the field of digital forensics and high tech crime investigation. He has served on several federal and state level cyber crime task forces and panels, and has participated in both national and international committees and panels focusing on the advancement of digital forensic science and digital evidence in the United States. He has authored books, book chapters, and journal publications in the field of digital forensics, mobile device forensics, and social media investigation. Josh, welcome to the show.

Today we're talking with Ryan Duquette, a partner at RSM Canada. Ryan focuses on litigation support, cyber incident response, privacy and technology risks, digital forensics and cyber fraud matters. An investigator for over 20 years, Ryan was previously a police officer focusing on cyber crime and fraud cases. He works closely with clients involved in workplace investigations and civil litigation matters including intellectual property theft, HR investigation, and data breaches.

Christa: Hello and welcome to the Forensic Focus podcast. Monthly we interview experts from the digital forensics and incident response community on a host of topics ranging from technical aspects to career soft skills. I'm your host, Christa Miller. 

Today we're talking with Sarah Edwards, senior digital forensics researcher at BlackBag Technologies. Sarah works in the DC Metro area and specializes in Mac and mobile forensics. She has worked with various federal law enforcement agencies and has performed a variety of investigations including computer intrusions, criminal intelligence, and terrorism products.

Forensic Focus talks to Graeme about working in digital forensics and the new Master's programme at Teesside University.

Keith Lockhart from Oxygen Forensics joins Si and Desi on the Forensic Focus Podcast to examine how remote digital evidence collection is changing investigative workflows across DFIR, eDiscovery, and corporate investigations. Drawing on recent XiB mobile training and real-world deployments, Keith explains where remote and agent-based acquisition delivers practical benefits—and where traditional hands-on methods remain essential.

The discussion covers targeted versus full acquisitions, consent and governance in corporate environments, and the operational realities of collecting data across networks, jurisdictions, and time zones. It also explores over-the-air mobile collection, workstation memory capture, drone forensics, and why parser development remains a constant challenge as apps and platforms evolve.

#DigitalForensics #DFIR #MobileForensics #IncidentResponse #eDiscovery #RemoteCollection #DigitalEvidence #cybercrime

👉 Visit Forensic Focus at https://www.forensicfocus.com

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 Welcoming Keith from Oxygen

01:59 Discussing the XiB Course Experience

05:19 Challenges and Successes in Mobile Phone Extraction

10:22 Remote Collection and Its Evolution

14:38 ROI and Practical Applications of Remote Collection

30:32 Remote Collection in Corporate and Law Enforcement

35:01 Parole Monitoring Challenges 

35:20 Case Study: Faulty Monitoring Software

36:34 The Need for Reliable Monitoring Tools

37:23 Cross-Border Data and Legal Concerns

38:02 Chain of Custody in Law Enforcement

39:26 Remote Acquisition and Targeted Data Collection

41:33 Corporate Use Cases and Data Management

51:04 Drone Acquisition and Challenges

01:00:34 Concluding Thoughts and Future Developments

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/oxygen-forensics-on-smarter-faster-remote-dfir-collections/

📝 Show Notes

Oxygen Forensics – https://www.oxygenforensics.com/

Review: Oxygen Forensics Training – Extraction in a Box (XiB) – https://www.forensicfocus.com/reviews/oxygen-forensics-training-extraction-in-a-box-xib/

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Christa: Hello and welcome to the Forensic Focus podcast. Monthly we interview experts from the digital forensics and incident response community on a host of topics ranging from technical aspects to career soft skills. I'm your host, Christa Miller.

Today we're welcoming Joseph Walsh, the director of the Master's of Criminal Justice program and an Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Criminal Justice at DeSales University.

Prior to joining the department of Computer Science and Mathematics at DeSales, Joe earned a Master of Science in Information Systems with a concentration in Cybersecurity; a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Digital Forensics; and a Bachelor of Science degree where he majored in Information Systems with a concentration in Security Administration.

Heather and Jared Barnhart return to the Forensic Focus Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation covering Cellebrite's growing Case-to-Closure Summit, behind-the-scenes insights from building one of the industry's toughest CTFs, and their digital forensic work on one of the most high-profile US murder cases in recent years. They share why the C2C Summit focuses on practitioner-led talks rather than product pitches, what made the first event such a success, and what's planned for the next gathering — including expanded training and a keynote from Terry Crews.

The discussion also dives into how they design complex CTFs, why intentionally frustrating questions teach critical thinking, and how their mobile forensics analysis helped reveal behavioural patterns, intent, and attempts to hide activity in the Idaho murders investigation. They finish by exploring the future of investigations and AI — from cautious, evidence-bounded implementations to the importance of validation and avoiding confirmation bias.

Get 50% off Cellebrite C2C User Summit 2026 registration with promo code: 2026-c2c-ForensicFocus

#DigitalForensics #DFIR #MobileForensics #Cellebrite #CTF #incidentresponse #ForensicFocus #AIForensics

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions

01:33 C2C Summit Overview

03:35 C2C Summit Success and Highlights

09:45 Challenges and Insights from CTF

19:56 Introduction to the Idaho Murders Case

25:10 The Slow Process of Justice 

25:53 Key Evidence: The Knife Sheath and the Car

27:46 Digital Footprint and Intent

28:58 Challenges in Mobile Forensics

31:49 Behavioral Patterns and Digital Evidence

42:30 AI in Forensics

43:17 Future of Digital Investigations

44:00 The Role of AI in Investigations

50:52 Validation and Confirmation Bias 

54:24 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

👉 Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com

🎧 Episode Page & Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/the-idaho-murders-from-behavioural-clues-to-ais-role-in-digital-forensics/

📝 Show Notes

Cellebrite – https://www.cellebrite.com

Cellebrite C2C User Summit 2026 – https://events.cellebritec2c.com/event/2026/overview

CFReDS – https://cfreds.nist.gov/

SANS DFIR Summit & Training 2026 – https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-training-events/digital-forensics-summit-2026

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Justin Tolman from Exterro joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to talk about the future of FTK and the role FTK Imager still plays in everyday casework. He explains why the original free version remains available, and what prompted the introduction of Imager Pro with added capabilities like BitLocker decryption and iOS collections. Justin also reflects on his time in law enforcement and training, and why the investigative side of the work still holds a strong pull.

