Survey of Forensic Psychology, Practice, & Principles

1. Survey of Forensic Psychology, Practice, & Principles

2. Framing Statement The study of forensic psychology is rigorous and unusual. It demands a fidelity to what it means to be human, ethical candor, and a unique drive to push beyond what is known. Often dipping into the ugliness of life, forensic psychology calls its practitioners to find humanity where it seems there is none—always seeking to understand. As students, resist the urge to objectify offenders, as this leads us no closer to safety, healing, or justice. Remain in the learning…

3. Examples of Forensic Sciences Almost all disciplines have a forensic division at this point. Here are some examples:

4. Defining Forensic Psychology In the literature we find many definitions of forensic psychology with two main tenets: • “the research and application of psychological knowledge to the legal system” • “the application and practice of psychology as it pertains to the legal system” **Bartol and Bartol (2008) define forensic psychology as both the “research endeavor that examines aspects of human behavior directly related to the legal system and the professional practice of psychology within, or in consultation with, a legal system that embraces both civil and criminal law” [known as the broad definition] Simply put: Any time psychological concepts interface with the law

5. The Broad Definition Despite using the broad definition here, we will mainly focus on the application prong as for our purposes, what forensic clinicians do is of primary concern. The research prong does not disappear if we move forward in this way as application should be based on solid research. But, the broad definition includes the following: Investigations – studies – evaluations – advice to attorneys – courtroom testimony – law enforcement screening – corrections work – treatment programs – advisory opinions – depositions – dispute resolution prior before court – child custody evaluations

6. Forensic Psychology: A Growing Field “A growing number of clinicians provide expert witness testimony addressing a variety of issues, such as competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, child custody, personal injury or handicap, and suitability to work in law enforcement. In addition to this major trend in clinical psychology and neuropsychology, development and experimental psychologists have come into demand for their expert opinions on such matters as the reliability of eyewitness testimony and lie detection.” Tucillo, DeFilippis, Denny, & Dsurney, 2002, p. 377 as cited in Bartol & Bartol, 2008

7. Subspecialties

8. Police Psychology Assist police departments in determining optimal shift schedules for their employees Assist police in developing psychological profiles of serial offenders (note that this is rare) Establish reliable and valid screening procedures for law enforcement officer positions at various police and sheriff departments Train police officers on how to deal with mentally ill citizens Provide counseling services to officers after shooting incident

9. Psychology of Crime and Delinquency Evaluate the effectiveness of preschool intervention strategies designed to prevent violent behavior during adolescence Conduct research on the development of psychopathy Consult with legislators and governmental agencies as a research policy adviser on the prevention of stalking Consult with school personnel on identifying troubled youth who are potentially dangerous Develop a psychological test for assessing risk among the mentally ill

10. Forensic Clinicians Elsewhere

11. Education and Training • About 75,000 undergraduate psychology majors graduate every year • Generally specialization within the psychology field occurs in graduate school • To work as a psychologist you will need a graduate degree • Graduate degrees offered in psychology usually center on: • Experimental psychology • Biopsychology • Developmental psychology • Clinical psychology • Counseling psychology • School psychology • Industrial/Organizational psychology Forensic Psychology programs are on the rise however!

12. Master’s Degree Programs • School, clinical, and counseling programs attract the most students • Some states allow Master’s level clinicians to work as psychologists, yet others do not. The states that do not give other names like: • Licensed Psychological Associate • Licensed Mental Health Counselor • Marriage and Family Therapist • Psychotherapist • **Research the requirements of the state you live in!

13. Doctoral Programs Clinical psychology receives the most students A doctoral degree in psychology is considered the entry-level credential for independent practice Ph.D.s are generally pursued by students who are interested in academic work and research Psy.D.s are generally pursued by students who want to be professional psychologists, those who want to practice therapy Generally those who work in the private sector make the most money and those working in academia make the least Those working in the government fall somewhere in between

14. Licensure • All states require a license to practice psychology • The American Psychological Association set the template for state licensure in the United States • Professional psychologists are obligated to follow the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct • Specialty practice often have specialty guidelines • Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists • Specialty guidelines call for a higher level of competence in a certain area (e.g., the law) • Licensure is conditional