IGC provides accredited Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) and forensic training to an increasing number of Home Office police forces.

More than 270 youngsters, aged 15 to 17, are taking part in the unique workshops as part of a four-week National Citizen Service (NCS) programme which builds skills for work and life.

Staffed by former police, service police, National Crime Agency and Armed Forces professionals, IGC relocated to Fareham Innovation Centre three months ago from Southampton.

Supported by the centre team two large workshops were converted into a forensics training laboratory and a mock-up crime scene house with a bedroom, lounge and kitchen/dining area.

Thanks to field equipment sponsorship from companies, IGC was able to donate its own time and expertise in setting up the forensic workshops over nine days for the NCS.

Youngsters wore white crime scene coveralls and utilised state-of-the-art forensic technology, including a range of forensic investigation torches worth thousands of pounds.

Invisible to the naked eye, they identified fingerprints, footprints, hair fibres, bones, fluids and even a message scrawled on wall in fake blood – every contact leaves a trace.

“You see CSI personnel in action on TV dramas and films and wonder about what it is like in real life. IGC has shown youngsters the career possibilities, and challenges, from this particular line of work.”

Hampshire-based automotive recycler Silverlake provided cars for investigation, CopperTree Forensics supplied the forensic investigation torches, Sheerspeed Shelters loaned the forensic tent and Recycled Office Solution the coveralls.

A crime scene investigation manager and co-ordinator from two police forces helped to deliver the workshops.

IGC is run by chief executive Mitch Youngman, a former Royal Navy Regional Police Commander, and chief operating officer Rich Crawford, a former Royal Navy Logistics Officer.

They also deliver bespoke leadership and talent development programmes for members of corporate senior leadership teams identified as future talent in the cruise line industry and other sectors.

Mitch said: “This has been a rewarding time for NCS participants, with IGC providing professional insights into crime scene investigations and forensics. Our aim is to spark interest in the varied range of the disciplines within this valuable vocation.”

He added: “We are incredibly grateful to Stephen and his team – they have been an extension of our business since we moved in to Fareham Innovation Centre three months ago.

“They are always supportive, and nothing is too much to ask. We have plans to grow our footprint on site, with increasing numbers of Home Office police forces requesting accredited training from us in CSI and forensics.”

IGC is the only business in the UK with CSI Stage 1 accreditation, through SFJ Awards, providing customers with a recognised quality assurance process.