Looking ahead, Justin shares where FTK development is headed — from large-scale processing and streamlined review workflows to Whisper-based audio transcription and careful, targeted use of AI for tasks like summarising long documents and cross-media searching. He also previews Exterro's upcoming Inform event — a 15-hour global broadcast featuring talks from practitioners around the world — and invites the community to get involved.

#DigitalForensics #DFIR #FTK #Exterro #ForensicImaging #MobileForensics #IncidentResponse 

00:00 Welcome to the Forensic Focus Podcast

00:31 Introducing Justin Tolman from Exterro

01:46 Justin's Journey into Forensics

03:10 Transition to Training and Exterro

06:31 FTK Imager Pro: Features and Benefits

14:36 Training and Community Resources

16:29 Updates on FTK Suite and Scalability

19:10 On-Prem vs. Cloud Solutions

26:57 AI in Forensics: Benefits and Challenges

37:45 Addressing AI Bias in Forensics

38:53 Case Study: AI Misinterpretation in Seattle Shooting

40:14 The Importance of Validation in AI Forensics

41:18 Challenges in Identifying Legal vs. Illegal Content

43:08 The Future of AI in Forensics

44:18 Collaboration and Integration in Forensic Tools

46:07 The Role of APIs and Open Standards

47:18 Challenges with Proprietary Forensic Formats

54:36 The Need for High Compression Formats

56:32 Forensic Focus Podcast and Community Engagement

01:00:56 Upcoming Forensic Events and Presentations

01:06:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

👉 Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com 🎧

Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/inside-ftk-imager-pro-vendor-neutral-forensics-smarter-ai-and-exterros-forensic-vision/

📝 Show Notes

Exterro – https://www.exterro.com

FTK Imager PRO –https://www.exterro.com/digital-forensics-software/ftk-imager-pro

Exterro Inform – https://www.exterro.com/resources/exterro-inform FTK Podcasts – https://www.exterro.com/resources/ftk-over-the-air-podcast

OpenAI Whisper (speech-to-text) – https://github.com/openai/whisper

Ollama (local LLM framework) – https://ollama.ai

Project VIC – https://www.projectvic.org

CAID (UK) – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-abuse-image-database

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Gareth Davies, Chairman of F3 (First Forensic Forum), joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to explore how a grassroots, vendor-neutral community has helped shape digital forensics in the UK for three decades. He traces F3's origins in the 1990s, when affordable training and tool-agnostic knowledge-sharing were scarce, and explains why the forum still focuses on byte-level, lab-ready techniques over sales pitches.

Looking ahead, Gareth previews F3's 2025 conference in Warwickshire (Nov 18–20), the not-for-profit pricing model, and upcoming trainings on UAVs, software-defined radio, implants/biomed devices, smartwatch and vehicle forensics, and video authentication/deepfakes. He also discusses international growth (including interest in an Australian chapter) and an open call for volunteers to help run events and keep training affordable.

#DigitalForensics #DFIR #ForensicsTraining #IncidentResponse #VehicleForensics #CryberCrime #DigitalEvidence #DigitalInvestigtion #DigitalEvidence

👉 Visit Forensic Focus at https://www.forensicfocus.com

00:00 Introducing Gareth Davies

01:09 What is F3?

03:01 Gareth's Journey into Forensics

05:35 PhD and Research Work

06:54 Current Role and Responsibilities

09:08 Interesting Cases and Projects

12:27 Involvement with F3

14:41 F3's Global Reach and Community

20:03 Challenges and Future of F3

22:39 Personal Experiences and Networking

24:47 Becoming Chairman of F3

30:50 Upcoming F3 Event Details

35:28 Digital Forensics Teaching and Research

37:30 Upcoming F3 Training

42:38 Challenges in Digital Forensics

45:28 The Importance of Community and Resources

55:04 Personal Interests and Hobbies

57:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/inside-f3-building-community-and-sharing-knowledge-in-digital-forensics/

📝 Show Notes F3 – First Forensic Forum website - https://f3.org.uk

F3 – First Forensic Forum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/f3.org.uk/

Spyder Forensics - https://www.spyderforensics.com

Bénédictine - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%A9n%C3%A9dictine

APOLLO - https://github.com/mac4n6/APOLLO

DFRWS - https://dfrws.org

GCK File Signature Table - https://filesig.search.org

NIST - https://www.nist.gov/itl/ssd/digital-forensics

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Debbie Garner, retired Special Agent in Charge at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to share insights from her 30-year career. From undercover narcotics work in her early 20s to leading Georgia's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, Debbie brings a unique perspective on collaboration, child protection, and investigator wellness.

She discusses the challenges of cyber tips backlogs, the importance of cross-border cooperation, and why well-being must be built into the culture of child exploitation investigations. Debbie explains how she introduced practical, budget-conscious wellness initiatives — from group discussions to peer support and mental health check-ins — and how these efforts helped transform trust, retention, and resilience within her unit.

Debbie and Paul also explore the stigma investigators often face, how leadership decisions can make or break support for officers, and what agencies can do to better safeguard the people safeguarding children.

