Forensic Psychology and Toxicology

Forensic psychologists and toxicologists sometimes testify in court.

The field of forensics applies scientific knowledge to the criminal justice system. Careers in forensics give people the opportunity to combine their professional skills with the excitement of the legal system. There are many types of forensics, including forensic accounting, forensic dentistry, forensic medicine, forensic pathology, forensic graphology and computer forensics. Two exciting areas are forensic psychology and toxicology.

Identification

Forensic psychologists apply psychological principles to the criminal justice system. For example, they may determine if defendants are mentally fit to stand trial, analyze a criminal's intent and treat mentally ill criminals. Toxicologists study the effects of chemicals and other physical and biological agents on people and the environment. According to a career guide posted by the commonwealth of Virginia, "forensic toxicologists help establish the cause of death or identify important toxicological clues that can solve a crime."

Function

Forensic psychologists and toxicologists are involved with different parts of the criminal justice system. A toxicologist studies the crime scene and the bodies found there. A forensic psychologist deals with living people later in the investigative process. They also work with attorneys on jury selection. Based upon their findings, both a toxicologist and a forensic psychologist may be asked to testify in court.

Misconceptions

Some people believe that forensic psychologists and toxicologists are only involved in criminal investigations. However, some forensic psychologists work in family court to decide which parent is best suited to take custody of children and may provide counseling services to the family during the divorce. Forensic psychologists and toxicologists may choose to devote their career to research in order to advance the field. Others teach at the university level.

Education

Forensic psychologists and toxicologists learn the science of their field so they are credible witnesses. They also learn the criminal justice system so they are familiar with the language of the court and the procedures involved. Generally, forensic psychologists and toxicologists have a Ph.D.

Considerations

People in forensics must be excellent scientists who have great investigation skills and pay attention to detail. They need to communicate well, both written and verbally. They must be comfortable spending time with a wide variety of people, including lawyers, judges, witnesses, victims and people who have been accused of a crime. They must be patient and flexible.

Job Outlook

According to the PayScale website, experienced forensic psychologists made between $68,400 and $102,379 per year as of 2010. Toxicologists made between $71,123 and $136,148 per year.

References

• Commonwealth of Virginia: Career Guides: Toxicologist
• PayScale: Forensic Psychologist
• PayScale: Toxicologist