MBE for CSI
Tuesday, 08 July, 2014
A grandmother who has dedicated her life to being a Crime Scene Investigator has been given a distinguished honour.
Tricia Foley could not believe what she was reading when she received a letter informing her that she was to receive an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list for her services to policing.
“It was a big shock - I was sure they had got the wrong person. I am really grateful to have been nominated. I feel so honoured, not only for myself but for the whole force – its recognition for the department and for North Wales Police,” she said proudly.
Tricia commenced her career with Greater Manchester Police where she trained as a crime scene investigator, and in June 2003 she joined North Wales Police as head of crime scene investigation.
Initially Tricia specialised in firearms related incidents, but over the 26 years, she has been involved in numerous high profile cases including the Manchester and Warrington bombings, the Ffion Wyn Roberts and Catherine Gowing murders. She was the crime scene manager at the home address of Mark Bridger who was convicted of the April Jones murder and in 2004 she was in Thailand fingerprinting bodies for identification for repatriation following the Tsunami.
“It can be a personal challenge, in terms of trying to identify pieces of evidence left at the crime scene and putting together the sequence of events to assist in the investigation.”
“I have been to some horrific scenes and it can be difficult at times, but I love every second of my job, and I work with the most amazing people,” said the mother of two, admitting that she has made sacrifices and missed numerous family gatherings to pursue her career.
The investiture will take place during the next six months, but 52-year-old Tricia, who lives with her partner Dave in Capeleulo, Dwygyfylchi, has yet to find out where it will be.