#DigitalForensics #DFIR #WellBeing #LawEnforcement #childprotection

👉 Visit Forensic Focus at https://www.forensicfocus.com

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

00:49 Early Career in Law Enforcement

02:11 Specialization in Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes

03:27 Challenges and Changes in Law Enforcement

06:03 The ICAC Task Force Program

09:34 Cross-Border Investigations and Cooperation

14:46 Wellness and Resiliency in Law Enforcement

18:01 Building a Culture of Wellness

28:16 Personal Stories and Agency Support

39:57 Final Thoughts and Advice

🎥 Video/Transcript - https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/inside-the-fight-against-child-exploitation-leadership-and-wellness-lessons-from-debbie-garner/

📝 Show Notes

Innocent Justice Foundation - https://innocentjustice.org

Raven (ICAC Task Force Funding Advocacy) - https://raven.us

Hexordia - https://www.hexordia.com

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Hannah Bailey, founder of Blue Light Wellbeing, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to share her powerful journey from frontline policing to becoming a psychotherapist, trauma therapist, and well-being coach. Drawing on 15 years in the police — including CID and major crime — Hannah brings unique cultural credibility to her work supporting digital forensics professionals, first responders, and other high-risk roles.

She talks openly about living with PTSD and burnout, facing two breast cancer diagnoses, and how those experiences inspired her to focus on proactive mental health support. Hannah and Paul discuss why cultural awareness in therapy matters, how approaches like psychoeducation and regular supervision can help, and why therapy isn't just for people who are "broken."

Hannah also explains BrainWorking Recursive Therapy (BWRT), a modern trauma therapy that transformed her own recovery, and shares practical advice for those in digital forensics and other trauma-facing roles on spotting early signs of stress and building long-term resilience.

#DigitalForensics #DFIR #MentalHealth #WellBeing #PTSD

00:00 Introduction

02:44 Hannah Bailey's Background and Career

04:08 The Onset of Mental Health Challenges

06:01 Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Its Impact

06:37 Returning to Policing and Further Challenges

09:44 Lack of Support

12:14 Proactive Mental Health Approaches

17:18 Hannah's Work with DFIs and Other Forces

20:22 The Importance of Early Intervention

26:28 The Value of Therapy in Organizations

27:35 The Importance of Culturally Aware Therapists

29:29 Introduction to Brain Work Recursive Therapy (BWRT)

33:52 Combining Trauma Therapy and Wellbeing Coaching

34:32 The Therapeutic Process and Its Benefits

36:21 Supervision and Support in Therapy

36:57 Proactive Approaches in Digital Forensics

39:11 Building Trust and Non-Judgmental Spaces

43:30 Final Thoughts

🎥 Video/Transcript - https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/well-being-in-digital-forensics-and-policing-insights-from-hannah-bailey/

📝 Show Notes Blue Light Wellbeing - https://www.bluelightwellbeing.uk

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Dr Zoe Billings and Mark Pannone from Adapt & Evolve join Paul to discuss their unique approach to mental health and well-being in digital forensics. Dr Billings is a biologist and former senior investigator, while Mark is a former Assistant Chief Constable. Together they've developed a model that focuses on recognising the early biological signs of stress rather than waiting for mental health problems to develop.

They discuss how stress shows up physically in the body, why many digital forensic investigators feel unheard in their organisations, and why standard well-being support often doesn't work in law enforcement. The conversation covers practical stress reduction techniques and how understanding what stress does to your body can help people spot problems early.

Mark and Zoe have worked with various organisations including the FBI, using their combined decades of police and investigative experience to provide support that actually fits the culture of law enforcement and forensic work.

#DigitalForensics #CyberInvestigation #DFIR #Wellbeing

00:00 Introduction

00:22 Spotlight on Mental Health in Digital Forensics

00:59 Meet the Experts: Dr. Zoe Billings and Mark Pannone

01:39 The Origins of Adapt & Evolve

03:48 Biological Aspects of Stress

04:57 Implementing Preventative Measures

09:05 Leadership and Organizational Challenges

20:01 Physical Ailments from Stress

26:09 Cultural Awareness in Law Enforcement

31:45 ISO Standards and Legal Obligations

39:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Show Notes

Adapt & Evolve - https://www.adaptandevolve.co.uk/

Dr Jo Morrissey joins Paul to discuss her research into wellbeing challenges faced by forensic practitioners worldwide. As Workforce Strategy Lead at the Forensic Capability Network, Dr Morrissey is conducting a comprehensive study examining mental health impacts across all forensic disciplines - from digital forensics to crime scene investigation, DNA analysis, and fingerprint examination.

They explore the unique psychological pressures forensic practitioners face, including exposure to traumatic material, working in isolation, and the barriers that prevent many from seeking help. Dr Morrissey discusses how stigma around help-seeking behavior and fears about career prospects continue to affect practitioners, and why evidence-based national guidelines are urgently needed.

Take part in the research: Dr Morrissey is seeking responses from current and former forensic practitioners worldwide across all disciplines and sectors. The survey examines well-being challenges, available interventions, and their effectiveness. Your participation could help shape future well-being support for the forensic community. Survey closes Friday 4th July 2025.

Survey link: https://forms.office.com/e/GXPMwnpyMi

#ForensicScience #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #DigitalForensics

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jo Morrissey

01:31 Overview of the Wellbeing Study

03:34 Challenges Faced by Forensic Practitioners

08:25 Survey Specifics and Goals

14:57 Barriers and Stigma in Wellbeing

18:49 Ethical Considerations and Future Research

20:09 Open Access to Research Report

20:38 National Guidelines for Wellbeing

22:00 Challenges in Implementing Guidelines

25:07 Importance of Survey Participation

27:02 Potential for Funding and Further Research

28:06 Exploring Differences in Wellbeing

30:51 Impact of Experience and Culture on Wellbeing

33:39 Resilience and Adverse Childhood Experiences

37:05 Closing Remarks and Future Research

Phil Anderson, Senior Lecturer at Northumbria University, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to talk about the Forensic Focus International Well-Being Study. Phil and host Paul Gullon-Scott unpack the findings from a survey of 179 digital forensic investigators across the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Germany, South Africa, India, and beyond. The study used validated psychometric instruments to put hard numbers behind what the profession has been hearing anecdotally for years.

