Forensic Psychology
Those working in the forensic psychology field often play a role in crime prevention, conviction, and punishment. It is often thought of as a merger of psychology and law. Forensic psychologists participate in research, conduct psychological assessments, design and implement treatment, analyze crime scenes, and attend criminal trials. They require skills including clinical assessment, interviewing, report writing, and strong verbal communication. All of these skills are crucial to their success in the field.
On the job, forensic psychologists study evidence to develop a possible criminal profile. This criminal profile can be used to narrow down a list of suspects. As part of the criminal profile, a psychological assessment of the individuals involved in the crime is conducted. Part of this assessment includes determining whether the individual is legally “insane.” Those individuals who are considered legally insane are not held responsible for a crime because they lacked a “guilty mind.” Forensic psychologists also function as expert witnesses during a trial. They may give testimonies explaining how a crime was committed and if the individual was capable of committing the crime.
All forensic psychologists must have either a PhD or PsyD degree from an APA-accredited, or Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)-accredited, doctoral program. They must also have two years of professional experience, including an APA-accredited internship for one of those years. Those wishing to become practitioners must obtain board certification along with regular licensure required for all professional psychologists.
For more information on Forensic Psychologists, please visit this article on the APA’s website: https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2013/09/forensic-psychology