Hawkins - Forensic Investigators

BSc (Hons)

Engineering Physics

PhD

The Microstructure of Organic Polymer Gas Sensors

CSci

Chartered Scientist

CPhys

Chartered Physicist

MFSSoc

Member of the Forensic Science Society

MInstP

Member of the Institute of Physics

AMIMechE

Associate Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers

During his first degree, Paul spent a year with the Health & Safety Executive as part of a small team which developed HSE’s understanding of pedestrian accidents. On completion, Paul moved to the Materials Research Institute (Sheffield) to study the effects of microstructure on the electrical characteristics of conducting polymer thin films used to detect odours in the first commercially available ‘electronic nose’.

During his PhD, Paul returned to the Health & Safety Executive’s Laboratory (HSL) as a Higher Scientist, and led research into the causes and means of prevention of slips, trips and falls, resulting in the production of HSE Guidance and feeding into British Standards. After becoming a Senior Scientist, Paul led HSL’s slips and trips forensic investigation team and acted as HSE’s principal Expert Witness for cases involving pedestrian accidents. On becoming HSL’s Research Technical Leader for pedestrian safety, Paul led HSL’s research into this subject, including their input into a large pan-European ‘FP6’ research project and the two largest research projects into slips and falls ever undertaken by HSE.

In his later years with HSL, Paul maintained responsibility for the authorisation of their slip, trip and fall forensic reports and represented HSE on several British Standards Committees, taking part in the production of numerous National Standards. Paul has developed a substantial list of publications in this subject area, and still regularly writes a column in the trade press.

Paul brought his experience of investigating slips, trips and falls to Hawkins in 2009 and is Hawkins’ Topic Specialist in this area. He also specialises in the investigation of fires in domestic and commercial premises, as well as vehicle fires and break-ins.

Paul is an Associate based in the Birmingham office.