Paul and Phil dig into the emerging impact of AI-generated CSAM, where 60% of respondents reported finding it slightly more distressing than real material — and where victim identification is beginning to break down as the realism of generated imagery improves. They also examine the most clinically significant finding in the study: 20% of digital forensic investigators reported active suicidal or self-harm ideation at a clinically significant frequency, roughly four times the general population rate. Set against 61% of respondents lacking access to good-quality support services, alongside hypervigilance, sleep disturbance, retention risk, and physical health symptoms, the picture is one Forensic Focus is taking directly to the UK Home Office.

#DigitalForensics #DFIR #MentalHealth #InvestigatorWellbeing #CSAM #AIGeneratedCSAM #LawEnforcement

00:00 Welcome and Study Intro

00:38 Meet Phil and Motivation

03:23 Survey Scope and Global Reach

07:53 Who Responded and Why It Matters

09:38 Methodology and Validated Measures

11:38 Workload Pressures and AI Factor

15:21 Top Stressors and Management Levers

20:29 Burnout Risk and Retention Crisis

25:56 AI Generated CSAM Findings

31:36 AI Victim Misidentification

32:42 Investigator Stress Burden

 33:27 Tech Outpacing Regulation

36:28 PTSD Symptom Findings

38:06 Judgment Under Trauma

40:14 Suicidal Ideation Data

45:16 Support Services Crisis

46:42 Physical Health Impacts

50:03 Report Next Steps

👉 Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com

🎧 Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/burnout-ptsd-suicidal-thoughts-the-dfir-well-being-study-results-are-in/

📝 Show Notes

Northumbria University – https://www.northumbria.ac.uk

Paul Gullon-Scott on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-g-0090605/

Phil Anderson on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-anderson-a555377/

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Host Paul Gullon-Scott sits down with Tom Oldroyd, Director of Strategy and Sales at Semantics 21, to discuss S21's digital forensics platform that prioritizes investigator mental health alongside cutting-edge technology. Drawing on his 17 years in policing and experience running a digital forensic unit, Tom highlights the psychological toll on investigators exposed to disturbing content daily, arguing it's one of the most challenging yet underrecognized jobs in policing.

Tom highlights Semantics 21's innovative solutions, including their Global Alliance Database with 3.1 billion hashes that can pre-label up to 70% of evidence automatically, AI-powered victim rescue tools, and their groundbreaking features to track investigator exposure levels in real-time. Tom demonstrates protective features like mandatory break reminders, privacy overlays, and decompression videos designed to help investigators manage psychological impact.

#DigitalForensics #CyberInvestigation #DFIR #AI #Wellbeing

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Showcasing Semantics

21: Innovation in Digital Forensics

00:40 Protecting Investigator Wellbeing

01:53 Meet Tom Oldroyd

02:56 Challenges in Digital Forensics

06:02 The Growing Threat of Digital Crime

07:38 Global Collaboration and Technology

08:48 Introducing S21 LASERi-X

09:33 The Power of AI and Databases

12:23 Global Alliance Database: A Game Changer

16:52 Efficiency and Investigator Wellbeing

21:11 Advanced Features and Workflow

27:51 Tracking Exposure Levels with Semantics 21

28:20 Monitoring Well-Being

29:13 Handling Large Volumes of Data

30:24 Threshold System and Victim Rescue

32:27 Efficient Data Import and Grading

33:27 Global Alliance Database and Photo DNA

36:32 Wellbeing Features and Stress Management

44:00 Cross-Company Collaboration and Data Sharing

45:38 Pricing and Accessibility of Semantics 21

47:54 User Feedback and Customization

51:12 AI Location Prediction Technology

53:42 Conclusion and Contact Information

Show Notes

Semantics 21 - https://www.semantics21.com

Semantics 21 Articles on Forensic Focus - https://www.forensicfocus.com/author/semantics21

Jessica Hyde from Hexordia joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss her unique journey from Marine Corps avionics technician to digital forensics expert. Jessica shares how her military background provided transferable skills for forensic investigations, emphasizing the importance of documentation, troubleshooting, and diverse perspectives in finding truth in digital evidence.

The conversation explores critical topics including IoT forensics challenges, the urgent need for timely data acquisition before evidence degrades, and the role of AI in forensic analysis. Jessica also discusses her experience teaching at George Mason University since 2016, how students' questions enhance her own knowledge, and why interdisciplinary teams create better forensic outcomes.

With candid reflections on maintaining perspective while handling difficult cases and thoughts on the future challenges of policy and law keeping pace with technology, this episode offers valuable insights for both seasoned professionals and those new to digital forensics.

#DigitalForensics #MobileForensics #CyberInvestigation #DFIR #AI

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:02 Jessica Hyde's Unique Career Path

03:06 Transition to Digital Forensics

13:17 Teaching and Learning in Digital Forensics

20:12 Hands-On Forensics and IoT Devices

24:19 The Importance of Interdisciplinary Teams

27:12 Humor and Levity in Forensics

29:38 The Role of Cyber Investigators

31:07 Bias in Cyber Investigations

32:01 Generational Perspectives in Technology

33:51 Privacy Concerns in Digital Forensics

36:53 The Importance of Timely Data Acquisition

44:28 Challenges with AI in Digital Forensics

54:42 Policy and Legal Challenges in Digital Forensics

56:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Show Notes

Hexordia - https://www.hexordia.com

George Mason University - https://dfor.gmu.edu/person/jessica-l-hyde

SWGDE - https://www.swgde.org

Heather Barnhart and Paul Lorenz join the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss key insights from Cellebrite's 2025 DFIR Industry Trends Survey. They dive into the challenges facing digital forensics today - from locked devices and encrypted applications to overwhelming case backlogs.

The survey, which gathered responses from over 2,100 professionals across 95 countries, reveals notable trends: 98% of prosecutors consider digital evidence critical to their cases, and 80% of respondents believe AI can enhance investigation effectiveness.

