UCLan BSc (Hons) Forensic Science graduate, Leah Weatherby is leading the way in forensic science as Head of CSI at Lancashire Constabulary.
It was no surprise that Leah would choose the degree BSc (Hons) Forensic Science following her time at St. John Rigby College, where her psychology tutor described her as having an “inquisitive mind.” Leah then enrolled on our BSc (Hons) Forensic Science course, describing her degree as something which “set her on the way” on her career path.
Leah is the Head of CSI at Lancashire Constabulary. Her role consists of ensuring the effectiveness of crime scene investigations and directing the delivery of CSI services, within the context of significant and ever growing issues relating to crime.
Her journey began after graduating from UCLan in 2005. Leah was hooked, she knew that she wanted to continue and form a career in CSI. Leah worked in Lancashire Constabulary’s Intelligence Unit for nine months nine months and then went on to work as a Volume Crimes Scene Investigator.
After this, Leah was promoted to CSI, where she spent 12 years investigating and examining the full range of crime. In this role, Leah specialised in covert forensic recovery, disaster victim identification, fire investigation and crime scene management. In 2019, she moved into CSI Supervision and in 2020 was successfully appointed as Head of CSI at Lancashire Constabulary.
After graduation, Leah initially wanted to become a forensic scientist but had a change of heart once realising how much she enjoyed working in CSI. She thanks her degree course for opening her up to different possibilities.
"I really enjoyed my degree course and I feel it gave me an insight into a role that I would not have considered prior to attending University."
— UCLan BSc (Hons) Forensic Science graduate, Leah Weatherby
Despite being constantly told that “jobs within CSI were impossible to get,” Leah was determined to prove everyone wrong by working hard and not losing hope.
Leah has received several Police Commendations, which are awards bestowed by the Chief Constable in appreciation of exceptional bravery, exceptional investigative skills, and consistently excellent levels of dedication. She is also about to commence a PhD.
Talking about what advice she’d give to people wanting to follow a similar career path, Leah said: “I’d encourage anyone who would like a career in CSI to attend the course and hopefully gain as much as what I did out of it. With enough determination and a lot of hard work, you can do it. What a fantastic job it is!”
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