Carramar Alumni, Kelsi Lloyd (nee Cole) has had her sights set on forensics since her time here at St Stephen’s School.
“I would read what I could about a variety of different forensic methods and specialist roles to find what I was most passionate about,” said Kelsi.
“Once I realised what I was interested in, I got in contact with those who work in the Fingerprint Bureau and what each person thought would help develop my skills to be able to enter into the department.”
After graduating in 2015, Kelsi’s path was always towards realising her ambition.
“I chose Edith Cowan University as it’s the only uni to offer a practical placement as part of a policing degree while still providing forensic elective subjects,” said Kelsi.
“I studied for a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice Process with a major in Policing and electives in Forensics. After graduating, I gained some life experience working at Adult Community Corrections and understanding the role it has in the justice system and from there I entered the Western Australian Police Force in July 2020.”
Kelsi started her policing career by working for 4.5 years as a general duties officer, which gave her further life experience and deepened her appreciation of forensics.
“When the opportunity to apply for the fingerprints department became available, I took the chance,” said Kelsi.
It was a chance well worth taking for Kelsi, who absolutely loves what she does!
“My role is primarily the identification of fingerprints but it also involves crime scene examination, photography, fingerprint development, laboratory and chemical processing, as well as mortuary attendance. As the development to become a fingerprint expert takes five years, a portion of the role also involves study,” said Kelsi.
“I love the science of fingerprints, and how the individuality and uniqueness of a fingerprint can help identify persons involved and potentially solve crimes. My role can take me across WA, and potentially further when you become an expert.”
It’s not just her study of the sciences while at St Stephen’s School that helped set Kelsi up for success in her 
career.
“English literacy greatly assisted me in my studies for university and writing within the Police,” said Kelsi.
“Biology gave me a greater appreciation for the functions of the body, it’s the fundamental reason why fingerprints are unique and is the basis of our understanding of fingerprints. It also taught me how the environment can have an effect on forensic material. Drama gave me the confidence I have to speak in front of strangers, as I often do for court.”
As one of the growing number of women in forensics in the WA Police, Kelsi’s is an incredibly inspiring story, demonstrating the value of getting good career advice while still at school. Her advice to our students?
“Have a goal in mind. Break down this goal into smaller achievable steps. Once you have this goal, ask as many different people in that role on how they got there and what they think benefits others to get there as well. Never forget the bigger picture. There are always hardships along the way, but when you finally get there, it was all worth the wait.”
More information about a career in WA Police can be found on their website
https://letsjoinforces.wa.gov.au/join-the-team/police-officer/entry-level-officer/apply-now