Crime Insiders

15% of the DNA on your hands isn't even yours. So, could you be found guilty of a crime you didn't commit? Just because your DNA was found at the scene?

Professor Georgina Meakin is an expert in DNA transfer. She studies how DNA is moved from people to things, from things to people, and what it means in the context of crime. She exclusively works in defence, and has worked across an incredibly high profile case in the UK, involving a man named 'Flakey Dave'. 

Hear what happened to Flakey Dave, as host Kathryn Fox unpacks Georgina's work, and gets an understanding of how DNA can be used to convict, but also defend. 

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An exclusive, never before heard retelling of how the Newcastle Knights superstar was covertly surveilled and arrested for drug trafficking. It threw his career and sport into disrepute - and, gave an insight into the fascinating culture of organised crime and sport in Australia. 

As well as arresting high profile sports stars, Former NSW Detective Sergeant Craig Semple has tackled some of Australia's most vicious, and high profile outlaw motorcycle gangs. Craig's career takes some incredible turns - including a high profile murder case in Yamba which shocked almost all of the NSW police department, and several high intensity bikie operations which ended Craig's career, and almost his life. 

Some of the stories you’ll hear from Craig today are just extraordinary. His honesty, candour and emotional vulnerability goes beyond what we expect from our guests, it shows the type of character he is now, and was in the force.

Unpack it all with host Brent Sanders, and understand the ups and downs of policing in NSW and Australia as a whole. 

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How were the bodies found? What forensic techniques were used to catch Milat? And what findings helped bring closure to families? 

Professor Chris Griffiths is one of Australia's most experience forensic experts. In his time, he's helped bring closure to families by identifying victims. As well, his work has contributed to the convictions of some of the country's worst serial killers, including Ivan Milat. 

Join host Kathryn Fox as she unpacks Chris' career, and understands the toll this type of work has on him professionally and personally. 

 

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The psychology of this policing is like no other, and requires a particular set of skills. For Anthony Macklin, it suited his attention to detail and unrelenting work ethic. He was dedicated to his work, and to the force. But, when bureaucracy and the decisions of those above him meant an offender slipped through the net - he had to rethink his career. 

Anthony Macklin is a former Detective Inspector in the NSW Police. He worked tirelessly in the force, and took on several high ranking positions across a number of stations. Now, he works alongside fellow guest Danny Mikati as a private investigator. 

It was a distinct pleasure to have Anthony on the show, the whole Crime Insiders team extends a warm thanks to him for his time. 

Join host Brent Sanders as he unpacks Anthony's career and gets to know the man behind the badge. 

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It started with a bite, and ended in a violent shooting. Forensics employed unique techniques to help crack not only the murder, but the complex circumstances that led to it. 

Richard Bassed is one of Australia's most experienced forensic odontologists. His work is complex and important in solving high profile murders - like that of The Vampire Gigolo - but also, in identifying victims of mass fatalities and mass disasters. 

Unpack his work with host Kathryn Fox, and understand how forensic odontology is helping to solve and prevent crime in Australia. 

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A case that started a manhunt, and ended in tragedy. A quiet town in the Blue Mountains, thrown into chaos by a shooting and the police's effort to track down the offender. 

Alan Leek is a 35 year veteran of the NSW Police. He spent almost his entire career as a detective; investigating high stakes and high profile investigations. For much of his life, violent crime was on his door step, and it was up to him to take it on - whilst balancing, life, family and more.

Join host Brent Sanders as he unpacks Alan's career, and gains an understanding of how he had such a long and successful career in the force. 

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A first hand account of how the GSK case was solved, the science used in Australia to crack similar cases and the ethical complexities that are muddying the waters. 

The case of the Golden State Killer puzzled police and amateur sleuths for decades. Then, in April 2018, a Sacramento man was arrested and charged. How did police find their man, and what led them to him after years of nothing but cold clues and lack of leads?

Genealogy is a complex, and often misunderstood science. But, according to Professor Dennis McNevin, an expert in the field of forensic genetics, it's a technique police are becoming more and more interested in, and something we could see used in Australia very soon. 

Join host Kathryn Fox as she unpacks Dennis' work and career, and dives into cases like the Golden State Killer and the Somerton man. 

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A single incident, can lead police down a path, which if they're not taken off, can lead to horrific consequences.

Beth Docksey had an illustrious career in the force, and should be recognised as one of NSW Police's shining lights. However, it took a surge of immense courage and resilience to get to where she is now. After a critical incident at the Eastwood Shopping Centre in Sydney - her husband Glenn began down a path that not many understood, one which culminated in a horrific incident years later.

The Crime Insiders team would like to extend a sincere thanks to Beth Docksey for giving her time and candour for this interview. Brent and the whole team would like to thank her for her service, and her continued work in bringing awareness to the challenges of mental health in policing. 

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Comedian Eurydice Dixon and student Aya Maasarwe were both victims of horrific crimes. The first responding forensic expert to those scenes was Jo Glengarry. She facilitated the investigation and performed the forensic tasks which contributed to convictions. 

Understand Professor Glengarry's process when being a first responding forensic expert to violent and confronting scenes, and understand the personal and professional toll that these cases had on her. 

Host Kathryn Fox talks to Jo about  and understands the nature of these crimes and how forensic experts respond and what processes go into facilitating a successful conviction.  

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT. (1800 737 732)

For counselling, advice and support for men who have anger, relationship or parenting issues, call the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.

If this content affects you, the number for lifeline is 13 11 14. 

For more resources specific to your state or territory, visit www.respect.gov.au/services/

 

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It's more common than you think - a missing persons report is made every 18 minutes in Australia, and over 2,600 people are missing right now. 

Val Smith is a 35 year veteran of Victoria Police and an expert in the elusive field of missing persons. Throughout his time in the force he created a set of rules; engagement techniques that should be used if your loved one is lost or unaccounted for.

After retiring from the force, Val is helping families and police track down those often lost through the system. Through the charity Footsteps in the Wilderness, he investigates cold cases, discarded situations or simply forgotten stories. 

Unpack it all with host Brent Sanders, as he talks to Val about his extensive career and those crucial steps to potentially save someone from going missing. 

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