What Is Forensic Psychology? Forensic psychology is the intersection of psychology and the legal system. A forensic psychologist is a psychologist who offers an expert psychological opinion in a legal matter. They generally perform both forensic duties and clinical duties helping their clients with counseling and therapy. Forensic psychologists may lead psychological evaluations to determine if a defendant is fit to stand trial. Or they may help determine whether an elderly or ill person is competent to make decisions, or if a death was an accident or a "disguised suicide" in an insurance claim. Forensic (or criminal) psychologists also develop psychological profiles of perpetrators to help police understand the nature, patterns and motives of criminals. These profiles help law enforcement agents identify felons so they can bring them to justice. They also study problems of crime prevention, rehabilitation programs in prisons, and help select candidates for police work.  Forensic Psychology: Education and Training Forensic psychologists must earn a master's or doctoral degree in clinical psychology, forensic psychology or counseling, which takes about five to seven years to complete. To specialize in forensic psychology, candidates do post-doctoral fellowship training in forensic psychology. Where Forensic Psychologists Work Forensic psychologists work in many different settings, usually within state or local criminal justice systems. They also work in universities, research centers, hospitals, medical examiners' offices, police departments or as independent consultants. What Forensic Psychologists Do Forensic psychologists may perform any of the following functions: - Evaluate defendants to determine if they're competent to stand trial
- Determine whether a convict is at risk for re-offending
- Offer expert testimony on criminal psychological disorders
- Research issues that have a legal impact, such as testimony from children or from eyewitnesses
- Train law enforcement and other criminal justice workers to safely handle individuals with psychological problems
Successful forensic psychologists who work in the court system must be able to reformulate psychological findings in a way that can be understood by both legal personnel and juries. Forensic Psychology: Certification and Licensure The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits doctoral training programs in clinical psychology, counseling and school psychology. All states require licensure for practicing psychologists. Requirements vary from state to state, but psychologists generally need a master's or doctoral degree from an accredited institution, one year of fieldwork, and they must pass a state certification exam. After getting work experience and continuing education, some psychologists will go on to become Board Certified in the specialty of forensic psychology. The best-known certification board is the American Board of Forensic Psychology, which offers the title of Diplomate to people who meet its standards and pass its certification exam. Forensic Psychologist Salary Payscale.com reports that the median annual salary for forensic psychologists is $56,906 for those working in state and local government. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual forensic psychologist salary is $59,440, but the highest 10 percent earn more than $102,730.  Source: abfp.com Criminal Justice Home
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