The Corporate and Commercial team at Jacksons Law Firm recently supported Teesside based Crime Scene Assist with the roll-out of their new forensic awareness app, Crime Scene Assistant.
Front-line responders are required to enter potential crime scenes in extremely pressured circumstances, often, with limited Forensic Awareness training . When that initial emergency is over, investigators need the evidence from the crime scene to be intact and capable of bringing those responsible to justice. Crime Scene Assist directors, Angela Davies and Dionne Watson recognised this tension whilst working as CSI’s and saw that there was no product available to address the problem.
They utilised their extensive knowledge of Forensic Science and experience as CSI’s and Disaster Response Consultants to produce the App, providing quick, clear and accurate forensic awareness where it is needed most. Funding and mentoring was provided by Teesside University-based DigitalCity via its Accelerator Programme to help develop and commercialise the app.
Following the launch in June 2020, the company was inundated with requests from organisations wanting to licence the App in the field, or to educate the next generation of responders. They reacted to the market demand and developed a licenced version of the App which could be purchased in bulk, at discounted prices, for students and employees. Several large universities have already purchased a licence and the company is now in discussions with other universities and a number of Police forces nationally.
Corporate and Commercial Solicitor David Artley, from Jacksons Law Firm, advised Angela and Dionne on the practical and legal considerations of licencing. He produced the agreement which the business now utilises to licence the App to large organisations.
Angela Davies said, “The response to the App has been way beyond our expectations, and we are delighted with the interest it has created. We are currently developing an online learning platform, so that we can deliver e-learning, with a plethora of exciting material to come. We have also re-approached David recently for further advice and support to expand our business and to create shareholder agreements. He is currently guiding us through the process. David is very professional, approachable, easy to talk to and we would highly recommend him.”
Scott Watson, Digital Innovation Cluster Manager, DigitalCity, said “The very purpose of DigitalCity is to assist entrepreneurs like Angela and Dionne in developing innovative products and services that lead to the creation of sustainable Tees Valley businesses. We are absolutely delighted with the progress that they have made with Crime Scene Assistant and wish them every success for the future.”
David Artley said, “Working with Angela and Dionne has been fantastic, it is wonderful to work with a business which has an innovative product which can do so much good. It is an exciting time for them as they begin a new chapter, lending further support to organisations up and down the country. They have very ambitious plans for the business which I have no doubt they will achieve and I look forward to working with them in the future as their business grows.”
Established in February 2019, Teesside-based Crime Scene Assist is the digital sister company of CSI Training and Events Ltd, which has been operating since 2012. In addition to the two directors, Angela and Dionne there are two non-executive directors who work within the business, and there are plans to recruit more staff in the future. www.crimesceneassist.com.
Jacksons is an award-winning law firm based in the North East of England. With its head office in Stockton on Tees, an office in Newcastle upon Tyne and office space in Sunderland it is well placed to offer legal advice to businesses and individuals across the region. Its services include commercial property, corporate and commercial, dispute resolution and debt recovery, corporate insolvency, regulatory (including health & safety), employment, private client legal assistance, residential conveyancing and matrimonial.
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