FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

Forensic Psychology

Forensic Psychology

Introduction

Psychologists are aware of human behaviours but they look to be narrow in their grasp of legal procedure, this shortfall may considerably affect their credibility and reliability of their evidence in court. Therefore, the area of mental expertise selected to be discussed in this paper is “Forensic Psychology”.

Forensic psychology is a field of applied psychology devoted to mental aspects of legal processes in court. The term is increasingly often applied to criminological psychology as well, although the derivation of the word suggests a more limited meaning. It is related to investigative psychology which is a branch of criminological psychology in which mental principles are applied to the investigation of crimes and the apprehension of criminals, especially serial murderers and rapists. The pattern of behaviour of serial criminals sometimes enables an investigative psychologist to engage in criminal profiling. (Otto, 2002)

Discussion

Much of the work in forensic psychology is directed towards the effective and ethical operation of agencies that are concerned with the prevention, detection, resolution or regulation of conduct that harms or threatens the rights or safety of others. As such, forensic psychologists are engaged with some of the most extreme and pressing problems in society.

An extensive knowledge base is required to support this, and this is reflected in the core curriculum for training courses accredited by the Division of Forensic Psychology of the British Mental Society (BPS). The curriculum encompasses five main parts (in addition to study) such as, 'Study methods' addresses processes relevant to the design, conduct and dissemination of study and entails familiarity with a comprehensive range of methodologies, skills and analytical techniques. (Quinsey, 2008)

This reflection of the field can be further elaborated with reference to the division's characterization of the breadth of experience required for completion of the supervised practice stage of eligibility for chartered status. In addition to the parts indicated above, recognized 'behaviours' of concern contain sexual offending, arson, violence and drugs offences; they also contain such problem parts as self-injury, mental trauma and social competence, while extending to the activities of the professional, such as decision-making, profiling in investigations and child protection. 'Characteristics' not only contain sex and age but also, for example, mental illness, learning disability and personality disorder. Among the less widely known 'locations' are hostels, family courts, lifer panels and mental health review tribunals. Supervised practice also entails gaining and demonstrating competence in four 'core roles'. These are 'conducting mental applications and interventions', 'study', 'training other experts in mental knowledge and skills' and 'communicating mental advice and knowledge to other professionals'. A comprehensive picture of the field should contain mention of parts of involvement that are more appropriate to the post-qualification stage. Such parts contain liaison with professionals at higher levels and crisis negotiation. (Thomas, 2006)

It will be apparent that some parts of this body of knowledge and skills relate to the framework of the law and that some relate to the nature and procedures of particular organizations and ...