A Forensic Detective's Diary
- By Website Editor
- •
- 04 Mar, 2020
We've teamed up with forensic detective Karen Smith to deliver a soul-shattering new podcast
How does a forensic investigator become a true crime podcaster? It turns out that the new role is a more natural fit that one would expect. “I have a background in radio,” Smith explains. Prior to her career in law enforcement, Smith was a news director for a syndicated morning show in Jacksonville, FL. “It was a rip-and-read situation,” she says, explaining that she would find stories from the AP newswire and read or summarize them on air. Along the way, she met and befriended several law enforcement officers and would go on frequent ridealongs. “That’s how I got into law enforcement. Then I fell into forensics. Now I’m coming full circle back to radio, essentially!”
In Shattered Souls, Smith recounts the cases that have haunted her during her career as an investigator. Her goal is to illustrate to listeners what forensic investigators encounter and deal with in the course of their workday. “I kept a running log of all the calls I went on,” she says. She used the logs to write a manuscript about her life as a crime scene investigator, but never had it published. “It was mostly for myself, anyway,” she explains, “but it has been the best resource as I’ve branched out into podcasting. I read a chapter two or three times, take myself back to the scene, remember the feelings, then try to convey the emotion in my voice as I record each episode.”
Forensic investigators are often the unsung heroes of law enforcement; we know the perpetrators, the victims, the prosecutors and attorneys, Smith explains, but never the people behind the scenes. “There are no commendations in the field,” she says. For example, she cites the recent case of Cherish Periwinkle, a young girl who disappeared from Jacksonville in 2013. Her body was discovered hours later in a creek. “She was in water, covered with pavement, and the forensic detective, Kim Long, was still able to find a DNA profile, which is amazing,” says Smith. “But we don’t hear about her. We hear about the perpetrator.”
There are also scant resources to help CSIs and forensic investigators deal with the trauma and emotional stress of working these gruesome cases. Smith describes a crime scene at which first responders and firefighters were offered counseling to help process the tragedy. “CSIs are never offered such services,” she explains.
Shattered Souls touches on this unfortunate aspect of the job but Smith also discusses concepts that forensics nerds will love such as bullet trajectories, blood spatter analysis, crime scene reconstruction. “I want the podcast to be emotional but also educational,” Smith says. “Overall, though, I want listeners to realize that the people doing the hands-on work are people, too, and the effects of the job don’t stop when we leave the crime scene.”
CrimeCon Returns to London on 7th and 8th June 2025: A Must-Attend Event for True Crime Enthusiasts
Exciting news for true crime aficionados – CrimeCon is making its much-anticipated return to London on 7th and 8th June 2025! As the biggest UK event for those with a passion for the true crime genre, this is an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of crime, justice, and investigation, all set in the heart of the UK capital.
CrimeCon UK has built a reputation as the ultimate true crime experience, where enthusiasts, experts, educators and professionals come together to explore high-profile cases, delve into forensic science, and hear from those at the forefront of criminal investigation. 2025 promises to be the best event yet - being more captivating than ever before.
What to Expect at CrimeCon 2025
Building on the enormous success of past years, CrimeCon London 2025 will once again offer attendees exclusive access to leading criminal experts, investigative journalists, detectives, and true crime content creators. With a packed schedule of live panels, interactive discussions, and real-life case studies, this year's event is guaranteed to leave attendees with insights into some of the most talked-about cases and topical true crime themes. Not only this, CrimeCon UK puts victims and advocacy for justice at the heart of the event - making sure that CrimeCon is a platform for every story that needs to be told.
Here's a glimpse of what awaits attendees at CrimeCon 2025:
- Exclusive Interviews and Case Debriefs: Hear directly from those involved in some of the UK’s most intriguing and infamous criminal cases, hearing from those that were directly impacted by criminality.
- Meet Your Favorite True Crime Content Creators: The digital world has revolutionised the true crime genre, and CrimeCon will be bringing top content creators together to discuss their platforms, methods, and deep dives into unsolved mysteries.
- Interactive Exhibits and Forensic Workshops: Put your sleuthing skills to the test as you take part in immersive activities, which have, in the past, included forensic analysis and criminal profiling.
- Q&A Sessions with Experts: Get the chance to ask burning questions to investigators, criminologists, and legal professionals.
Who Should Attend?
Whether you're a die-hard true crime fan, a criminal justice professional, or just someone curious about the world of crime-solving, CrimeCon is perfect for you. The event brings together a diverse community of people who share a passion for exploring the darker side of humanity while discussing critical issues of justice and victim advocacy.
For those already familiar with popular crime podcasts, books, and documentaries, this is your chance to engage with the experts and learn more about the complexities behind these stories. CrimeCon offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
Secure Your Spot
Tickets for CrimeCon London 2025 are expected to sell out fast, so be sure to grab yours soon. Various ticket packages are be available, offering different levels of access, from basic admission to VIP and Platinum experiences, where you can enjoy perks such as exclusive sessions with speakers, early access to certain events and enhanced event benefits.
To find out more and to book your tickets, click here. Don't miss out on being part of the most thrilling true crime event of the year!
Now is your chance to ensure your favourite true crime content from 2023 is recognised in the TCAs!
VIEWERS' CHOICE: Whether it's your favourite series, documentary film or influencer - make sure you submit your thoughts on your favourite on-screen true crime content today! Remember - only content released in 2023 is eligible and will be counted.
LISTENERS' CHOICE: All True Crime podcasts (that released content that is available in the UK during 2023) are eligible to be nominated so be sure that your go-to true crime podcast is recognised!
READERS' CHOICE:
Which true crime book caught your attention in 2023? As long as it was first published last year then it's eligible to be nominated, so cast your vote today!
Voting is now open and closes on 31st March 2024.
Those with the most votes will be recognised and awarded at the True Crime Awards which is scheduled to take place on 25th April 2024.
SERIES 5 EPISODE 2
AVAILABLE NOW
Damian Barr is joined by Shetland and Vera author Ann Cleeves to discuss her new novel, The Raging Storm. Lauren Lyle, star of the series Karen Pirie, reveals how she brings the Val McDermid character to life, and, on the 30th anniversary of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh talks about the ITV crime series and his latest novel, The Long Knives. True crime podcasters (and our very own Nancy Baughen) rate Truman Capote classic In Cold Blood, and crime readers at the Shetland Noir Festival in Lerwick recommend their favourite reads.
If you'd like to catch up and watch this incredible episode of The Big Scottish Book Club, click here.