The discussion delves into the growing acceptance of cloud storage in forensics, the cautious adoption of AI in investigations, and the preference for in-person training despite the convenience of online options. The guests also discuss cognitive bias in investigations and the importance of maintaining forensic integrity when presenting digital evidence.

#digitalforensics #dfir

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:56 Paul Lorenz's Journey into Forensics

03:19 Challenges in Digital Forensics

04:36 Industry Trends and Survey Insights

06:37 Mental Health and Community Support

17:19 AI in Digital Investigations

22:57 Case Studies and Real-World Examples

27:37 Diverse Paths in Investigations

28:07 Challenges of Bias in Forensic Cases

30:33 The Complexity of Cloud Storage

37:45 Generational Shifts in Technology Adoption

41:30 The Importance of Training in Forensics

43:19 In-Person vs. Online Training Preferences

50:12 Concluding Thoughts and Future Trends

Show Notes

2025 Industry Trends Survey - https://cellebrite.com/en/industry-trends-survey-2025

Cellebrite - https://cellebrite.com/en/home

Brett Shavers joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss the critical "investigative mindset" needed for effective digital forensics. Drawing from his unique background in undercover law enforcement operations and his transition to digital forensics, Brett shares invaluable insights on why technical skills alone aren't enough in DFIR.

Digging into practical challenges with hosts Si and Desi, Brett tackles head-on why DFIR isn't an entry-level field, the importance of understanding human behavior behind digital evidence, and how to approach cases with both technical precision and investigative strategy. He discusses his journey authoring several influential books including "DFIR Investigative Mindset," "Placing the Suspect Behind the Keyboard," and the definitive guide to X-Ways Forensics.

Whether you're a seasoned investigator or considering a career in digital forensics, Brett offers practical wisdom on balancing technical proficiency with investigative thinking, effective communication of complex findings, and why we should remember we're not investigating computers—we're investigating people who use computers.

#digitalforensics #dfir

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:01 Brett Shavers' Background in Law Enforcement

03:33 Transition to Forensics

05:03 Challenges in DFIR

07:17 Educational Pathways and Industry Insights

12:51 X-Ways Forensics and Tool Proficiency

16:58 Investigative Mindset and New Book

27:46 The Importance of Education in Cybersecurity

28:04 Challenges in Teaching Investigative Skills

28:59 Real-World Training Scenarios

30:38 Understanding the Human Element in Cybersecurity

35:35 The Role of Communication in Cybersecurity

42:59 Technical Proficiency and Case Management

47:32 Continuous Improvement and Collaboration

53:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Show Notes

Brett's Ramblings - https://www.brettshavers.com/

DFIR Training - https://www.dfir.training/

Brett's Books - https://brettshavers.com/my-books

Brandon Epstein joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss the evolving landscape of digital forensics and the growing role of artificial intelligence in evidence analysis. Brandon shares his journey from being a major crimes detective in New Jersey to co-founding Medex Forensics (later acquired by Magnet), and discusses his current roles both at Magnet Forensics and as chair of the Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence (SWGDE).

In this wide-ranging conversation, he explains how AI is being responsibly implemented in forensic tools like Magnet Axiom's Copilot feature and Magnet Verify, highlighting the critical distinction between using AI for investigative leads versus evidentiary conclusions. Brandon also dives into the challenges of media authentication in an era of deepfakes, the shift toward cloud-based forensic platforms, and provides a preview of his upcoming "AI Unpacked" webinar series.

#digitalforensics #dfir #ai

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:32 Life in Nashville and User Summit Highlights

02:07 The Importance of Networking at Conferences

04:32 Brandon's Journey to Magnet Forensics

10:17 AI and Digital Forensics

16:02 AI Unpacked Webinar Series

21:40 Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence (SWGDE)

33:16 The Collaborative Spirit in Forensics

34:45 Magnet's Expanding Product Line

36:14 The Future of Cloud in Digital Forensics

39:08 Challenges and Benefits of Cloud Adoption

45:26 The Role of AI and Cloud in Conferences

46:09 Magnet's Acquisition of DVR Examiner

 48:47 The Importance of Video Authenticity

52:29 Emerging Technologies in Forensics

58:04 Personal Insights and Closing Remarks

Show Notes

Magnet Forensics - https://www.magnetforensics.com

AI Unpacked - https://www.magnetforensics.com/ai-unpacked/?utm_source=ForensicFocus&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=UTMC-0000077

SWGDE - https://www.swgde.org

Hosts Si and Desi welcome back Robert Fried, winner of the Top Professional Investigator award. Rob discusses his new book, 'Forensic Data Collection 2.0,' and shares insights on the evolving landscape of digital forensics.

The conversation explores the importance of documentation in forensic investigations, balancing technical skills with human interaction, and meeting the challenges of AI and emerging technologies. Rob emphasizes building rapport with clients and stakeholders while mentoring the next generation of digital forensic examiners.

Rob shares his fascinating journey from law enforcement training to private sector work, highlighting how the human element remains essential even as technology evolves. He also discusses his collaborative work with legendary NYPD detective Ralph Friedman and his connections with tech pioneers including Frank Canova (inventor of the first smartphone) and Neil Papworth (sender of the first text message) who endorsed his book.

Whether you're a seasoned digital forensics professional or just starting in the field, this episode offers valuable insights into the documentation, methodology, and people skills that make for successful investigations in today's rapidly changing digital landscape.

