It is Science Week 2020, and to celebrate we are featuring some of the staff in the Queensland Police Service (QPS) Forensic Services Group.
Let's collect some evidence about the Major Crime Unit…
Name: Mandy Watene
Rank: Acting Senior Sergeant
Branch: State Bomb Scene Examination Manager, Major Crime Unit
Qualifications:
- Masters of Forensic Science
Year joined QPS: 2004
Meet Acting Senior Sergeant Mandy Watene of the Major Crime Unit
What is the most interesting part of your job?
I'm always looking for new technologies and methodologies, and sometimes these come from other fields of science such as the medical and mining industries.
In the Major Crime Unit (MCU), we adapt these techniques to suit our forensic requirements in order to extract as much evidence from a scene as possible.
Complimenting my role in MCU, I'm also the State Bomb Scene Examination Manager, which sees me working closely with the Explosive Ordnance Response Team (EORT) on the analysis of any scenes involving explosives.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Work/life balance is always a challenge with the nature of our work, to maintaining physical health and mental resilience is vital.
There is a tendency to do a lot of work in your own time to get results, but this mindset is neither healthy nor sustainable.
What is your most memorable moment in this role?
It's not just one moment, but there is no feeling quite like when the research and development you invest your time and energy in gives you and your team good operational results.
Getting a good result and seeing science win is always satisfying!
We will continue to showcase unique science-oriented roles within the QPS Forensic Services Group throughout the week.
For information about how to join the Queensland Police Service, visit the recruiting website: policerecruit.com.au
