Chapter 27 Nat POV
Natalie sat outside the small auditorium on campus waiting to be called. The Psychology Doctoral Candidate Panel was inside. It consisted of 5 people. Two professors, the Dean, and two practicing psychologists. One of those professors was her advisor. They each had written her dissertation and were prepared to question her. She needed to answer any questions she had and defend her findings. If she passed she would get to graduate.
"Natalie Kane," said the voice of the Dean.
She followed him inside and stood before the panel and waited for them to start.
Her advisor spoke, "Natalie Kane, doctoral candidate number 8. Reported on the psychological effects of working in the crime scene business. We've all read your report and would like to ask some questions. I'll start," he shuffled a paper before beginning, "You reported a high number of high long-term risks in your report, what brought you to the conclusion that these are high risks? Wouldn't the individuals be aware of these risks and act accordingly?"
She cleared her voice before answering, "I found in my interviews with the subjects that many of them entered the career understanding the toll the job could give to them but many did not understand how much of an effect it could have in their day-to-day lives. For example: Subject 3 has frequent nightmares and has developed insomnia. This is difficult to treat without counselling to treat the nightmares. As a male in a law enforcement community that puts strong criticism towards any weaknesses, the subject had not been willing to come forward with any issues. His insomnia has been effecting not only his personal life as one would imagine but the lack of sleep is beginning to effect his performance at work as well. It's taking longer to do tasks, he struggles with sleep deprivation at work and is beginning to get reprimanded for it. This aspect of the job is commonly not anticipated. None of the agents really knew what to expect. Obviously many have dreams about work, but the nightmares are usually stemming from a traumatic crime they've had to investigate."
The Dean spoke next, "Very well said, I have a general question though, why did you choose to include individuals who do not investigate crimes? You have included a medical examiner, lab technician, even a counsellor, why?"
Natalie was most looking forward to defending this choice, "I started interviewing those member to determine what kind of effect investigating crimes have upon them to determine if they were effected. Within the first couple of sessions it became clear to me that these individuals were effected just as much. I'll start with the medical examiner as he is the easiest to understand. Subject 1A investigates the crimes as much as an agent would. In my opinion he does even more so than they do. He comes face to face with violent crimes every day on his autopsy table. He delves deepest into the victims, quite literally. I found that while well adjusted, because of his understanding that this is a part of his job, he is still plagued with negative emotions, thoughts and nightmares. The subject has good coping mechanisms and I felt that his inclusion into the study was a valuable piece of information as it gave clear evidence of some ways to cope with the psychological and traumatic effect these crimes have on the subjects as individuals. He is a success story of sorts. The lab technician, subject 1B, is another success. She is someone with a positive outlook towards crimes in the sense that she sees the science and learning of it. This helps her handle all the negative stimulus sent her way. The subject sees past the violence and looks for patterns. This frame of mind helps the individual deal with aspects that would otherwise be problematic. Of course I did not that she was a special case, as she has a very intriguing view on the macabre. Finally that brings me to the councilor. Subject 1C was important to this study for two reasons. First they, themselves, are effected by these crimes in a unique way. They assist those who have seen traumatic events or been involved in them. This means that they are indirectly exposed to the violence and that leaves their own mind to imagine things. This imagination can lead to various possible psychological effects. In the case of this subject, they have become hyper aware when in public and it has effected their dating life. They feel suspicious and untrusting towards new people. This sort of gut reaction to people proves that even those indirectly involved in the investigations can be effected by them. The other reason I included them in the study was to understand not only the practices in place for individuals but also what is actually done. While policies are in place, it does not mean everything is done. I found what was missing, or blatantly ignored in some cases, and could better determine a recommendation."
"Finally," started one of the practicing psychologists, "I simply want to know why you feel this study was important?" they sneered. Natalie got the impression they felt this was useless.
