Abstract

Forensic science is a dynamic field of knowledge and skills that can be very useful and helpful in proceeding with criminal investigations. The purpose of the study was to ascertain how police officers of various ranks felt about the use of forensic services in criminal investigations. The sample size inclded 100 police officers from all categories of departments like Constables, Head constables, Sub-inspectors, Inspectors, Deputy Inspector General of police, Superintendents of police, Director General of Police from the Kerala region, and Police trainers under the Central Academy of Police And Training (CAPT) in the Bhopal region. The data was gathered using a structured questionnaire and a purposeful sampling approach. The outcome of the study reveals that most of the police officers were not aware of the role of forensic services played in criminal investigations. Their level of knowledge depends on their grade and year of experience. First responders like Constables and Sub-Inspectors have limited knowledge of forensic science, whereas officers working at higher levels of the police department, such as the Director General of Police, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Superintendent of Police and Inspectors are able to utilize forensic science during investigations.

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