Crime solving couple recognised for dedication to Derbyshire

Alice Stewart joined Derbyshire Constabulary straight from university, starting in the Photographic Department before moving over to Scenes of Crime at Derby, whilst her husband, Graham, moved to Derbyshire’s CSI team having worked at another force.

The pair met in 1993 during a work visit to a mortuary and, whilst their beginning may have been unusual, they were married three years later. Alice and Graham have now been married for 27 years. 

Between them, they have won a number of force and national awards for their work. Alice became the first Derbyshire Crime Scene Investigator to receive the National Diploma in Crime Scene Investigation and in 2000 was named as Student of the Year at the National Training Centre in Durham. She also received the Forensic Science Service Award and was chosen to represent Derbyshire at a reception at Number 10 Downing Street. Since starting at Derbyshire, Graham has also been recognised with numerous Chief Officer awards and commendations, as well as Head of Department awards.

They were both recognised for their 30-year service at an Awards Ceremony held at the Joint Police and Fire Headquarters on Wednesday (12 July 2023).

Alice said: “I’m proud to have worked on some major investigations throughout my career. It has been really rewarding, especially when speaking to the victims after and hearing first-hand the positive impact we can have on them. That’s what it’s all about for us.

“It’s also something I want to pass on to the next generation of crime scene investigators. I’m so grateful to still be working as a CSI and seeing the future of this work develop. The newer members of staff have brought so much enthusiasm and a new perspective to the work.”

Graham said: “As a Crime Scene Investigator, we of course have seen some terrible things, but I feel very lucky to have met many fantastic people and had many varied and rewarding experiences along the way.

“I remember clearly when we were examining a cannabis grow, I noticed something slightly off and subsequently found a suspect hiding under the bed. Officers quickly arrested him. There’s never a dull moment.

“I feel very lucky to work in a committed, hard-working team with lots of new faces and social events – albeit with the fresh faces it does remind me of how many years I’ve been here when the newest recruits don’t remember ‘Firestarter’ by The Prodigy.”