Mangaluru: As a part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), The Forensis Forum of the Post Graduate Department of Criminology and Forensic Science (CFS) and Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), School of Social Work (Autonomous), Mangaluru, in association with the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya University (Deemed to be), Deralakatte, Mangaluru, organized a workshop on “Police Procedure: The Art of Crime Scene Analysis” held on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at the College Campus of Roshni Nilaya.
The main objective of the workshop was to familiarize the delegates with the core principles and procedural standards for handling and analyzing crime scenes, to provide practical exposure through simulated crime scenarios, and to offer a detailed view of the various functions within the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) through the exhibition.
Dr. Saritha D’Souza, Head of the Post Graduate Department of Criminology and Forensic Science, was the key speaker for the session on the theme. She spoke about the basic concepts of Criminology, the three wings of the Criminal Justice System—Police, Court, and Correctional Institutions, and the 3 I’s of Investigation and Crime Scene Analysis. She highlighted the types of evidence, the 7 S’s of Crime Scene Investigation, and the protection, identification, handling, and preservation of scientific evidence found at the crime scene.
Further, to offer hands-on experience, the delegates observed the simulated crime scene arranged as part of the workshop and evaluated scientific evidence to determine whether it was a homicide, suicide, or natural death by reconstructing the crime scene based on the evidence.
In continuation, there was an interaction between the students of the department and the delegates through the “Forensic Science Exhibition,” which was arranged to provide information about the functions of various divisions of the Forensic Science Laboratory. Students explained the wide areas of Forensic Science and its role in the prevention and detection of crime. Faculties of the department, Mr. Niketh P.S., Student Welfare Officer, and Ms. Nashwa Iqbal, Faculty Coordinator of the Forensis Forum, guided students to successfully organize the workshop.
The Program Coordinator of PGDFAO, Dr. Mohammad Nasir Ahmad, Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya University (Deemed to be), Deralakatte, Mangaluru, expressed his gratitude for the effective workshop hosted by the department under the leadership of Dr. Saritha D’Souza. He also appreciated the faculty and students for their efforts in providing more insight into various aspects of Criminology and Forensic Science through the exhibition. Further, he expressed his inclination and assured support for future collaboration in academic programs.
The delegates, comprising doctors from various departments in and around the states who were well-experienced in their specialization, provided positive feedback, noting that the session significantly deepened their comprehension of crime scene investigation procedures. Previously limited to theoretical knowledge, the workshop offered valuable practical experience that enriched their understanding of forensic practices.
Altogether, 11 delegates, 4 faculty members, 2 non-teaching staff, and 32 students were present, totaling 49 attendees.
First-year MSc CFS student Ms. Keerthana Lalasa delivered the vote of thanks, Ms. Cressida Mascarenhas compered the whole event, and Ms. Adheena M, a second-year student and media coordinator of the department, compiled the report.