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

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