Chris Mercer (Kris)

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 organization.
  • 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 15-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.

Personal Interests & Commendations

Interests: Pétanque, genealogy, local history, oral history preservation, hiking, travel, micro-brewing, and photography.

Publications: Author of ‘From An ‘Ole In The Ground’ (Human Remains Exhumation).

Awards: Air Officer Commanding Commendation for Meritorious Service (1980).