Helen Pepper‘s first job was with the Forensic Science Service, where she worked as an assistant scientific officer. She later moved on to become a scenes of crime officer with West Yorkshire Police. She moved to County Durham and was appointed a senior scientific support officer with Durham Constabulary. After four years she became forensic trainer for Durham Constabulary, teaching police officers of all ranks about the value of forensic evidence, then acted as Head of Crime Scene Investigation before leaving Durham to join Teesside University.

Helen is a Member of the Forensic Science Society, and has a wealth of experience in the investigation of all crime types, from simple thefts to murders and terrorism, but she has a special interest in sexual crime and helped to develop the SARC services for County Durham.

Helen advises crime writers and TV script writers on policing and forensic matters for series such as Vera and Shetland.

Closing our 2026 festival, Helen will be joined by Bay Tales patron Ann Cleeves to discuss how her expertise helps authors add an element of realism to their fiction.

Please note, this free event is only for Bay Tales 2026 ticket holders. Please ensure you have your ticket to produce at the door on the night. Please also ensure you RSVP with the name matching your Bay Tales booking.