Career Paths in Forensic Psychology

Career Paths in Forensic Psychology

Career Paths in Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology is a growing field in the United States that involves a blend of research in psychology, psychological theory, and practice in clinical settings within the legal justice system. In essence, it is the confluence of psychology and criminal justice, or a hybrid profession borrowing techniques and theories from psychology and the legal system.

What Career Opportunities are Available for Forensic Psychologists?

Forensic psychologists engage in expert testimony and psychological evaluation; expert testimony involves providing testimony as an expert on the likely validity of evidence presented in a legal case, while psychological evaluation may involve evaluating a suspect for the purposes of assisting the prosecutor or defendant.

A forensic psychologist works with individuals who are at an increased risk for engaging in aggressive behaviors. When working with these individuals, a forensic psychologist may engage in consultation, treatment, assessment or in a combination of the above to facilitate treatment.

Forensic psychologists become involved in the legal process through provision of consultative services, as well as through conduction of research and offering of testimony. Additionally, they may offer direct treatment and other services to individuals who are involved with or impacted by the legal system, such as defendants or victims or family members of individuals involved in legal casework.

What Sub-Specialties Exist in Forensic Psychology?

It is relatively rare for forensic psychologists to be involved in the conduction of criminal profiling. But a few forensic psychologists do so regularly, but they are better known as investigative psychologists.

A police psychology sub-specialty in forensic psychology involves working specifically with police officers and persons related to law enforcement. A police psychologist may work to provide support for the families of law enforcement officers or work to optimize the functioning of a police department in a more consultative role.

An offender profiling sub-specialty involves creating profiles of particular offenders, assisting law enforcement and legal services in identifying the kinds of individuals likely to have committed a particular crime.

A criminal psychology or criminal behavior sub-specialty in forensic psychology involves studying the psychological profiles of criminals, as well as their behavior profiles.

A correctional psychology sub-specialty involves work in correctional settings, where a psychologist may work with inmates or with personnel who come in contact with the inmates.

A victims services or victimology sub-specialty involves work with individuals who have been victimized by criminals; a forensic psychologist may work directly with the victims or in a consultative role to those assisting the victims.

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