Forensic Psychology plays a pivotal role in uncovering the subtle linkages between the crime scene and the human element !
Priyanka Jadon, our next pathbreaker, works as Forensic Assistant and Crime Scene Examiner with the Delhi Police, attached to their district Mobile Crime Teams.
Priyanka talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about the unique and challenging nature of her first job at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Kolkata where she worked as a part of the Forensic Psychology and Cyber Physics division.
For students, don’t get carried away by the glamorous perception of this career as you see it on TV, It’s crucial to take into account the financial, physical, and mental requirements of a career in Forensic Psychology before you jump right in !
Priyanka, Your background?
I am a girl from Pink City, born and raised in Jaipur, Rajasthan. My entire schooling and bachelor’s education took place in Jaipur. From a very young age, I was eager to go to school, so I started attending classes early alongside my elder brother and sister, as I am the youngest in the family. My father, a CBI officer, has had a significant influence on my life, both as a parent figure and a role model. He always encouraged me and my siblings to embrace new challenges and not fear failure.
After completing high school, I wasn’t certain about my career path. However, my father wished for me to become a doctor, so I decided to prepare for the NEET exam. Until 2013, when I finished school from a Hindi medium state board, I lived in my own little world and had no idea about the fierce competition that awaited me in the real world and during the NEET exam.
In 2014, I went to Kota to prepare for NEET, and that experience brought about a significant transformation in my outlook. However, due to some cheating incidents, the exam was canceled, and I had already reconsidered my decision to pursue a medical career. After the reexamination, I was selected for the BDS course, but I had firmly decided to explore other fields.
I returned to pursue my BSc in Biology, with Psychology as an intriguing addition, though I initially thought of it as a temporary choice. But as time went on, I grew more interested and curious about psychology, mostly for personal reasons. During my bachelor’s, I was uncertain about my career path, and while researching post-graduation courses, I came across the National Forensic Science University and their MSc Forensic Psychology Program. The curriculum intrigued me, partly due to the crime investigation stories I heard from my father and the influence of thrilling crime shows.
While most of my peers were leaning towards clinical psychology, I decided to opt for something different and pursued MSc in forensic psychology from NFSU after qualifying for the DU, BHU, and GFSU (now NFSU) master’s programs. It was a decision that I am glad I made, as it opened up exciting opportunities in the field of forensic psychology.
What did you do for graduation/post graduation?
For my graduation, I pursued a BSc in Biology from Rajasthan University, with Psychology as my third subject. Following that, I pursued my Master’s degree in MSc Forensic Psychology at Gujarat National Forensic Science University (Gandhinagar). Recently, I successfully completed a one-year advanced diploma program in Forensic Science and Criminal Law from Nalsar University of Law, Hyderabad.
What were some of the influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional and uncommon career?
I thing I already talked about this in the background question.
I chose this career during the final stages of my graduation when I was unsure about my post-graduation plans. At that time, I stumbled upon forensic psychology, and it immediately caught my interest. After learning more about the field and its potential impact on society, I knew it was the right path for me.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career?
My journey to pursue a career in forensic psychology started during my Post graduation. At that time, the field was relatively new in India, and only NFSU offered the course. Despite the limited opportunities, my passion for forensic psychology drove me to explore internship options. I reached out to various government laboratories, but most of them didn’t have a psychology division and were unaware of the applications of Forensic Psychology in crime scene investigations.
However, my determination led me to secure an internship at DFS (Directorate of Forensic Science), Gandhinagar, where I had the privilege of working under a senior Forensic Psychologist. During this internship, I gained valuable real-life experience in Forensic Interviewing and got to use forensic psychological instruments like Polygraph, Narco analysis, Suspect detection system, and Layered voice analysis.
While interning at DFS, I continued my efforts to secure an internship at CFSL (Central Forensic science laboratory), CBI, New Delhi. Although I faced rejections initially due to the sensitivity of their cases, I didn’t give up. Finally, I managed to secure an unpaid internship at CFSL, CBI, which turned out to be a crucial turning point in my career.
Simultaneously, I also landed a job as a trainee child counselor at a pediatric center through the college placement cell. However, I chose to prioritize the CFSL, CBI internship due to its potential impact on my future as a forensic psychologist.
During my time at CFSL, CBI, I learned a great deal from experienced professionals, and I had the opportunity to conduct my dissertation under the guidance of the Head of the department, further enriching my knowledge and skills in the field of forensic psychology.
While researching for my dissertation, my guide advised me to pursue a topic with practical applications in the field. Given my personal interest in Forensic Psychology and its practical significance, I decided to explore the use of the Forensic Interview techniques with Polygraph instrument. My dissertation focused on “Comparing Polygraph instrument and Forensic Psychological assessment interview technique in detection of deception and truthfulness.”
