Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Media Release
Mangaluru, May 8: The second day of the national level conference at School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya began with paper presentations on the topic ‘General Forensic Science’. Dr Karen Castelino was the chairperson for the paper presentation. Roshan D’Souza, assistant professor and faculty programme coordinator was the co-chairperson. There were a total of 7 presenters. Aishwarya Sathya moderated the session and presented guidelines for the paper presenters.
Sai Krishna, managing director of Virtual Protect Security Pvt Ltd and managing partner of Covert Security, India LLP, Bengaluru was the resource person for the fourth session. He presented a session on ‘Security and Investigations: A Career in Corporate Security’. He began the session by asking the participants the meaning of security. He explained how students with forensic science background can apply their knowledge in the field of security and investigations. He shared his experience when he worked as a security manager where his job role was to protect warehouses. His main duty was to perform risk analysis and find gaps in security. Further, he explained about the department of security such as GSOC and SOC that is present in every organisation. He explained job roles in security like security analyst, security systems analysts and intelligence analyst. Every company has a 24/7 security monitoring team that works on 3 rotational shifts and has a minimum requirement of 9 employees. He encouraged participants to grab the opportunities and apply the knowledge of forensic science in performing the given job role and make a career out of it in corporate security as there a numerous opportunities today and also encouraged to do research in the field. He concluded the session by answering the queries of the participants. Aishwarya Sathya moderated the session.
The resource person for the fifth and final session was Rajalakshmi Kowshik, psychological counsellor, Air Force Stations, Bengaluru on the topic ‘Forensic Psychology – An insight into current status and future scope’. She expressed that due to online classes during pandemic and sacking of employee’s mental health issues, delinquencies and crimes are increasing. The role of a psychologist should not only be assessment of the individual but also in prevention through such conferences and workshops. She explained the term forensic psychology in detail along with its applications in cognitive psychology, social psychology and psychopathology. Today, psychologists are required in teaching, business, consulting, hospitals, military, criminal justice system and colleges. Further, she spoke about forensic psychologist, their role, psychopathy with the example of Ted Bundy and the importance of identifying psychopathy. The deception detection test such as polygraph test, brain mapping and narco-analysis test are performed by forensic psychologists. They also perform pre-test, actual test and post text. She explained the qualification and skills required to become a forensic psychologist, their salary and also stated some of the top universities for forensic psychology abroad. Lastly, she mentioned the use of Artificial intelligence in the field of psychology today. Priyanka moderated the session.
The valedictory programme began at 1pm. B T. Obaleshappa, superintendent of District Prison, Mangaluru was the Chief Guest. In his address, he thanked the organisers and the resource person for enlightening the participants. He stated that forensic science is very essential in criminal investigation. He spoke about his experience while working at Hassan prison about a false case of police brutality. He then encouraged participants to conduct further research in the field and find perfect evidence to prove in the court. Due to low conviction rate there is no fear among the public. Thus, if the forensic field emerges the value of law enforcement agencies increases,thus instilling fear among people to commit crime.
The guest of honour Raghava Mathihalli, senior correspondent, The Hindu, Mangaluru spoke about the importance of brain mapping in Telgi case. In those days these tests conducted were fairly new and they didn’t know the authenticity of the report but yet published it. However, today the honourable Supreme Court gave judgement for guidelines for use of these psychological tests. Today, due to more development and research these tests have more validity.
Prof Cecilia F Goveas IQAC coordinator of the college and Head, Department of Economicscongratulated the organisers of CRIFO for its grand success. Forensic science has come a long way and its future is exciting. The development of new technology allows faster analysis of evidence thus helping in investigation. It has new developments in the field such as biometris and artificial intelligence that are valuable in investigation. As forensic science continues to evolve it will become more helpful to ensure justice is served.The future of forensic science is bright and it will continue to play a vital role in the criminal justice system.
Prof Vineetha K, assistant professor and registrar (Evaluation) in her presidential address said that the application of science is important in the legal system and it requires common sense combined with skills and putting effort in perfecting everything to be done. She thanked the guests for attending the conference and congratulated and appreciated the whole team of MSC CFS under the leadership of Dr Saritha D’Souza for organising a successful event.
Other guests present were former principal Juliet C J., prof Evelyn Benis, head, department of social work and Dr Mahabalesh Shetty, MD, HOD, forensic medicine and toxicology, KSHEMA, Mangaluru.
Two participants shared their experience of the two-day conference. Aloma Castelino, media coordinator presented the report of the two-day National conference. Niketh P S, assistant professor and faculty coordinator Forensis Forum welcomed the gathering. Rashmi Shenoy compered the programme. The valedictory programme successfully concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Saritha D’Souza, head, post graduate department of criminology and forensic science.