Question: what made u want to be a crime sceane investigater and what do you like the best

Anna Williams answered on 16 Jun 2011:

Hi Susey13,
Well, strictly speaking, I’m not a crime scene investigator, but I have worked in that footwear marks and forensic anthropology for the police and I am now a practising forensic anthropologist. I have wanted to be a detective since I was about 7, when my dad gave me a book on detection and forensic science. I think, also, the TV shows that were on when I was at school and university, like Quincy and Inspector Morse made we want to go into it too. Once I had started looking into forensic science, and I found out that I could use the knowledge I already had from my archaeology and anthropology degree to help solve crimes, I was hooked!

Now that I am a professional forensic scientist, I guess the bit I enjoy most is being set a challenge, and being able to investigate and examine the evidence and then provide answers that could make a big difference to the investigation or help the police to find out (a) who the person was, if it is not known, and (b) work out who committed the crime. It is very satisfying. I also enjoy the buzz of making a positive identification, and knowing that the family will get their loved one back.
I also really enjoy talking about forensic anthropology, and helping people to understand it!