Forensic Psychology: what is it and what is it for?

“Criminal Minds” was the serial that popularized Forensic Psychology and made the work of these professionals visible. Focused on the day-to-day life of a Behavioral Sciences unit, it delved into the psychological profiles of the murderers. Although it could not escape the shocks that usually accompany this type of production, the truth is that it generated an interest in one of the least known, but also most exciting and important branches of psychology for society.

What is Forensic Psychology?

Forensic Psychology is a branch of psychology that applies the concepts, theories, principles and general research of this discipline to the legal field. Analyzes human behavior and motivations in relation to the law to provide valuable information in judicial processes.

Forensic psychologists analyze the profile of the people involved, both criminals and victims, to extract data and prepare psychological reports that help judges and courts to issue the corresponding sentences. Consequently, they are invaluable support when administering civil, criminal or social justice.

How to study Forensic Psychology?

If you want to be a forensic psychologist, you will have to follow a specific training path. The first step is to take the Degree in Psychology. In fact, in Spain this qualification is an essential requirement by law to specialize in the legal branch.

When you have finished your degree, you will have to enroll in a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology. Make sure that it is an official master’s degree and that it guarantees external internships since this way you will not only obtain the necessary knowledge but also the skills to work as a forensic psychologist. This program, in particular, qualifies you to advise and prepare psychological expert reports in any jurisdictional area.

Finally, it is advisable that you obtain accreditation from the Official College of Psychologists (COP), which has developed a system of certified accreditations, among which is precisely the Accreditation in Forensic Psychology. In that case, you will have to accredit 500 theoretical-practical hours in the field of Forensic Psychology, with supervised practices of at least 150 hours carried out in recognized institutions, universities or official psychology colleges.

What does a forensic psychologist do on a daily basis?

The forensic psychologist’s day varies depending on where they work and their specialization since they often focus only on civil, family or criminal cases. However, they generally have to interact with lawyers, judges, crime victims and criminals.

Unless they are dedicated to research or teaching, these professionals usually act as technical experts who provide advice in cases that demand deeper psychic analysis. Therefore, the most common functions of the forensic psychologist in his or her practice are:

1. Evaluate the emotional problems and behavioral disorders that the people involved in the case may have by conducting interviews, observations or applying psychological tests.
2. Write psychological reports and expert opinions on the mental state and possible social conditions and mitigating factors of the people involved, with special emphasis on criminal profiles and criminal responsibility.
3. Provide expert testimony in trials and tribunals based on their academic training and first-hand knowledge of the case. Forensic psychologists testify and make recommendations about the most appropriate treatment or future risk of criminal behavior, so their opinion is highly valued at sentencing.
4. Counsel crime victims to help them overcome the traumatic experience. The forensic psychologist not only evaluates the psychological damage and emotional consequences that these people usually suffer, but also guides lawyers, judges or prosecutors who work with them to minimize the secondary victimization that usually occurs during their passage through the judicial system.
5. Provide forensic therapy to prevent recidivism. This professional also works with offenders and their families to understand the reasons for their behavior, help them take responsibility for the consequences of their actions, and prevent them from committing them again. In fact, they are also involved in developing targeted social programs to prevent crime.

On the other hand, the forensic psychologist is a key element in clarifying the veracity of the facts and the credibility of the testimonies. This work is particularly important if we take into account that half of people remember events that never happened. Researchers at the University of California found that it is relatively easy to implant false memories in between 20 and 40% of people.

Just as important as analyzing the psychological profile of the offender is ensuring that the testimonies are not influenced by third parties or are not due to errors of interpretation or false memories. For this reason, it can be stated that Forensic Psychology pursues the humanization of the law within the framework of what is called therapeutic justice. 

Beyond analyzing criminal minds: The areas of action of the forensic psychologist

The fields of application of Forensic Psychology are quite broad, extending to practically all areas of Law in which psychological knowledge and the opinion of an expert on the human mind and behavior are necessary. The main areas in which these professionals operate are:

• Criminal law. The forensic psychologist evaluates possible psychopathological disorders in the aggressor and assesses the psychological impact on the victim. He also analyzes dangerousness and the possibility of recidivism so that judges can reach a fair verdict.
• Civil law. The forensic psychologist contributes to ensuring the rights and duties of people with the rest of society, which is why they evaluate their mental state and provide the necessary information to carry out assessments on people with disabilities or in cases that may require hospitalization.
• Labor law. In this area, forensic psychology determines whether a person has the mental capabilities to be able to work, which is why it helps determine cases of disability, incapacity or even fraud attempts. It can also intervene in cases of mobbing or sexual harassment at work.
• Family right. Forensic psychologists evaluate the ability of parents to meet the needs of their children and ensure their correct psychosocial development. In fact, they are essential in custody cases, as well as in the approval of adoptions.
• Rights of minors. The psychological assessment of children also corresponds to the field of Forensic Psychology, especially when they suffer bullying, child abuse or other situations that affect their well-being and require the preparation of expert reports.

In recent years, the demand for forensic psychologists has increased, largely due to greater social awareness about the importance of preventing situations such as interpersonal and gender violence, but also due to the need to implement programs to reduce crime or problems derived from addictions.

Therefore, it is a specialization that, although relatively young, is gaining popularity and prestige. However, it is essential to have advanced theoretical, technical and procedural training to be able to prepare objective psychological expert reports and correctly advise lawyers and judges in the decision-making process.

References:

(2020) Acreditación nacional de psicólogo/a experto/a en psicología jurídica y/o psicología forense. En: COP.

Hyman, I. E. & Pentland, J. (1996) The role of mental imagery in the creation of false childhood memories. Journal of Memory and Language, 35: 101-117.

Loftus, E. F. (1993) The reality of repressed memories. American Psychologist; 48: 518-537.

Loftus, E. F. & Pickrell, J. E. (1995) The formation of false memories. Psychiatric Annals, 25: 720-725.