The Polygraph is widely utilized in government Forensic Laboratories to detect deception by measuring physiological responses during questioning. However, it has its limitations being an invasive process, which requires written court and subject consent and multiple settings with the subject.
On the other hand, the Forensic Assessment interview technique (FAINT) examines truthfulness based on verbal and nonverbal cues and statement analysis of a written interview. I wanted to determine if this technique could be used as a preliminary step to reduce the number of suspects in early-stage investigations for the Indian population.
For my research, I conducted Forensic Assessment interviews with subjects scheduled for the Polygraph test at CFSL. The results were promising, showing similar outcomes for most candidates. However, due to the limited sample size, further research is required to establish its effectiveness in the Indian setting.
In conclusion, my journey into the field of forensic psychology involved persistence, seeking unique opportunities, and making informed decisions that shaped my career path.
How did you get your first break?
I got my first break after completing my post-graduation. While most of my batchmates pursued further studies or corporate jobs, I initially sought a job related to forensic psychology. However, since I couldn’t find any opportunities in that field, I decided to work as a counselor in a start-up company.
Just two days into my new job, I received a notification about the FPACT Exam (Forensic Psychology aptitude and caliber test), a National level exam conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs. This sparked my interest, and I made a bold decision to quit my current job and dedicate myself to preparing for the exam.
I successfully qualified for the FPACT Exam and was called for an interview. Fortunately, my previous internship experience played a crucial role in distinguishing me from other candidates, and I performed well in the interview.
Around March 2021, while waiting for the interview results, the pandemic hit, and everything came to a halt. However, a few days before the first lockdown, I received the incredible news that I had been offered a position as a forensic professional in the forensic psychology division of the Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Kolkata.
Despite my excitement, I had to delay joining the job until July due to the pandemic situation. Finally, in July, I moved to Kolkata and began working as a Forensic Professional.
During the FPACT exam, the primary objective was to recruit suitable candidates to pioneer and establish the field of Forensic Psychology in Central Laboratories across India. As part of my role, I was tasked with setting up the forensic psychology division within the laboratory. This involved procuring essential instruments such as Polygraph, Layered Voice Analysis, and Eye Detection System, and conducting meaningful research using these tools with the Indian population in the forensic psychology domain.
Since the department was still in its early stages, my daily routine involved dividing my time between the Forensic Psychology division and the Cyber Physics division. In the first half of the day, I focused on advancing the Forensic Psychology division, while in the second half, I supported scientific officers in cases related to cyber fraud, online harassment, POCSO, fake currency and gold, and person and vehicle identification in the Cyber Physics division.
As a result, I not only gained valuable experience in my primary field of Forensic Psychology but also had the opportunity to understand the workings of the Cyber Physics division. This unique experience broadened my knowledge and skills, enhancing my overall expertise in the field of forensic sciences.
It has been an enriching experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity that came my way.
What were the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
One of the challenges I faced was securing an internship in the field. However, I managed to overcome this hurdle and gained valuable experience that served me well during my first job interview. Having hands-on experience in a real-life setting allowed me to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and its practical application.
Another significant challenge was navigating through the pandemic. Like many others, I encountered difficulties due to Covid-19. Despite the circumstances, I was fortunate to land my first job just before the pandemic hit. Since my job was categorized as a front-line role, I was asked to join work as soon as transportation services resumed after the first lockdown.
Moving to another state and settling there became necessary, which posed additional challenges. Finding suitable accommodation, ensuring safety measures, and being far away from home in a city where the local language was unfamiliar presented a unique set of obstacles. However, recognizing the importance of this opportunity for my career growth, I decided to take the plunge and embraced the changes.
Tell us about your current role. Where do you work now?
Currently, I work with the Delhi Police as a Forensic Assistant and Crime Scene Examiner. I was fortunate to come across this opportunity while working at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory. It was the first time in India that the police organization recruited forensic examiners directly. Previously, the police would call forensic experts from government labs based on the case’s severity. However, now we, as forensic experts from various fields, are attached to their district Mobile Crime Teams, and we assist the investigation officers at the scene of the crime.
As a General Forensic Assistant with the Delhi Police, my primary responsibility is to provide valuable support to the Investigative Officer at crime scenes. This entails assisting in the collection and packaging of exhibits and providing appropriate advice as needed. It’s important to note that my role is not specific to Forensic Psychology.
However, in my capacity as a Forensic Psychologist, I collaborate with the Investigative Officer in cases where my expertise can be beneficial, such as suicide investigations. In these instances, I conduct Psychological Autopsy to gain insights into the mental state of the deceased prior to the unfortunate incident. Additionally, I may also interview victims and witnesses to gather comprehensive information about the case.
