Counter Terrorism Forensic manager recognised in Queen’s New Year’s Honours List

A forensic manager who has worked on some of the most intricate and high-profile terrorist incident crimes scenes in recent history has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Ian Elgeti is a member of police staff with Thames Valley Police and works for Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE).

He has managed the forensic strategies for the Forbury Gardens incident in Reading, in June 2020, both Salisbury incidents in March and July 2018, and the Manchester Arena bombing in April 2017.

Mr Elgeti was the forensic manager for the terrorist incident in Forbury Gardens, Reading, where three men were murdered and others seriously injured.

He worked in meticulous detail to preserve evidence, while being sympathetic to the wishes of the victims’ families and his forensic strategy for this investigation led to the recovery of significant CCTV and forensic evidence, which ultimately led to the defendant pleading guilty at court. The defendant was jailed for life for the murders and the judge imposed a whole-life order.

Commenting on Mr Elgeti’s achievement, Chief Constable John Campbell, Thames Valley Police, said: “I am delighted to see Ian recognised for his service to policing in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

“This award highlights Ian’s professionalism, commitment and hard work in protecting and keeping our communities safe and he should be rightly proud of this achievement.

“Ian is a credit to the police service and I offer him congratulations on behalf of all his Thames Valley Police colleagues and our partners.”

Commenting on Mr Elgeti’s achievement, Detective Chief Superintendent Kath Barnes, Head of CTPSE, said: “I couldn’t think of a more deserving person to receive an MBE. Ian is one of our highly competent and committed people who gets on with his work quietly, often with hugely impressive results.

“I am brimming with pride for Ian and all he stands for.”