Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Rodney Oldfield

Peregian Beach,QLD

Summary

Senior-level Investigator with experience managing case analysis in law enforcement settings. Adept at partnering with colleagues and other agencies to gather investigative data. Additionally, is a responsible Crime Scene Examiner / Investigator, well-versed in varying detection and collection methods and using scientific knowledge to analyze evidence. Offering 30 years of experience in evidence and sample collection.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience

Work History

Forensic Collision / Crime Scene Investigator

Victoria Police
02.1986 - 10.2020
  • 30 years total Police service with 24 combined years at Forensic Collision Investigation and Major Crime Scene Examination Units in Victoria Police. Performed these roles as a Sergeant (Field Management / Team Leader role). Forensic Collision was a hands-on investigative role leading and supervising police teams investigating complex, often fatal motor vehicle collisions, ensuring all relevant evidence was collected and recorded (including intimate and non intimate samples from suspects), and ensuring offending drivers were prosecuted for relevant breaches of law. Major Crime Scene examination Unit was another hands-on role, leading and supervising police teams in the location and collection and recording of evidence relevant to crimes committed. Collection of evidence, including intimate and non intimate evidence samples was central to this role.
  • Prepared case reports from allegations, transcripts of interviews and physical evidence.
  • Advanced forensic knowledge by attending professional development courses, workshops, and conferences regularly.
  • Trained team members on agency processes, court procedures and investigation strategies.
  • Promoted public awareness on crime prevention strategies and forensic science advancements through participation in community outreach events and educational programs.
  • Consulted and cooperated with legal staff to verify timely and efficient investigation completion.
  • Collected information pertaining to criminal proceedings and performed investigations to resolve cases.
  • Supervised and motivated field investigators and collaborated with personnel to identify strengths and areas of weakness.
  • Secured search warrants to investigate scenes of crimes and collect evidence.
  • Identified witnesses and collected statements to gather information and pursue remedies for violations of legal standards.
  • Installed covert cameras and recording devices in compliance with legal statutes and department policies.
  • Streamlined investigative processes through establishment of clear protocols for crime scene management and evidence handling procedures.
  • Conducted thorough post-mortem examinations to determine causes of death and contributing factors in homicide cases.
  • Identified and collected latent fingerprints, tire impressions, tool marks and other biological and physical evidence for investigation.
  • Reinforced case integrity by maintaining strict chain-of-custody procedures while transporting evidence between laboratories and storage facilities.
  • Enhanced overall case management by maintaining organized records of all evidence, ensuring ease of retrieval for future reference or court proceedings.
  • Provided critical support during high-profile investigations, working tirelessly to uncover vital information leading to suspect apprehension.
  • Collected crime scene evidence, examined bodies, and investigated secondary locations to build detailed cases based on sound evidence handling practices.
  • Interviewed and interrogated suspects.
  • Conducted impartial investigations into complaints by employees.
  • Conducted comprehensive training sessions for law enforcement personnel on proper crime scene processing methods to ensure optimal collaboration during investigations.
  • Obtained and verified evidence by interviewing, observing, and conducting surveillance of suspects and records.
  • Conducted interviews with witnesses and clients.
  • Researched criminal cases and led investigations to determine appropriate course of proceedings.
  • Collected and preserved physical evidence, photographs and laboratory submissions.
  • Carefully documented statements, observations, and evidentiary materials.
  • Boosted productivity by training and guiding 40 plus employees.
  • Collaborated with law enforcement agencies for effective communication and coordination during criminal investigations.
  • Collaborated with federal agencies on investigations.
  • Followed constitutional standards to properly obtain and execute warrants for arrests and searches.
  • Gathered facts from interviews of suspects, witnesses, and complainants.
  • Expedited case resolution through accurate identification, collection, and preservation of physical evidence at crime scenes.
  • Assisted in securing convictions by providing detailed forensic reports and expert testimony in court proceedings.
  • Substantiated validity and admissibility of evidence and preserved data integrity for court hearings.
  • Implemented quality control measures within a laboratory setting, ensuring accurate results across all areas of forensic testing performed.
  • Marked off crime scenes and controlled access to protect evidence from tampering or loss.
  • Minimized contamination risks at active crime scenes through adherence to stringent safety protocols when collecting biohazardous materials such as blood samples and bodily fluids.
  • Assisted detectives with suspect interviews and interrogations, providing valuable insights into behavioural patterns associated with criminal activities.
  • Oversaw criminal cases, coordinated investigations, and prepared evidence and investigators for court cases.
  • Prevented evidence contamination by maintaining proper chain of custody and utilizing proper packaging techniques.
  • Prepared demonstrative aides to be used at evidentiary hearings and trials.
  • Obtained admissions of crimes using forensic interviewing techniques.
  • Appeared in court and testified under oath in Criminal and Civil cases.
  • Documented findings and prepared detailed reports.
  • Researched homicides and suspicious deaths to uncover solutions.
  • Delivered calm, professional testimony to support case evidence, establish timelines, and offer law enforcement expertise.
  • Conducted reconstruction evidence such as blood blood spatter or vehicle collision re-enactments to support crime scene investigations.
  • Contributed to team success by mentoring junior investigators on best practices in forensic science methodologies and techniques.
  • Collected, analyzed and interpreted information, documentation, and physical evidence associated with investigations.
  • Enhanced evidence collection by implementing meticulous crime scene documentation and photography techniques.
  • Recreated crime scenes to establish relationships between pieces of evidence.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Acted as team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with strong work ethic.
  • Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
  • Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.

Education

Diploma of Public Safety (Forensic Investigations)

Swinburne University of Technology
Melbourne, VIC
06.2008

Skills

  • Team Collaboration
  • Witness interviewing
  • Investigative Reports
  • Attention to Detail
  • Legal knowledge
  • Problem-solving aptitude
  • Multitasking
  • Expert Witness Testimony
  • Records Management
  • Biological Fluids Identification
  • Contamination prevention
  • Professional Demeanour
  • Collecting evidence
  • Effective Communication
  • Ethical and honest
  • Evidence Preservation

Accomplishments

    Awards and Milestones


    * Forensic Services Department, Directors Commendation for professionalism, diligence and tireless work in the Disaster Victim Identification phase process, in the investigation and causation of the Black Saturday Bushfires on 7th February, 2009.


    * Forensic Services Department award as a Team Leader for contribution to external programs and teamwork / excellence in 2006.


    * Victoria Police Department Commendation for outstanding dedication, persistence and professionalism under trying and hazardous conditions during the search for human remains at a landfill site in Tuerong in 2005.


    * Victoria Police Department Commendation for outstanding performance for diligence, perseverance and dedication to duty during a protracted investigation of a fatal hit run collision resulting in the identification, arrest and conviction of the offending driver for Culpable Driving in 2000.


    * Received numerous letters of appreciation and recognition over the course of my Police career from senior management, victims and members of the public - providing praise on thoroughness and dedication to duty regarding investigations and examinations of sometimes complex and gruesome crimes.




Timeline

Forensic Collision / Crime Scene Investigator

Victoria Police
02.1986 - 10.2020

Diploma of Public Safety (Forensic Investigations)

Swinburne University of Technology
Rodney Oldfield