Forensic hypnosis1

Forensic hypnosis is a technique which can help in investigation of criminal cases where leads have been exhausted. But it is of utmost importance that it should be conducted by an expert and person with strong knowledge of the area

1. Forensic hypnosis Presentation by: Shincy Nair M.Phil. Forensic Psychology GFSU, Gandhinagar

2. Contents Introduction to hypnosis Forensic hypnosis Use and Aim of Forensic hypnosis Methods and Procedures Safeguards of Forensic hypnosis Indian context

3. Hypnosis James Braid, English physician coined the term ‘Hypnosis’ and tried to give scientific explanation for more acceptance of this tool. It is an altered state of consciousness characterized by relaxation, a heightened responsiveness to suggestion and increase in concentration i.e focused.( Goldenson , 1984) Heightened state of consciousness is related to the subconscious mind. In Hypnosis brain switches to Alpha level (EEG), which is a focused attention and aware of his surroundings. Ultimately all hypnosis is a self hypnosis, subject’s cooperation, imagination, and preconceived notions about the hypnosis plays important role.

4. Forensic Hypnosis

5. Use and Aim It is the power of hypnosis to produce hypermnesia is the highlight of forensic hypnosis. It aids the IO with further investigation after getting leads or evidences by hypnosis. Consistent with legal system/state law and used for major crime where other options are exhausted. Help subject to de-link the associated emotional trauma attached to the event and help in retrieval of most accurate information with minimal errors e.g. vehicle number, phone number, known/unknown faces, smell, voices etc. Subject is not a child under the age of 5 and not a person having cognitive difficulties.

6. Method

7. Procedure/ Session Begin audio/video taping of session when the subject enters the room

8. Contd..

9. Safeguards Whole session must be video taped. The subject must give his informed consent to undergo hypnosis. Hypnotic session must be conducted by a well qualified, licensed and independent medical doctor/psychologist. Hypnotist must avoid leading questions and take special precaution not to add any false memories on the mind of subject. Don’t touch the subject, always have a witness in the room of same gender as the subject but not the police. Be explicit while explaining the subject that it is not a truth detection technique, it is just a tool to aid collection of evidences or details from memory.

10. Indian Context British Medical Association approved in 1955 American Medical Association approved in 1958 In India, Forensic hypnosis has not been used in police investigation. Indian Medical Association has not yet recognized it inspite been used by doctors, hypnotists and psychologists. Abbe De Faria (1756-1819) An Indian from Goa, a Catholic Priest and studied theology in Paris. He developed a theory to explain the phenomenon and methodically created a series of actions to induce hypnosis.

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