Kathy Swanson

DS Kathy Swanson was a police officer in Cardiff during the early 21st century. Through her work, she had a number of encounters with Torchwood Three, with whom she shared a love/hate relationship.

The Pilgrim murders
Kathy investigated a series of murders committed in Cardiff. As the murderer had written the word "Torchwood" in blood, she blamed Torchwood Three as being responsible once they arrived on the scene.

Torchwood captured the murderer, Max Tresilian, but through a series of triggers planted by Suzie Costello, placed the Torchwood Hub in lockdown. Torchwood called Kathy for help and she bought a poetry book by Emily Dickinson. She told them the ISBN which unlocked the Hub. (TV: They Keep Killing Suzie)

Penarth Marina incident
Over a year later, Kathy was leading an investigation into the deaths of five students aboard a yacht in Cardiff Bay. Having contained and cordoned off the incident at Penarth Marina, she was once again irritated by the interference of Jack Harkness. (PROSE: Bay of the Dead)

Appearance
Kathy was a tall and slim black woman. (TV: They Keep Killing Suzie, PROSE: Bay of the Dead) On at least one occasion, she wore beads in her hair which clicked together every time she moved her head. (PROSE: Bay of the Dead)