Hi, I’m Chris Mercer, a former Royal Air Force Photographer, Crime Scene Investigator, and IT Teacher
Professional Profile
A highly versatile and accomplished professional with a diverse, 40+ year career spanning military service, forensic investigation, operations management, and corporate IT training. Demonstrates a proven track record of adaptability, leadership, and technical expertise across multiple demanding industries. Notably recognized with a military commendation for meritorious service and distinguished as a subject matter expert and published author in forensic exhumation. A lifelong learner and community contributor with enduring expertise in digital media, training, and operational management.
Career History
Independent Consultant & Community Leader
April 2015 – Present
- Web Design & Development: Providing freelance web design services for local businesses and community organisations.
- Community Engagement: Co-founded and actively volunteer with the Malling Repair Café and lead local oral history projects, recording and preserving community memories.
AmicusHorizon Group (Social Housing Organisation) | IT Trainer
2006 – April 2015
- Developed and delivered comprehensive training programs on core business applications for staff across the organisation.
- Authored end-user documentation, including structured lesson plans, user guides, software manuals, and interactive e-learning packages.
- Upskilled professionally by earning the Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS).
Kent Police | Forensic & Intelligence Roles
Mid-1987 – 2006
- Force Intelligence Bureau Operator: Interrogated complex internal police databases and managed data input for the Police National Computer (PNC).
- Forensic Intelligence Officer: Researched and analysed DNA and fingerprint data to identify suspects; delivered specialised forensic awareness training and presentations to police officers.
- Scenes of Crime Officer (Crime Scene Investigator): Investigated high-profile crime scenes, managing the collection of forensic and fingerprint evidence, forensic photography, and witness/victim interviews.
- Specialised Achievements: Attended numerous post-mortems and exhumations; authored the specialist book ‘From An ‘Ole In The Ground’ (focused on human remains exhumation); regularly delivered expert lectures to external agencies and police forces.
- Police Photographer: Initially joined the force utilising advanced photographic skills to document evidence and investigations.
Electrical Retail Corporation | Warehouse Manager
April 2000 – April 2001
- Managed warehouse operations and stock control for a major national electrical retailer.
- Supervised logistics, delivery schedules, and warehouse personnel while strictly enforcing health and safety compliance and managing administrative workflows.
Lithographic & Silk Screen Printing Firms | Production Manager
1986 – Mid-1987
- Oversaw daily production schedules, quality control, and staff management across two distinct printing firms, successfully transferring technical skills acquired during military service.
Royal Air Force (RAF) | Photographer
1971 – 1986
- Served a distinguished 16-year military career at various national and international RAF bases, including RAF Biggin Hill.
- Produced large-scale public and tactical photographic displays for major military attractions and operations.
- Awarded the Air Officer Commanding Commendation for Meritorious Service (1980).
Note: Began working career as a Junior Gardener at a local hospital prior to receiving RAF enlistment papers.
Core Competencies & Technical Skills
- Training & Education: Curriculum Development, E-Learning Packages, Lesson Planning, Instructional Delivery (CTLLS Certified).
- Investigation & Analytics: Forensic Evidence Gathering, Crime Scene Photography, Intelligence Database Analysis (PNC), Interviewing & Information Gathering.
- Operations & Leadership: Production Management, Logistics, Warehouse Operations, Team Supervision, Health & Safety Compliance.
- Media & Technology: Professional Photography, Lithographic/Silk Screen Printing, Web Design, Technical Writing. VHS, Betamax and other video tape media to dightal format.
Personal Interests & Commendations
Interests: Pétanque, genealogy, local history, oral history preservation, hiking, travel, micro-brewing, and photography, and writer of Historical fiction.
Publications: Author of ‘From An ‘Ole In The Ground’ (Human Remains Exhumation).
Awards: Air Officer Commanding Commendation for Meritorious Service (1980).