Sandra Nicholson was at the heart of chaos. Whilst Melbourne was under siege during the Gangland Wars, and bushfires wreaked havoc across Victoria, those at the top of Vic Pol were forced to front the media and take responsibility for the intensity surrounding the city.
Sandra Nicholson was Assistant Commissioner at Victoria Police for 5 years, and steered the ship with Commissioner Christine Nixon. Sandra joined the service in 1975, and rose through the ranks until her retirement almost 40 years later. 
Brent Sanders chats with Sandra as she reflects on her career, and the high stakes work that took her from Social Service in NSW, to the second highest ranking female officer in the history of Victoria Police. 
For more episodes, download the LiSTNR app.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DETECTIVES: From Social Services to Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner

Crime Insiders, a LiSTNR Original Production, takes you beyond true crime. In groundbreaking interviews, explore the world of policing, forensics, and more through the stories of the world’s most experienced and decorated experts.

True crime

Heartbreaking was the only word that could be used to describe the death of a 10-month-old baby in Perth. What was less clear cut is the question that was posed to the judge - was the baby boy’s death an accident, or was he murdered by his father?
Judith Fordham has been lauded as one of Western Australia’s most high-profile criminal lawyers, but her dual expertise in law and forensics sets her apart from her colleagues. In this episode with host Kathryn Fox, hear about one of the most divisive areas in both forensic science and the law - "shaken baby syndrome". 
This episode references child abuse and infant loss. If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services. For support relating to infant loss, contact Red Nose Grief and Loss on 1300 308 307 or visit rednosegriefandloss.org.au.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FORENSICS: The flawed 'science' putting parents behind bars

What happens when back up is three hours away, and you're faced with a violent and desperate situation? 
Mark Tregellas is one of Victoria's most experienced regional police officers. He's spent decades tackling violent and intense criminal situations, ones that are unique to that of Australia's wild and often unpredictable regional areas. 
Join host Brent Sanders as Mark walks him through two cases that stand out to him from his time in the force. 
This content contains references to men's violence against women. Help is always available, dial 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732. If this content affected you, the number for Life Line is 13 11 14.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DETECTIVES: The Mallacoota Stand Off

Semen is the crack cocaine of the fly world, and while maggots love a corpse, flies feast on live human flesh and fluids. So, could a fly frame you for murder? And how do police differentiate fly 'artifacts' from human biological material at a crime scene?
These are all things forensic biologist, Dr Annalisa Durdle has studied. Join host Kathryn Fox as Annalisa redefines what it means to be a 'fly on the wall'. 
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FORENSICS: Semen, drunk flies, and crime scenes

The AFP and customs intercept hundreds of tonnes of narcotics every year. But, the techniques of criminals and smugglers are becoming more complex, and unfortunately, more effective. 
Nigel Phair is a former Australian Federal Police Officer who took on a range of high profile drug importation cases. This saw him intercepting large quantities of drugs, investigating its origin and surveilling its eventual destination in Australia. 
Understand this work and hear Nigel walk host Brent Sanders through how the police undertake these investigations and how things have changed over the years. 
If this content affected you, the number for LifeLine is 13 11 14.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DETECTIVES: How Drugs Are Smuggled into Australia

It took 37 years, a failed murder trial, and an Australian mathematician to finally prosecute one of Scotland's most infamous serial killers. 
Professor David Balding is a pioneer in the field of mathematical computational genetics. Join host Kathryn Fox and hear how using things like probability, David can calculate the likelihood of DNA belonging to offenders, victims and crime scenes. 
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DETECTIVES: From Social Services to Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner

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