#digitalforensics #dfir #investigator 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:08 Achievements and Industry Involvement

03:37 Challenges and Changes in Forensics

07:57 Writing and Teaching Forensics

16:09 Human Element in Investigations

30:30 Building Trust and Professional Relationships

34:13 The Importance of Hands-On Learning

34:58 Teaching and Learning from the Younger Generation

36:28 Scientific Methodology in Problem Solving

38:21 The Role of Documentation in Digital Forensics

43:23 Building a Collaborative Community

46:27 Challenges and Innovations in Digital Forensics

49:20 The Human Element in Forensic Investigations

55:25 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

Show Notes

Forensics By Fried - https://forensicsbyfried.com

Forensic Data Collections 2.0 - https://forensicsbyfried.com/books

Robert Fried LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbfried

Forensic Data Collections 2.0 LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13178163

Top Professional Investigator - https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7259530724997742592

Dr Michael Bourke joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss the psychological impact of investigating internet crimes against children and how organizations can better support digital forensic investigators' mental health. As a distinguished clinical psychologist and researcher, Dr Bourke shares powerful insights from his extensive work in this field, explaining how repeated exposure to disturbing material can affect even the most resilient professionals.

Dr Bourke introduces his innovative "sunburn analogy" to explain how secondary traumatic stress accumulates over time, discusses practical strategies for protecting investigators' wellbeing, and reveals details about the groundbreaking FORWARD Center, a new non-profit wellness facility dedicated to supporting first responders. He also shares insights from the National Wellness Survey, which received responses from 8,000 law enforcement professionals, demonstrating the urgent need for better mental health support in this field.

#digitalforensics #DFIR #mentalhealth #wellbeing

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

02:00 Inspiration Behind the Research

03:01 Challenges Faced by Digital Forensic Investigators

06:00 The Importance of Proactive Mental Health Support

13:32 Cultural Competence in Therapy

23:42 Practical Steps for Organizations

34:23 The National Wellbeing Survey

38:03 The Forward Center Initiative

48:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Si and Desi kick off 2025 with a deep dive into critical trends shaping digital forensics. They tackle pressing challenges such as AI-driven threats, including deepfakes and AI-generated images, and examine the security risks associated with connected devices. The discussion also explores the ongoing impact of the pandemic on mental health, remote work, and the forensic community's well-being.

With a focus on practical insights and support for forensic professionals, they cover evolving threats, emerging technologies, and the importance of mental resilience in the field. Stay tuned for updates on future podcast guests, conferences, and new tech developments.

Don't forget to check the show notes for resources, including mental health support services and recommended reading.

00:00 Welcome to 2025

01:10 AI in Law: Conference Insights from Luxembourg

03:07 The Impact of AI on Social Media and Deepfakes

05:03 AI-Generated Images

06:51 The Future of Digital Watermarking and Cybersecurity

11:59 Advancements in AI and Desktop Supercomputers

21:37 The Rise of Smart Home Devices and Security Concerns

23:16 Privacy Issues with Medical Devices and Data Collection

31:14 Predictive Algorithms and the Dystopian Future

32:12 Apple's Siri Payout

32:35 Films Predicting 2025

34:18 US Strategic Preparation Plans

37:04 Mental Health in 2024

44:08 Impact of Remote Work

51:17 The Role of Gossip in Society

59:19 Cyber Threats and Mental Health

01:01:05 Final Thoughts and Resources

Show Notes

NVIDIA Puts Grace Blackwell on Every Desk and at Every AI Developer's Fingertips, Nvidia News - https://nvidianews.nvidia.com/news/nvidia-puts-grace-blackwell-on-every-desk-and-at-every-ai-developers-fingertips

US man used AI to generate 13,000 child sexual abuse pictures, FBI alleges, The Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/may/21/child-sexual-abuse-material-artificial-intelligence-arrest

 Tasmanian jailed for possessing AI-generated child abuse material, AFP - https://www.afp.gov.au/news-centre/media-release/tasmanian-jailed-possessing-ai-generated-child-abuse-material

Raspberry Pi - https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-5/

Rise of killer robot fridges as experts warn kitchen appliances getting 'smarter', Daily Star - https://www.dailystar.co.uk/tech/rise-killer-robot-fridges-experts-34387400

'I'm Possibly Alive Because It Exists:' Why Sleep Apnea Patients Rely on a CPAP Machine Hacker, Vice - https://www.vice.com/en/article/im-possibly-alive-because-it-exists-why-sleep-apnea-patients-rely-on-a-cpap-machine-hacker/

 Raven Rock: The Story of the U.S. Government's Secret Plan to Save Itself — While the Rest of Us Die, Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25813952-raven-rock

While the Rest of Us Die: Secrets of America's Shadow Government, Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/While_the_Rest_of_Us_Die:_Secrets_of_America's_Shadow_Government

Sandy Hook Promise - https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/

The Selfish Gene, Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61535.The_Selfish_Gene

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23692271-sapiens

Unexpected Privacy Risks in CPAP Machine Updates, LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/unexpected-privacy-risks-cpap-machine-updates-ryan-chalupovitsch-gh2kc/

Canceling the apocalypse? What can we learn from films set in 2025, The Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/jan/02/what-learn-movie-set-future

Forensic Focus Discord - https://discord.gg/97zKvTXHeS

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode, these organisations may be of help:

Samaritans – https://www.samaritans.org

Mind – https://www.mind.org.uk

Oscar Kilo – https://www.oscarkilo.org.uk/

Occupational health unit (OHU) – all police forces have access to an OHU providing a range of support services

Employee Assistance Scheme (EAS) – check with your employer to see what specific resources are available to you 

GP – your GP can provide access to various local resources and make referrals to psychological support services

Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Professor Patrick Brady, a criminal justice and criminology professor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to share his research on the mental health challenges faced by digital forensic investigators, particularly those handling child sexual abuse material (CSAM) cases. Drawing from personal experiences and years of study, Professor Brady delves into secondary traumatic stress, burnout, and compassion satisfaction, highlighting the profound impact this work has on investigators and their families.

