CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGY AND FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY- A VIEW

CRIMINOLOGY

Criminal psychologists will often use their expertise to consult with law enforcement personnel on various aspects of a case. Many people use the terms criminal and forensic psychologist interchangeably. People can identify as one or the other and engage in the same duties. However, there are some relevant distinctions. If you are talking about profiling a criminal that is likely the realm of criminal psychology. Most assessment is done by a forensic psychologist but it is not impossible for someone who identifies as a criminal psychologist to perform testing. Criminal psychologists review a lot of research and data in determining the psychological makeup of criminals but many people who conduct experimental research identify as forensic psychologists. Another distinction is that forensic psychologists deal with all types of legal matters, including civil cases, while criminal psychologists focus on criminal matters. One of the most common uses of forensic psychology is the psychological assessment and evaluation of people who are involved with or affected by the legal system. This requires forensic psychologists to be competent practitioners with superior clinical skills. Psychological evaluations are used when people are tried for criminal allegations, apply to become foster parents, are considered for fitness for public office or are considered for parole. Psychological evaluations are also part of determining the suitability of members of the military and private sectors for access to high-level confidential material and much more. The vast majority of forensic psychologists are not criminal investigators. Criminal psychology and forensic psychology have a great deal in common when it comes to the education, skills and training both disciplines use. The purpose and goal of each discipline is the most important. Criminal psychology always concerns situations where a crime has taken place. Criminal psychologists discover a perpetrator’s motives, build a profile of that perpetrator and seek to serve the interests of the justice system, as relates to that specific crime and perpetrator.

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