The Beat Podcast from Staffordshire Police

Do you know what a digital victim identification officer is?
In this episode of The Beat, we go behind the scenes with our very own Digital Victim Identification Officer, Ashley Crowther, who is working at the forefront of online investigations. Ashley spends his days analysing digital media, such as photos and videos, to identify and safeguard victims of child sexual abuse and bring offenders to justice.
He shares how he found his way into this specialist work and how the role has taken him beyond the UK, collaborating with policing teams in the United States, Canada and Germany. We also explore how technology and AI is used to identify victims, track suspects, and combat child exploitation in the digital world and how this is ever evolving.
Please note: This episode contains discussion around child sexual abuse and exploitation, and listener discretion is advised.
For more information and advice on the topics discussed, please visit www.staffordshire.police.uk

As part of our ‘change the story’ campaign, aimed at highlighting the impact of domestic violence and abuse, we are speaking to those who have been affected by DA, including those responsible, and people who work to support victims, perpetrators and their families.
In this episode of The Beat, we speak to someone who once battled with his behaviour as he shares his honest reflections on what led to this, the turning point that made him seek help, and how completing a behaviour change program transformed his life.
We’re also joined by Natalie from New Era, the organisation behind the programme, to explore how these interventions work and why change is possible. This is a conversation about accountability, hope, and rewriting harmful narratives.
Please note: This episode contains discussion around domestic abuse, and listener discretion is advised.
For more information and advice, please visit our Change the Story campaign page on our website: Change the Story | Staffordshire Police

In this episode of The Beat, we explore one of the most hidden and devastating forms of child sexual abuse: intra-familial abuse which is the abuse of children by those within their family network.
You’ll hear from “Susan” (not her real name), a woman whose children were targeted by a paedophile posing as a partner to another family member. Susan shares how the truth began to surface after a brave disclosure from a child following a school sex education class, an admission that led to more victims coming forward.
We also speak with the officer who led the investigation, uncovering how the abuse came to light, the steps taken to support the victims, and the warning signs that often go unnoticed.
Please note: This episode contains distressing details, and listener discretion is advised. All victims in this case are protected by lifelong anonymity under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
For more information and advice, please visit our Break the Silence campaign page on our website: Break the Silence | Staffordshire Police

The third and final installment from our guest Special Sergeant, Matt Hickinbottom, we hear about how Covid impacted his role and outlook on his career. We also delve into how Matt sees his career progressing in the Specials and the opportunities available to new recruits joining Staffordshire Police.
Focusing on our specials constabulary, we are sitting down with people across all levels of our team of voluntary officers, as they share their knowledge, expertise and tales of life in the force.

If you want to read more about our specials constabulary, or if you’re interested in joining, please visit: Special Constable | Staffordshire Police

Episode two of our Specials mini-series of The Beat continues with Special Sergeant, Matt Hickinbottom.

Focusing on our specials constabulary, we are sitting down with people across all levels of our team of voluntary officers, as they share their knowledge, expertise and tales of life in the force.

If you want to read more about our specials constabulary, or if you’re interested in signing up, please visit: Special Constable | Staffordshire Police