As the Chief Forensic Scientist for the Australian Federal Police, 2021 UTS Chancellor’s Award recipient, Dr Sarah Benson PSM, is driven by her duty to keep Australians safe.
Dr Sarah Benson PSM, is most proud of the leadership role she has achieved and the people she works with.
It was her enjoyment of Patricia Cornwell crime novels that first drew Dr Sarah Benson into the world of forensic science as a teenager.
‘When I was in year 10, two NSW Police Officers came to speak to my high school about forensic science, and a career where you could apply science to help police solve crimes and ultimately help the community became very appealing,’ she said.
‘The UTS Centre for Forensic Science degree was well aligned to industry which ensured relevance in what was taught with respect to subjects, contemporary scientific practices and also the criminal landscape,’ she said. And it was in Dr Benson’s honours year of her degree that she set her sights on the Australian Federal Police;
‘Two AFP members were industry supervisors for my honours research project and I applied to do work experience with the AFP in Canberra for a short period during the holidays. Both of these opportunities highlighted the role of the AFP and the great people who worked there and from that moment on, that was where I wanted to work.’
Her supportive supervisors and colleagues at the AFP have been crucial to her progress in the organisation.
‘Throughout my career, it has often been the backing of others that has led to the biggest growth opportunities. My current work environment continues to be demanding, complex and rewarding. The 200% commitment, hard work, and professionalism of everyone I work with, together with a supportive leadership team, drives me, day in day out, to do the same.’
Her career journey has had a number of turning points:
‘Overseas deployments, domestic law enforcement operations, failed promotions, successful promotions, having two beautiful boys — all have had an impact on me for better or for worse,’ she said.
Dr Benson recalls the overseas deployments as some of the most meaningful experiences in her career.
The proudest moment of my career was being promoted to the role of AFP’s Chief Forensic Scientist. I currently hold a very privileged position, responsible and accountable for all the amazing scientists, technical specialists and enabling professionals who maintain and deliver a wide range of specialist capabilities that are deployed to have impact against the criminal environment.
‘My experiences working overseas were some of the most challenging and most rewarding of my career. Being able to work alongside international counterparts, often as part of “Team Australia” with specialists from various jurisdictions and agencies, is so meaningful. Those moments have shown me how small the world is, but at the same time, how big our forensic science and police communities are when we come together in the face of adversity. My overseas experiences have all involved tragic disasters that are heartbreaking on every level. They are a stark reminder of one of the roles the AFP can play for Australians in their time of need.’
Despite winning several awards, including the Public Service Medal for her innovation and contributions to forensic science capability in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2021, Dr Benson is most proud of the leadership role she has achieved and the people she works with.
‘The proudest moment of my career was being promoted to the role of AFP’s Chief Forensic Scientist. I currently hold a very privileged position, responsible and accountable for all the amazing scientists, technical specialists and enabling professionals who maintain and deliver a wide range of specialist capabilities that are deployed to have impact against the criminal environment. Our role, our capabilities, our people, our profile, our impact and value all make me so proud. I get to witness this and be proud every day.’
And it is the safety of the people of Australia that ultimately inspires her to keep achieving in her career;
‘I am motivated to achieve outcomes in line with the AFP’s purpose — to keep Australians safe. As a member of the AFP senior executive, I am motivated to ensure our people can perform at their best by having all that they need to apply their specialist skills and knowledge to whatever challenge they are presented with,’ she said.
Dr Benson hopes that her legacy encompasses all aspects of her life.
‘I would like to be remembered for being a good person — a loving and supportive mum, an inspiring and supportive leader and a good friend to those around me. I hope I leave a positive impact on the people and initiatives I have been involved with and have made a difference to ultimately help others.’