Her Work
Sarah Thirkell is one of the UK's most experienced forensic crime scene practitioners — with over 30 years of frontline and specialist forensic science experience spanning two police forces, multiple consultancy roles, and an MRes in Forensic Entomology from Cranfield University. She spent 23 years at Thames Valley Police as a Crime Scene Coordinator and Forensic Tactical Advisor in Covert Forensics — an elite specialism requiring the highest levels of operational discretion, scientific rigour, and tactical decision-making in live and covert investigative environments.
Since retiring from policing in 2016, Sarah has built an exceptional portfolio practice spanning forensic consultancy, training, and accreditation. She is currently Business Partner at the Forensic Training Partnership, a UKAS Technical Assessor, a Forensic Crime Scene Consultant at both Reed Forensics and Forensic Access Limited, and an Educational Accreditation Scheme Assessor for the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences — simultaneously shaping the quality standards of the forensic science sector from multiple positions of influence.
Her earlier role as Lead Trainer and Training Manager at Alecto Forensics — where she developed and delivered crime scene training programmes to UK police forces and secured tender contracts for specialist training — reflects the same commitment to elevating the quality and competency of the forensic science profession that runs through her entire career.
Areas of Specialisation
Covert Forensics & Crime Scene Investigation
23 years at Thames Valley Police as Crime Scene Coordinator and Forensic Tactical Advisor in Covert Forensics — specialist operational expertise in crime scene investigation, evidence recovery, counter-terrorism, and surveillance within highly sensitive investigative environments.
Forensic Entomology
MRes in Forensic Entomology from Cranfield University — advanced research expertise in the use of insect evidence in criminal investigation, including time-of-death estimation, body disposition analysis, and the forensic interpretation of entomological findings in decomposition cases.
UKAS Technical Assessment & Accreditation
UKAS Technical Assessor and CSFS Educational Accreditation Scheme Assessor — assessing the technical competence, quality management systems, and accreditation standards of forensic science providers and educational institutions across the UK.
Forensic Science Training
Lead Trainer and Training Manager at Alecto Forensics — developing and delivering crime scene training programmes to UK police forces, creating niche courses for specialist requirements, and securing tender contracts. Crime Scene Associate Lecturer at Cranfield University.
30 Years at the Frontline
Thames Valley Police — 23 Years
Crime Scene Coordinator and Forensic Tactical Advisor in Covert Forensics from 1993 to 2016 — leading crime scene investigations, advising on forensic strategy in covert and sensitive operations, and coordinating evidence recovery across major and complex investigations including counter-terrorism cases.
Multi-Role Forensic Consultancy Portfolio
Simultaneously operating as Business Partner (Forensic Training Partnership), UKAS Technical Assessor, Forensic Crime Scene Consultant (Reed Forensics and Forensic Access Limited), and CSFS Accreditation Assessor — covering training, quality assurance, consultancy, and accreditation across the forensic science sector.
Forensic Entomology Research — MRes Cranfield
MRes in Forensic Entomology from Cranfield University (2022–2024) — combining 30 years of operational forensic experience with specialist academic research in entomological evidence, adding a distinctive scientific dimension to her crime scene expertise.