A veteran Tasmania Police forensic officer says the evidence his team collects is often what moves an investigation forward when detectives have little else to go on.
Sergeant Michael Maher, the officer in charge of Northern Forensic Services in Launceston, was recognised this week with the John AG Bird Memorial Award.
“The work we do can often be the key to progressing an investigation, particularly when there are few other leads available,” Maher said.
“Knowing that forensic evidence can provide answers for victims, families and investigators is extremely satisfying.”
Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams presented the award at a function in Launceston recognising achievements and service milestones among police and state service staff.
Adams praised Maher for leading the examination of major and complex crime scenes and for mentoring the state’s forensic practitioners.
She said his expertise covered disaster victim identification, crime scene management, digital evidence examination and advanced fingerprint development.
He also represented Tasmania Police in the disaster victim identification response to Victoria’s Black Saturday bushfires.
Maher said he was “honoured and humbled” by the award, which is named after the officer who trained him.
“After a long career in policing, it is very gratifying to be recognised by colleagues and the organisation in this way,” he said.
“John was my first forensic inspector and I received some valuable training from him in those early years.”
“While the award is presented to an individual, I believe it also reflects the efforts and support of the many people I have worked alongside throughout my career.”
“Forensic policing is very much a team effort and I have been fortunate to work with dedicated and highly professional people across Tasmania Police.”
He said the job demanded integrity, the highest scientific standards and careful attention to detail, often in difficult and confronting circumstances.
“Criminals are becoming more sophisticated in how they commit offences and Forensic Services must continue to evolve to meet those challenges,” he said.
