My First Month as a CSI at the Crime Branch, Delhi Police

A personal account of sudden lifestyle changes, intense duty cycles, and the psychological impact of handling crime scenes every day.

Stepping into the role of a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) at the Crime Branch, Delhi Police was nothing short of life-changing. I had always imagined the work to be intense and unpredictable, but experiencing it firsthand in my first month revealed how deeply it reshapes one's lifestyle, emotions, and mental resilience. Crime doesn’t operate on a schedule, and very quickly, I learned that neither could I.

A Sudden Shift in Lifestyle

Before joining the Crime Branch, my days had structure—sleep, work, meals, rest. But this job rewrote every rhythm I was used to. Now, a single phone call could send me racing to a crime scene at any hour. A minor alert might escalate into a major case. The shift was not gradual; it was immediate and absolute.

My lifestyle transitioned overnight into one where unpredictability became routine, and mental preparedness became as essential as my forensic tools.

A New Case Every Day: The Chaotic Range of Crime

One of the most striking realities of this role is the diversity—and gravity—of cases you encounter daily. No two days feel the same, and no case feels “simple.” Each comes with its own emotional weight and scientific challenge.

Murder Cases

Murder scenes carry a chilling stillness. The air feels heavier. Every detail—from a blood spatter pattern to the position of a weapon—becomes a silent clue begging to be read. You can’t afford emotional hesitation, even when the scene feels overwhelming.

Robbery & Theft

Though comparatively less intense, robbery and theft cases still demand precise scientific documentation. Behind every stolen item lies a victim whose sense of security has been fractured—and that adds its own weight.

Hanging Cases

Hanging cases almost felt like a daily occurrence. These scenes require a careful forensic eye to distinguish between suicide, homicide, or accidental circumstances. Each subtle mark, each positioning detail, holds importance. The psychological toll of repeatedly working on such scenes is undeniable.

NDPS Cases

NDPS investigations test your discipline. The chain of custody for narcotics is sacred—any lapse can cost the integrity of the entire case. Every seal, every signature feels significant.

POCSO Cases

These are the hardest to process emotionally. No amount of training prepares you for the psychological impact. As a forensic expert, objectivity is necessary—but being human, sometimes the weight follows you long after you leave the scene.

The Psychological Impact No One Talks About

CSIs are often perceived as emotionally immune, unshakeable. The truth is far more complex. Every case leaves an imprint—not visible, but deeply felt. The images, the stories, the emotions of affected families—these stay with you.

You learn to detach because the job demands it, but emotional detachment is not the same as emotional absence. Some cases pierce through even the toughest professional armor.

The Reality of 24-Hour Duty: Draining but Defining

The 24-hour duty cycle is perhaps the most physically taxing aspect. In theory, it sounds manageable. In practice, it's a marathon of unpredictable intensity.

• You may not sit for hours.
• Meals become secondary.
• Sleep becomes optional and often impossible.
• Cases can arrive non-stop, each requiring full focus and precision.

When the shift finally ends, exhaustion hits like a wave. The 48-hour off cycle that follows sounds generous, but realistically, the first 36 hours are spent simply recovering—physically, mentally, emotionally.

Only after that do you begin feeling human again, right before preparing yourself for the next demanding duty cycle.

Learning to Recharge

Recharging becomes a survival skill. You begin to appreciate silence, rest, and small routines. Whether it’s sleep, solitude, music, or family—anything that helps you reset becomes essential.

Over time, you learn that resilience is not about feeling nothing, but about learning how to rebuild yourself after every draining shift.

What My First Month Taught Me

This job teaches more than any classroom ever could. It demands strength, patience, precision, and emotional discipline. It pushes you, reshapes you, and often humbles you.

But despite the intensity, the fatigue, and the emotional strain, there’s an undeniable sense of purpose. Each case solved is a small victory for justice. Each evidence collected becomes a voice for the voiceless.

Conclusion

My first month as a CSI at the Crime Branch, Delhi Police, was overwhelming, exhausting, and eye-opening. It changed my lifestyle, tested my limits, and introduced me to the harsh realities of crime. Yet, it also strengthened my resolve and deepened my commitment to forensic science.

This journey is not easy—but it is meaningful. And meaningful work, no matter how difficult, fuels its own motivation.

What I Learned at NFSU: Reflections from a 2024 Postgraduate

College life isn’t just about lectures and exams—it's about figuring yourself out, one messy, uncertain, and sometimes surprising step at a time. As someone who’s walked the path and just stepped out of NFSU with a postgrad degree in 2024, here’s what I wish someone had told me earlier:

You Don’t Need to Be Everywhere

There’s a lot of pressure to join every society, attend every event, and stay involved in a million things at once. You don’t need to. Find what excites you, what feels meaningful, and commit to that. Quality over quantity always wins.

Grades Matter, But Skills Matter More

Yes, CGPA is important. But don’t build your entire self-worth around it. Writing well, communicating clearly, leading people, organizing tasks—these are the skills that’ll open doors in the real world.

Let Go of What No Longer Serves You

Not all friendships will last, and that’s perfectly okay. Some people are meant to stay for a chapter, not the whole book. Learn to be okay with that. Keep moving.

Your Timeline Is Yours Alone

Some people get jobs before finishing college. Others take a year to figure out what they want. Don’t rush your journey just because someone else looks like they’re ahead. You’re not behind—you’re on your path.

Talk to Strangers

Sounds weird, but seriously—speak to people outside your group. Seniors, juniors, people from other departments. The best insights often come from unexpected conversations.

Try, Fail, Learn

Take risks. Try things you’ve never done before. You’ll mess up—and that’s where the learning happens. That’s how you’ll discover what really drives you.

Mental Health Is Non-Negotiable

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to step back. What’s not okay is ignoring your mental health for the sake of ‘pushing through’. Seek help. Take breaks. Protect your peace.

Start Building Your Network Early

Talk to alumni. Reach out to your professors. Help your peers. Opportunities often come through people, not job portals. Invest in your network now—it pays off later.

Stay Curious

Keep learning. Whether it's a new subject, a creative hobby, or something unrelated to your field—it expands your thinking and keeps you sharp.

The Most Important Advice: Stay Humble

Don’t act like an expert just because you’ve done a few internships or attended a few conferences. Especially in forensics—India is still developing in this space, and there’s a lot we don’t know yet. Respect the experience of your seniors. Listen more than you speak. Stay curious, not cocky.