The discussion explores the importance of proper onboarding, specialised training, and leadership approaches that prioritise well-being. Professor Brady also examines the role of social support, stress management strategies, and organisational resources in helping investigators maintain a healthy work-life balance and manage the emotional toll of their work. With practical insights and a focus on fostering resilience, this episode provides a compelling look at how the industry can better support those on the front lines of digital forensics.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:45 Inspiration Behind the Research

01:11 Personal Experiences and Career Path

02:51 Exploring Vicarious Trauma and Burnout

04:58 Impact on Personal Life and Relationships

05:48 Research Findings and Implications

08:54 Challenges and Coping Mechanisms

09:36 Role of Supervisors and Administrators

10:10 Family Support and Social Dynamics

18:30 Technological Advancements and Training

20:19 Mental Health and Wellness Initiatives

30:42 Personal Reflections and Future Directions

37:36 Challenges in Researching Domestic Violence Among Police

40:03 Mindfulness and Mental Health in Policing

41:07 Importance of Specialized Training and Support

43:18 Stigma and Mental Health in Law Enforcement

46:45 Role of Psychologists and Continuity of Care

59:28 Support Systems and Family Involvement

01:02:47 Need for More Research and Funding

01:06:24 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode, these organisations may be of help:

Samaritans – https://www.samaritans.org

Mind – https://www.mind.org.uk

Oscar Kilo – https://www.oscarkilo.org.uk/

Occupational health unit (OHU) – all police forces have access to an OHU providing a range of support services

Employee Assistance Scheme (EAS) – check with your employer to see what specific resources are available to you 

GP – your GP can provide access to various local resources and make referrals to psychological support services

Show Notes

Crimes Against Caring: Exploring the Risk of Secondary Traumatic Stress, Burnout, and Compassion Satisfaction Among Child Exploitation Investigators - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11896-016-9223-8

The dark figure of stalking: Examining law enforcement response - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0886260515596979

Burnout Among Forensic Interviewers, How They Cope, and What Agencies Can Do to Help - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1077559519843596

What We Can Learn About Vicarious Trauma From Child Maltreatment Investigators, Patrick Q. Brady, Ph.D. - https://www.forensicfocus.com/stable/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Vicarious-trauma.pdf

Identifying & Corroborating Stalking, Patrick Q. Brady, Ph.D. - https://www.forensicfocus.com/stable/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Identifying-corroborating-stalking.pdf

Nick Furneaux, a renowned figure in digital forensics and cryptocurrency investigations, joins the Forensic Focus podcast. He shares his journey into the world of digital forensics, his work on covert data extraction tools, and his development of expertise in memory and cryptocurrency forensics.

The conversation explores Nick's new book, 'There's No Such Thing as Crypto Crime,' and the importance of discovering and properly investigating cryptocurrency-related activities within the broader context of traditional criminal investigations.

Nick emphasizes the need for effective discovery tools for forensic investigators and highlights the evolving role of cryptocurrencies in various types of crimes. The discussion also touches on the personal impact of crime on victims and the importance of multi-disciplinary investigative teams.

#cryptocrime #cryptocurrency #dfir #digitalforensics

00:00 Introduction to Nick Furneaux

01:19 Nick's Journey into Digital Forensics

02:52 Early Forensic Tools and Techniques

05:01 Transition to Cryptocurrency Investigations

06:44 Challenges in Modern Forensics

12:20 The Need for Better Discovery Tools

21:26 Cryptocurrency in Criminal Investigations

31:51 Integration of Forensic Specializations

34:30 Crypto Crime and Publicity

35:24 Operation Shamrock and Romance Scams

39:52 Victims and Perpetrators of Scam Farms

41:11 The Human Impact of Forensic Investigations

53:45 The Future of Cryptocurrency

58:51 Concluding Thoughts and Recommendations

Show Notes

Seize and Desist Podcast -  https://www.listennotes.com/de/podcasts/seize-desist/ep-17-theres-no-such-thing-AVZjDxJG7rp

There's no such Thing As Crypto Crime - https://www.amazon.co.uk/There%E2%80%B2s-Such-Thing-Crypto-Crime/dp/1394164823

Stuart Hutchinson, VP of Sales at ADF Solutions, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to talk about on-scene digital forensics and empowering first responders during the golden hour. Stuart shares his journey from 23 years with the Met Police — including a chance encounter in a New Scotland Yard lift that led him into Mac forensics and the vendor space at BlackBag, Cellebrite, Oxygen, and now ADF. With 99.9% of investigations involving a digital element, he argues that mishandling digital evidence at the scene is as damaging as trampling through traditional forensic evidence.

The conversation covers ADF's preview mode and search profile methodology, which gives first responders advanced logical acquisitions in minutes rather than 45+ minutes for a full extraction. Stuart explains how one UK force cut lab submissions by over 40% using an intelligence-led CAID hash triage strategy, and the team discuss locked-down search profiles built at DFU level, managing collateral intrusion, building trust with victims and witnesses, and ADF's screen capture and OCR for Chromebooks, PlayStations, Xboxes, and anything with HDMI out.

#ADFSolutions #OnSceneTriage #MobileForensics #CAID #CSAM #FirstResponders #DigitalForensics #DFIR

00:00 Introducing Stuart Hutchinson and ADF Solutions

02:13 From Met to Mac Forensics

07:26 Why On Scene Triage

08:01 Golden Hour Decisions

13:24 What to Triage First

16:26 ADF Field Kit Overview

18:04 Preview Mode Workflow 

22:34 Search Profiles and Staging

26:38 Investigator Over Automation

28:11 Impact and CSAM Hashing

29:34 CAID Hash Triage Strategy

32:45 Efficiency Versus Thoroughness

35:07 Locked Search Profiles

37:20 Training For Limitations

42:46 Device Security Pressures

44:45 From Triage To Full Forensics

47:44 Victim Witness Phone Trust

52:27 Screen Capture And OCR

57:49 Wrap Up And Resources

👉 Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com

🎧 Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/on-scene-digital-forensics-winning-investigations-before-the-lab/

📝 Show Notes

ADF Solutions – https://adfsolutions.com/

ADF Weekly Training Sessions – https://adfsolutions.com/weekly-training-sessions/

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Heather and Jared Barnhart from Cellebrite join the Forensic Focus Podcast to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and digital forensics. This insightful episode dives into detecting AI-generated imagery, combating misinformation, and addressing challenges posed by deepfakes.