"Of course," she said with a smile. "When doing my own preliminary searches, when deciding what I wanted to study, I noted an article written by Dr. Anatoly Nakatov translated from Russian. He noted the high divorce rate of police officers in Moscow and wondered on the psychological effect the officers jobs had on their relationships. I wanted to take that a step further. I wondered if it were possible to help the individuals effected by investigating violent crimes to lessen the impact their psyche had on those around them. I wanted to know how far it went, who was effected, and to what extent. I feel that in improving their lives were are making them more effective investigators which in turn helps the public. It solves crimes faster and prevents job turnaround. An example of this is of Subject 5. He was preparing to leave his job at the beginning of the study. He felt overworked, overwhelmed and it was effecting his home life with his wife and kids. His kids were becoming scared of him because he would often lose his temper. I encouraged Subject 5 to start seeing a counselor first as they were still quite young to be considering a career change. I also felt that since they did enjoy their job they should try to keep it. Since seeing a counselor and going to therapy he has reported feeling less stressed. He is also learning to understand why he was angry. He believed it was his kids and wife but has found that he was transferring his feelings about criminals home. Subject 5 is still in need of counselling and is bettering himself, but he is less anxious at work and his performance shows it. His solve rate has improved. I feel that this subject, as well as many others, help show the importance of this study and the recommendations I have put forth in my paper."
They were discussing among themselves for a moment before the Dean turned to face her, "Miss Kane, we feel that this study is important to the fields of both psychology as well as law enforcement. Not only does it show us an example on a federal level, it proves the benefits all law enforcement could receive by accepting your recommendations. This panel hopes you continue this study to see the long term effects your recommendations have. It is my personal pleasure to announce that your paper is due to be published regardless of the outcome of this panel. You will hear from us by end of day with a determination of your status as a doctoral student. Thank you for your time today."
"Thank you Sir, I look forward to your decision." She exited the auditorium feeling confident. With the exception of the one panel member they mostly seemed intrigued and impressed by her study. Too nervous to simply wait at home for their decision she decided to go to NCIS to wait.
Gibbs POV
Gibbs patience was running thin. DiNozzo and Kate were bickering again and it was giving him a headache. He decided he needed more coffee and would maybe pick up Abby a CafPow and check on the progress of their investigation. He needed the toxicology report to determine if the suspect had been drugged like they claimed.
As he was returning entering the building he recognized the cute butt walking in front of him. "Natalie!" he called.
Nat turned and smiled, "Hey Jethro, I was hoping to wait out at the office rather than at home. I'm hoping to hear back soon on if I get to graduate."
"Come on," he told her and led her inside and down to Abby's lab.
"Oh Gibbs, you're wonderful!" Abby exclaimed upon seeing the CafPow. She reached for it, but he pulled it back from her. "Oh fine," she started, "Tox results are only partially back though but it there is signs of drugs in his system. I've managed to isolate ecstasy and GHB so far, so definitely backing up his story." She whooped when he handed the CafPow over. Gibbs smiled.
Nat had taken a seat on one of the stools Abby kept around the lab. "Nice work Abby," she said.
"Mind if she hangs out for a bit? I have to go deal with our suspect turned victim," said Gibbs.
Abby hugged Natalie, "Of course!"
It was a few hours later before Gibbs was able to see Natalie again. He went back to Abby's lab and noted that Natalie was on the phone when he walked in. Abby shushed him when he went to say something, "She's on the phone with the school," explained Abby.
"Okay, thank-you Dean Rutger. I appreciate the support and look forward to the packages in the mail." She ended the call with a big smile on her face, "I'm graduating, completed both my specialties and the school is offering me a part time position which they will be sending a formal offer in the mail."
"CONGRATULATIONS," Abby screamed before running to the small redhead to give her a congratulatory hug. Gibbs took his turn afterwards with a whispered, "I knew you could do it."
*hey guys, so glad you have enjoyed the story. This is the end for now unless I get inspired again. So sorry for the delays*
