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