Crimino-Vision Events

Forensic Psychology is a field of Psychology that deals with application of Psychology in law and Criminal Justice System. Being an emerging field, there is a lack of clarity regarding it. The UG department Department of Criminology And IQAC, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya , Mangaluru organized a national level webinar for students on ‘Forensic Psychology: An Emerging Field’ on 19th July 2021 to give a deeper understanding of the field and its scope tthrough Mrs. PoojaTomar a forensic psychologist.

The webinar began at 11:30am on Google meet platform comphered by Ms. Aradhana Alva of II B.A followed by a prayer song sung by Ms. Akshaya D Kini of II B.A.

Ms. Sarik Ankitha HOD of the Criminology Department welcomed the gathering.

Mrs. Pooja Tomar was the resource person for the Webinar. She is a Forensic Psychologist and also the Founder & Director of (Centre For Forensic- Clinical Psychology) and Empanelled Psychologist Justice Board, Delhi. She started the session by sharing her experience in the field of Forensic Psychology. She addressed common myths and misconceptions people have regarding the field and explained that Forensic psychologists not only do criminal profiling but other tasks too. They do not directly solve a crime but assist by providing leads. They not only interrogate criminals but also come in contact with witnesses, survivors of a crime etc. They can work in different set ups and not only in courts. There is a common myth that a law degree is needed to become a forensic psychologist but this is only a myth and not true. A masters degree in psychology is needed for getting into the field of Forensic Psychology in India. Mrs. Pooja also explained the educational qualifications required abroad to become a Forensic psychologist.

She emphasized on having a clear understanding of the roles and overlapping fields while selecting a career. She explained the difference between a Forensic psychologist, Criminal Psychologist and Criminologist and their roles and responsibilities.

As the world is progressing, criminal activities too have progressed. Mrs. Pooja explained the growing need for Forensic Psychologists in India to help in tracking criminals. She also shared that there is no recorded data of Forensic Psychologists in India. The number of Forensic Psychologists working in various set-ups like prisons and in court is not known.

She explained the various jobs and positions that are there under Forensic Psychology like Forensic interviewer, Forensic Case Manager, Juvenile Forensic Psychologist, School Forensic Psychologist, Forensic Neuropsychologist. She also mentioned the fields in which a forensic psychologist can work. She explained that a Forensic Psychologist can start their career by working in NGOs, Forensic Science Labs, Forensic Organisations, Courts, law firms. She mentioned the challenges that are faced in this field as it is still an emerging and not recognised as a licensed field yet.

A question answer session was led by Ms. Valerie Lobo of II B.A in which all the queries by the participants were patiently answered by Mrs. Pooja. She also mentioned the colleges in India that offer Masters in forensic Psychology. The session concluded with a vote of thanks given by Mrs. Amritha Shetty, Assistant professor of Criminology Department.

The participants expressed their gratitude to the resource person and organizers for conducting the informative webinar.