Forensic Investigator: True Stories From The Life Of A Country Crime Scene Cop

by Esther Mckay

FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR Geoff Bernasconi had always been passionate about his job as a policeman in rural New South Wales and, from the earliest days of his career, went the extra mile, both for victims of crime and for their families. But one night in 1984, he was called to investigate the scene of an horrific car accident in which an entire family had been wiped out – and which it was impossible for him to forget. Geoff's day-to-day working life became a catalogue of tragedies, some of which involved people close to him, and he found himself spiralling downwards in the grip of post-traumatic stress disorder.

When Esther Mckay, fellow forensic investigator and author of the best-selling Crime Scene, heard that Geoff has been awarded maximum compensation for his suffering, she knew immediately this was a story that needed to be told.

This is a harrowing account of what it is like to work on the front-line of crime and tragedy as a forensic investigator. But it is also the inspiring story of someone who has been exposed to sights and experiences many of us can hardly even imagine, yet has emerged from the darkness to begin his journey to recovery.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Crime

262 pages, Paperback

First published August 3, 2009

Reviews

[Cameron Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

book about nsw crime scene investigator and all the horrific scenes he had to attend and work through. Investigators deal with a lot of dead people and stress and trauma builds up to cause him ptsd. Good book convinced me to not go cops and if I do no matter what do not go into crime scene investigation. Also told stories about how busy being a general duties cop can be in a small town and that 24/7 call outs way worse than shift

[Jess Large · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lived in the house from chapter 11 some weird things happened making me do more research thanks for this book I was able to find it at my library in wagga and read it a lot of people still remember mark but not many people I know knew the detective Geoff Bernasconi poor guy he deserves more credit then his got I think

[Sandy Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

The work Forensics Investigators is a job not a lot of people would aspire to but this book shows the dedication of the men and women who do it. It isn’t easy to read about some of the investigations but it is true to life and I. Glad I read it. I can only hope that procedures are now in place to ease the workload and stress these people were under. A great book.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book an extremely harrowing account of the life of a rural police officer, Geoff Bernisconi who worked in rural Australia as a forensic investigation. I found the stories gripping and the fact Bernisconi had no proper support, but all the same provided sympathy to survivors and family members touching. It was sad to read how Bernisconi broke down after years of helping to find answers to tragedies. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in police work.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very moving account of life as an unsupported forensic investigator in the NSW police force in the 1980s and 1990s. Some of the stories were shocking and its understandable how officers were affected so much.

[Akhila · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far from my expectations of what a country crime cop would be. It was so eye-opening and harsh. Amazing.

[Georgina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping account, could not put it down.