Currently, this project is still in its early stages, and we are continuously evolving and adapting to new challenges. As a result, no formal written reports have been submitted yet.
What’s a typical day like?
Before this opportunity, Forensic Psychologists were rarely called to crime scenes, as their main role was to conduct tests in the laboratory, such as polygraph tests. As a Forensic Assistant, my work involves 24-hour shifts, during which I attend all crime cases that occur within that period, alongside the crime team consisting of a photographer and a fingerprint expert. Our Forensic Van is equipped with essential kits and materials required for exhibit lifting and packaging, like blood detection and GSR (Gunshot residue ) detection kits.
What is it you love about your job?
What I truly love about my job is that every day is unique; each crime scene is different and at a different location, making it quite distinct from a typical 9-to-5 desk job. There’s no fixed time for when a case might arise or how long the examination will take, as it varies for each case. Sometimes, we get called to a case at 2 o’clock in the morning, while other times it could be at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. So, we always need to be prepared and ready to go as soon as the case is assigned to us. The examination time varies as well; some cases, like petty theft, may only take an hour, while serious cases like murder or fatal accidents can require 5 to 6 hours of examination.
I’m grateful for this opportunity, especially in the early years of my career as a Forensic Psychologist and as a woman working in a sector that was previously male-dominated. This field experience is invaluable and will serve me well in future as a scientific officer in the laboratory too. Understanding the investigation procedures and the intricacies of a crime scene helps me better comprehend the details when a suspect comes for psychological examination later on. In the laboratory, sometimes weeks or even months have passed since the crime occurred, and getting accurate information becomes challenging. However, having attended over 700 different types of crime scenes, I can now better connect with the investigation officer and conceptualize the crime scene details.
How does your work benefit society?
My work has a significant impact on society as I play a crucial role in assisting investigation officers in solving crimes. By carefully examining crime scenes, I ensure that all potential exhibits and clues are secured, which significantly increases the likelihood of identifying the culprits. Additionally, I conduct interviews with victims and witnesses, with special attention given to minors and women, to gather accurate and detailed information about the case.
As a member of the Police organization, I take my responsibility seriously and strive to perform my duties to the best of my abilities, always ensuring honesty and dedication. By doing so, I actively contribute to lightening the workload of the police force and ultimately help in maintaining a safer and more secure community for everyone.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
I deeply cherish a particular memorable case in my career. Although I cannot divulge all the specific details due to confidentiality, I can share the essence of the experience. This case stood out because it presented numerous challenges—specifically, the crime scene location, adverse weather conditions, and the discovery of the crime scene at a later stage of the investigation.
In this case, we encountered significant difficulties in gathering evidence, but our perseverance and meticulous approach paid off. We managed to unearth crucial leads that proved instrumental in solving the case. The feeling of discovering those key pieces of evidence, even under such adverse circumstances, was truly gratifying.
While I can’t disclose the full details, I can assure you that this case highlighted the importance of dedication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. It reinforced my passion for the field and strengthened my commitment to seeking justice for those affected by crime.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
I often receive messages from students on LinkedIn who are fascinated by the idea of becoming a forensic psychologist. While the field and job may seem intriguing from the outside, there are important aspects to consider. Forensic Psychology is still relatively new in India, and the job market may not be as established as one might hope. I consider myself fortunate to have found opportunities at the right time, but this may not be the case for everyone.
It’s crucial to take into account the financial, physical, and mental requirements of a career in Forensic Psychology. The job can be mentally challenging and sometimes exhausting, whether you work in a laboratory or in the field. You will encounter a wide range of crime cases, disturbing images, and stories on a daily basis, which can take a toll on your mental health and even impact your personal life.
It’s essential not to choose this career path solely because it seems intriguing or because you enjoy crime podcasts or TV series. Ultimately, Forensic Psychology is a job that you will have to perform regularly, and just like any other job, it can become routine and potentially boring. Instead, pursue this field if you have a genuine interest in the work and a strong desire to keep learning and educating yourself in this domain. Passion for the subject matter will be the driving force that sustains you throughout your career and helps you overcome the challenges that come with the job.
Future Plans?
In terms of my future plans, I prefer to remain flexible and open to the opportunities that may come my way in the next 5 to 10 years. Currently, I am embarking on a career as a Forensic Psychologist, and my primary goal is to explore the various applications of this field across different sectors. Concurrently, I am also passionate about educating people about the significance and potential of forensic psychology.
While I do not have fixed plans, I am excited about the potential opportunities that the future holds and the chance to grow both personally and professionally in my chosen field.