They discuss advancements in tools like Cellebrite's Media Origin, the importance of metadata in investigations, and the impact of AI-assisted technologies on mental health and case efficiency. The conversation also highlights the evolving legal and ethical implications of AI in forensics, from watermarking imagery to the role of human review in court-admissible evidence.

00:00 – Introducing Heather and Jared Barnhart

00:41 AI and Image Analysis: Tackling Forged and Fraudulent Images

01:08 The Rise of AI in Legal and Criminal Cases

01:58 Personal Motivations and Research on AI

02:38 The Impact of AI on Public Perception and Trust

04:39 Challenges in Detecting AI-Generated Content

05:41 The Role of Social Media and Personalized Feeds

06:14 Generational Differences in Media Skepticism

08:17 The Evolution of Photography and Computational Enhancements

11:07 Forensic Techniques for Detecting AI Manipulations

16:40 The Debate on AI Watermarking and Authenticity

22:54 The Role of AI in Forensic Investigations

30:03 AI and the Legal System: Challenges and Considerations

34:02 Future of AI in Digital Forensics

44:18 Mental Health in Law Enforcement

47:39 Funding and Policy for Law Enforcement

52:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Matt Finnegan from Oxygen Forensics joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to share his journey into digital forensics, starting with his military background. He talks about what it's like working with mobile devices, the challenges of keeping up with ever-changing smartphone security, and his role as a Solutions Architect.

Matt also provides insights on the state of mobile forensics today, why cloud solutions are becoming more important, and how to handle massive amounts of data. The conversation ends with a reflection on the future of the field and the ongoing need to keep forensic methods clear and transparent. 

00:00 – Introduction to Matt Finnegan from Oxygen Forensics

00:46 Matt Finnegan's Journey into Digital Forensics

01:57 Training and Early Experiences in Digital Forensics

03:52 Transition from Military to Oxygen Forensics

04:24 Role and Responsibilities of a Solutions Architect

07:43 Challenges in Mobile Forensics

10:10 Advancements in Mobile Device Security

19:44 Cloud Forensics and Data Extraction

28:30 Challenges of Data Volume and Processing

37:59 Operating Systems and Forensic Tools

44:43 Factory Reset and Data Recovery

49:45 Future Challenges in Digital Forensics

Martino Jerian, CEO of Amped Software, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss AI's impacts on video forensics. In this episode, Martino delves into the growing role of artificial intelligence in automating forensic processes, as well as the benefits and challenges it brings to the field. He shares insights on how AI is reshaping image and video enhancement, deepfake detection, and the authentication of digital evidence, while also cautioning about the risks of over-reliance on these tools. Martino provides a detailed perspective on how AI is being applied responsibly to balance efficiency with accuracy, especially in high-stakes forensic investigations.

The conversation also explores Martino's contributions to legislative discussions in the European Parliament, emphasizing the importance of educating practitioners, journalists, and the public on AI's proper use in digital forensics. If you're interested in the latest deepfake detection methods or the evolving regulatory landscape of AI, this episode offers an in-depth look at the future of video forensics.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:31 Discussing AI and Regulation

01:22 Challenges in Video Evidence

04:12 AI in Forensic Tools

07:52 Research and Trends in AI

10:48 Deepfake Detection and Legal Implications

14:45 Future of AI in Forensics

20:00 AI and Image Authentication

42:44 Staying Updated in AI and Forensics

47:12 Conclusion and Farewell

Show Notes

Video Evidence Principles, Amped Software – https://ampedsoftware.com/video-evidence-principles

Judge Blocks Use of AI-Enhanced Video Evidence, NBC – https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/washington-state-judge-blocks-use-ai-enhanced-video-evidence-rcna141932

Ferrari Exec Foils Deepfake Attempt, Fortune – https://fortune.com/2024/07/27/ferrari-deepfake-attempt-scammer-security-question-ceo-benedetto-vigna-cybersecurity-ai/

Amped Blog – https://blog.ampedsoftware.com/

Martino's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinojerian/

Can AI Be Used for Forensics and Investigations? – https://www.forensicfocus.com/news/can-ai-be-used-for-forensics-and-investigations/

Paul Gullon-Scott BSc MA MSc MSc FMBPSS joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss the mental health challenges faced by digital forensic investigators (DFIs), particularly in relation to secondary traumatic stress (STS). He explains how exposure to distressing content, such as child sexual abuse material (CSAM), can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression.

Drawing on his many years of experience in digital forensics and research, Paul highlights the lack of UK-specific studies in this area and shares his development of a well-being framework aimed at reducing the mental health toll on DFIs. This framework includes a grading policy and a well-being booklet designed to help investigators recognize stress symptoms in themselves and others, while reducing their exposure to traumatic material.

Paul also touches on his recent research into the role of neurodiversity in digital forensics and the importance of adapting mental health support to neurodiverse individuals in the profession.

00:00 – Introducing Paul Gullon-Scott Bsc MA MSc MSc FMBPSS and his Research into DFI Mental Health

07:20 – Impact of CPS Guidelines on DFIs

10:30 – Research Findings on Secondary Traumatic Stress

22:40 – Gender and Age Differences in Stress Response

30:50 – Support Systems and Coping Strategies

46:00 – Neurodiversity in Digital Forensics

52:50 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode, these organisations may be of help:

Samaritans – https://www.samaritans.org

Mind – https://www.mind.org.uk

Oscar Kilo – https://www.oscarkilo.org.uk/

Occupational health unit (OHU) – all police forces have access to an OHU providing a range of support services

Employee Assistance Scheme (EAS) – check with your employer to see what specific resources are available to you 

GP – your GP can provide access to various local resources and make referrals to psychological support services