criminal psychology careers
Criminal Psychology Careers
Criminal psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with criminals who are not in the right frame of mind. Careers in criminal psychology has a lot of scope and can be both lucrative and taxing.
- Forensic psychologists deal a lot with the laws and legal issues. Some of these include:
- Interaction with jurors and criminals
- Helping jurors with the decision-making process, based on their observations
- Formulating legal evaluations
- Understanding criminal law and legal procedures
- Another important function of these professionals in the criminal justice system is to determine the mental state of the defendants when the crime was committed and during the legal trials.
- This career would require you to obtain the necessary degrees and credentials.
- You will also be expected to have excellent communication and people skills.
- This is one of the most common arena of work for a qualified criminal psychologist. It is similar to other careers in clinical psychology.
- It basically involves studying the mental processes and behavior of criminals to find out the reason behind the crime that has been committed.
- The psychologist needs to do this by observation, studying the history of the criminal and by creating a case study that supports the investigation reports.
- A legal forensic psychologist basically works as an aid to lawyers and attorneys.
- These psychologists often advice the lawyers on the juror type suitable for that particular trial.
- They also assist in the jury selection procedure, in formulating questions to be asked by the juror and in making trial-related decisions.
- An important function that they perform is to make the jury aware of any mental illness that the accused is suffering from that could also be the reason behind the crime committed.
- These psychologists focus on developing new and improved methods of interrogation and assessment of eyewitnesses and criminals.
- Policy-making with regard to juveniles and the elderly is also an area where tey focus on.
- This is one of the most fascinating fields of criminal psychology.
- Here, psychologists provide assistance on investigative procedures, like studying and analyzing mental processes of suspect criminals and witnesses.
- They are also involved in criminal profiling and psychological autopsies.
- Forensic psychologists can also work as probation or correction officers.
- These professionals help develop prison plans where mentally ill criminals and juveniles can be kept and treated.
- They also develop strategies that can be used for the rehabilitation and development of the prisoners.