What secrets do documents hide—and how are they uncovered? From forged wills to counterfeit passports, the world of document examination is a high-stakes game of detection and deception.

No one knows this better than Justin Watt, a forensic document examiner with the Department of Home Affairs.

In this episode of Crime Insiders | Forensics, hosted by Kathy Fox, Justin unravels how clues invisible to the naked eye busted a serial bank robber, what your handwriting can and can’t reveal about you, and what it takes to fake a passport.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1995, a deliberately lit fire in Sydney left 8 people dead. But how was it lit? How can forensics tell, and what information do they need to build a case for conviction?

Professor Peter Ellis is a veteran of forensics in Australia and has worked across a number of high profile criminal investigations. He's also worked overseas, in mass grave sites in Kosovo and mass disasters like the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami in Thailand.

In this episode of Crime Insiders Forensics, understand Peter's career, and the toll this type of work takes, as Kathryn Fox takes us through his career and his incredible work.

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Graeme Simpfendorfer was a decorated Victorian police officer. He used good old-fashioned policing to convict an arsonist who deliberately lit a fire in a shopping strip on the NSW/Victoria border. His hunch proved right.

Later, Graeme worked in the prestigious Victorian Police Homicide Squad, where he obtained two departmental commendations for solving difficult, high-profile murders.

Graeme tells host Brent Sanders about solving the arson case and how he helped put a man behind bars in relation to an infamous roadside armed hold-up, 27 years after the crime occurred.

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Lifeline (Crisis support and suicide prevention) 13 11 14
• 1800 Respect (National sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line) 1800 737 732
• Men's Referral Service (National counselling, information and referral service for men looking to change their behaviour) 1300 766 491
• Full Stop Australia (National violence and abuse trauma counselling and recovery Service) 1800 385 578

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The psychology of this policing is like no other, and requires a particular set of skills. For Anthony Macklin, it suited his attention to detail and unrelenting work ethic. He was dedicated to his work, and to the force. But, when bureaucracy and the decisions of those above him meant an offender slipped through the net - he had to rethink his career.

Anthony Macklin is a former Detective Inspector in the NSW Police. He worked tirelessly in the force, and took on several high ranking positions across a number of stations. Now, he works alongside former Crime Insiders guest, Danny Mikati, as a private investigator.

Join host Brent Sanders as he unpacks Anthony's career and gets to know the man behind the badge.

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Lifeline (Crisis support and suicide prevention) 13 11 14
• 1800 Respect (National sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line) 1800 737 732
• Men's Referral Service (National counselling, information and referral service for men looking to change their behaviour) 1300 766 491
• Full Stop Australia (National violence and abuse trauma counselling and recovery Service) 1800 385 578

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of people cross Pheasants Nest Bridge on the Hume Highway every day, probably unaware of its haunting past. Beneath this towering structure lies a history shrouded in tragedy—suicide, dismembered remains, mysterious deaths, and dozens of unanswered questions.

In 1989, the bridge became the site of a chilling case: the untimely deaths of two 15-year-old boys, Matthew Kelly and Jaymie Egner, who were discovered inside one of the bridge's 33m high pylons.

Forensic Investigator Esther McKay was brought in to examine the scene—a task that would forever change her life.

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Lifeline (Crisis support and suicide prevention) 13 11 14
• 1800 Respect (National sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line) 1800 737 732
• Full Stop Australia (National violence and abuse trauma counselling and recovery Service) 1800 385 578

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An innocent child was charged with the murder of his classmate - becoming Canada's youngest death row inmate. It wasn't until The Innocence Project became involved that Steven Truscott finally had his conviction overturned almost 5 decades later.

Professor Gail Anderson is Canada’s first-ever full-time forensic entomologist and has been working in the field for nearly 35 years. Her work is dedicated to the study of insects, and what they can reveal about miscarriages of justice.

In this discussion with host Kathryn Fox, Gail details her involvement in exonerating Steven Truscott, as well as Kirstin Blaise Lobato, who spent 16 years in prison for a crime she didn't commit.

This episode contains references to sexual violence against women and children. If you or someone you know needs help, dial 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). The number for Lifeline is 13 11 14.

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Dozens of young girls were subjected to years of sexual abuse and trafficking, only to be consistently let down by every institution that was supposed to protect them.

The police response was so poor, Maggie Oliver left her 16-year career with the Greater Manchester Police so she could blow the whistle on the consistent failures of the police.

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Lifeline (Crisis support and suicide prevention) 13 11 14
• 1800 Respect (National sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line) 1800 737 732

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When victims share their stories, it's often with the hope that no one else will have to endure what they did. It’s about raising awareness, spotting the red flags, and, ensuring that those in power take your concerns seriously.

These themes are also at the heart of every story we share on this podcast.

In this episode, we’re drawing on the expertise of law enforcement professionals who have seen crimes unfold, and unravelled the chain of events that led to them.

This isn't just a conversation about safety—it's a toolkit for empowerment. By learning from these experts, you can be better prepared to recognize threats and take proactive measures to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Crime Insiders is hosted by Brent Sanders and Kathryn Fox. Guests in this episode include Narelle Fraser, Peter Seymour, and Rose MacDonald.

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Lifeline (Crisis support and suicide prevention) 13 11 14
• 1800 Respect (National sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line) 1800 737 732
• Men's Referral Service (National counselling, information and referral service for men looking to change their behaviour) 1300 766 491
• Full Stop Australia (National violence and abuse trauma counselling and recovery Service) 1800 385 578

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.