9781422273456

Forensic Psychology at a Glance Forensic psychology meshes the complex science of human behavior with the judicial system by probing the minds, behaviors, and emotions of both criminals and victims. The American Psychological Association defines forensic science as “the application of clinical specialties to the legal arena,” which includes police investigations, courts, and the corrections system. Underneath the broad umbrella of forensic psychology, practitioners can pursue various specializations and hold a variety of positions within the legal system. Forensic psychologists and psychiatrists are called on to perform a variety of job functions, which may include: • Profiling victims and criminals • Evaluating a suspect’s mental state at the time of committing a crime • Testing suspects for mental illness • Conducting interviews • Evaluating potential jurors • Performing psychological screenings for potential law enforcement officers • Performing research and experiments • Documenting findings • Testifying in court On the job, forensic psychologists are exposed to intense, even traumatic information and experiences, which can make the work mentally and emotionally draining at times. Additionally, while popular crime shows and movies portray forensic work as exhilarating and critical to solving cases both frequently and rapidly, the real world is different. Forensic psychologists must work meticulously, and there are limitations to how their skills can be applied to investigations, trials, convictions, and rehabilitation. Nevertheless, forensic psychology is a diverse and

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