About Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychology is a type of legal consultation practiced by experienced clinical psychologists. These psychologists have acquired expertise in areas which qualify them to be expert witnesses, report writers, evaluators of suspects and accusing parties, and providers of other legal services. Forensic psychology is basically the application of psychological procedures to the criminal justice system.
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Identification
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Forensic psychologists evaluate competency in various areas, such as the ability to understand Miranda rights and the ability to stand trial. They evaluate aspects which may affect criminal responsibility, such as mental illness, mental retardation, personality disorders, or diminished capacity. They perform cognitive and psychological evaluations of people charged with crimes and of people accusing others of crimes. Often a forensic psychologist assesses the level of trauma in civil cases. They evaluate the possibility of exaggerated symptoms, either by the accused of mental illness, or the plaintiff claiming injury. They also investigate possible false confessions and claims of forced confessions. They may testify in court and write reports on any of these areas. They work with lawyers regarding sentencing recommendations, treatment recommendations, and choosing the best jury.
Geography
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Forensic psychologists most often work in private practice as clinical psychologists and provide forensic services as consultants. They do consulting work at jails and prisons, law enforcement agencies, state hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, juvenile detention facilities, and community mental health centers. Some do research at colleges or universities, and psychological research has impacted investigative police work such as interrogation techniques and police line-ups.
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Features
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Forensic psychologists sometimes specialize in certain areas, such as the civil law fields of discrimination or sexual harassment. They might specialize in child psychology, or in evaluating psychological problems resulting from physical disease or injury. Some work mostly in divorce cases and the evaluation of child custody cases. Others specialize in criminal cases such as violent crimes, for which they evaluate defendant competency, the possibility of insanity pleas, future risk if the convicted person is released within a certain time frame, and other factors.
Potential
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Forensic psychologists can provide educational workshops for police officers and detectives. They also can work in public policy, where they might assist in designing correctional facilities for the best possibilities of rehabilitation. Experienced forensic psychologists can work with local law enforcement and federal agencies to build psychological profiles of criminals who have not yet been identified, and of suspects and defendants.
Education
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People interested in a forensic psychology career can approach it from two angles. They can obtain a Bachelor of Science in psychology, and then pursue a master's degree in clinical psychology or forensic psychology, as well as a program in law enforcement or criminal justice. Some programs offer a joint advanced degree in clinical psychology and law studies. Most forensic psychologists have several years of experience as well as a doctorate degree. The second approach would be from the criminal justice focus. A person can obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice with a second major or a minor in psychology, or an emphasis in forensic psychology. Education and experience in forensic psychology can lead to excellent career advancement for both psychologists and criminal justice professionals.
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