Criticisms of Psychology Methods in Criminal Justice

Throughout the history of the criminal justice system, various psychology methods have been used by law enforcement for criminal profiling, by the courts to determine immediate needs of offenders in the court process, and by corrections professionals to determine rehabilitative needs. Naturally, predicting and preventing criminal behavior has been a priority within our justice system. However, there are several criticisms of these various psychology methods.

Rehabilitation

Critics of psychosocial rehabilitation argue that criminals cannot be helped because they are inherently bad. What good will counseling do if a criminal cannot be changed? True, it is estimated that more than half of offenders in the criminal justice system have antisocial personality traits. For example, they do not feel sorry for their actions, do not have sympathy for their victims, and do not understand the wrongness of their actions. Without this, counseling efforts are futile.

Psychological Profiling

Psychological profiling categorizes various types of serial killers and sex offenders into subgroups. However, there is very little evidence that profiling can accurately predict future criminal behavior. Further, categorizing suspects into a certain mold may hamper investigations by causing law enforcement to exclude potential suspects who don't fit that mold.

Psychological Evaluations to Determine Insanity

Pleading not guilty due to a mental condition, or insanity, is a valid criminal defense in America's courts. However, even if the court hires an independent psychologist or psychiatrist to evaluate the defendant, the results remain somewhat subjective. For example, while the results of various tests may be valid, the psychologist's recommendation may be skewed by their own experiences and biases. Furthermore, defendants may be faking their mental condition in an attempt to avoid taking responsibility for their actions, or to obtain an easier or lighter sentence.

Psychological Testing to Determine Risk and Need

When offenders are sentenced and enter the corrections system, they are often required to go through a testing process to evaluate their risk to society and what needs should be addressed while they are incarcerated. The problem with this is that offenders lie. By their nature, offenders try to manipulate the system. Very few enter the system hoping to change. This can make rehabilitation difficult, if not impossible. The tests could be retaken, but that takes time and resources.

Conclusion

It is important to remember that using psychology methods in the criminal justice system are not a cure-all to predict or change criminal behavior. While important discoveries have been made, and many offenders have changed for the better, it is important to remember the various caveats when utilizing these methods.