TASK 1:
Forensic psychologists and criminal psychologists have a direct involvement with the
legal system in their practice in psychology.
Discuss the differences of forensic and criminal psychologists related to the knowledge
required and the parts that are played by them in terms of legal requirements with
sufficient evidence taken by using case studies of such involvements.
Popular series like "Criminal Minds" and "CSI" have propagated stereotypes about the fields
of forensic and criminal psychology. Unfortunately, this has contributed to widespread
misunderstandings of the role that forensic and criminal psychologists play in the criminal
justice system. Aspiring criminal and forensic psychologists should know the differences
between the two fields before committing to a degree program, despite the fact that both
careers are interesting and provide a wide range of opportunities for personal growth and
professional development.
While neither of these careers is as glamorous as they are portrayed on television, people who
enter them may help make their communities safer by learning how criminals think and act.
Although forensic and criminal psychologists have many parallels in their work, they also
have important distinctions in terms of their responsibilities in law enforcement, the training
they require, and the opportunities available to them professionally. Anyone thinking about a
career in law enforcement or the criminal justice system should educate themselves on the
distinctions between these fields.
Summary of Criminal Psychology
To better understand or catch offenders, criminal psychologists attempt to get inside their
heads and figure out what drives them. They analyze offender behavior and make mental
health diagnoses if necessary. They are regularly called upon to testify as witnesses in court.
Counseling offenders and assessing their likelihood of reoffending are additional
responsibilities.
A Ph.D. in psychology and professional registration are prerequisites for working in the field
of criminal psychology. These experts often have a doctorate and a wealth of knowledge in
the fields of criminal behavior and profiling. Many professionals in the field of criminal
psychology have worked in law enforcement before going on to acquire their doctorates,
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, where they hone their profiling skills. Many graduates of criminal psychology programs,
however, go on to work in social service or an area connected to law enforcement, such as as
prisons or probation officials, or as police, fire, emergency, or ambulance dispatchers.
Earning potential in the field of criminal psychology
As of the month of August 2019, PayScale.com estimates that the average compensation for a
criminal psychologist is around $58,000. The BLS does not collect statistics specifically
related to criminal psychologists; however, it does predict that the field of psychology as a
whole will expand by 14% between 2016 and 2026. Both the availability of jobs and the
going prices for them depend on factors including location, level of education, and years of
experience. The BLS reports that other related positions, such as probation officers and
correctional treatment experts, pay an average of $40,660 per year while seeing average
growth.
Introducing Forensic Psychology
Differentiating between a criminal psychology and forensic psychology degree requires a
thorough familiarity with the roles played by both in the larger criminal justice system. In the
criminal justice system and the law, forensic psychologists apply psychological theories and
methods. To better incorporate psychological principles into criminal and civil proceedings,
forensic psychologists advise law enforcement. Jury selection, witness evaluation, and mental
health assessments are all under their purview.
Many forensic psychologists earn a bachelor's degree in psychology or forensic psychology
before moving on to internships and graduate studies in the criminal justice system. While a
doctoral degree in psychology is required to practice forensic psychology, there are numerous
other entry-level positions available in the area, such as victim advocate, correctional expert,
and probation officer. Careers in these areas provide excellent training in the principles,
procedures, and practices of the legal system.
Prospects for employment and compensation in forensic psychology
According to PayScale.com, the median annual income for a forensic psychologist in the
United States is $67,000 as of the month of August 2019. Although the BLS does not collect
information on this industry, it anticipates a 14% increase in overall employment for
psychologists from 2016 to 2026.
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