Wednesday 20 April 2016

By Brian Roberts


There is no moment in history that the world ever lived without crime. Authorities are constantly searching for a solution with deterrence being the main focus. There is also the need to punish persons who engage in crime. Forensic psychology is considered the discipline that will make it easier to fight crimes. After establishing the motives and motivations, it will be easier to counter the criminals.

The main responsibility for psychologists working in this field is to provide clues and especially establish the motive of crime. They also act as expert witnesses and will be the source of the final clue that convicts a suspect. It is their understanding of the mind of a criminal that makes the capture easier.

Psychologists are crucial in ensuring effective rehabilitation of incarcerated criminals or offenders. Their understanding of criminal minds provides them with the tools required to reverse their thinking. This easily turns the offender into a law abiding citizen. Their research and analyses of information including histories and trends makes it easier to understand crimes. This information is necessary for institutions when they are developing deterrent strategies. Affected organizations and societies can reduce their level of exposure.

You can take different paths to become a forensic psychologist. A degree in forensics, psychology or criminology is the place to start. The specializations should be in criminal justice, criminology, psychological deviance, forensics and abnormal psychology. Since these are bachelor degrees, a masters or PhD will help you understand the field and thus become an expert.

A criminal psychologist spends most of the day reviewing research work by others in the field or conducting own research. This is the way to identify trends or and patterns that lead to crime. With this information, authorities and organizations can put measures in place to disrupt them. The experience of a psychologist will enable him or her to place a culprit at the scene. The psychologist is better placed to spot evidence, a pattern or clue that could escape an ordinary person. Their testimonies are strong enough to topple a case either way.

Psychologists specializing in forensics will most likely be found in police stations, law firms and courthouses. They also work in juvenile detention facilities, prisons and jails. There are self employment opportunities for these psychologists working as consultants. Others choose to be expert witnesses from where they get compensation. A psychologist earns an average of 85,000 dollars in a year depending on the employer and the duties assigned.

The skills required of a psychologist include excellent communication and listening skills. The person should also be in a position to relate closely with different personalities since you will be expected to deal with both victims and offenders. A systematic approach to work, teamwork and leadership skills are also crucial. Beyond critical thinking, avoid quick judgment since evidence that appears obvious might be a setup. Awareness of prevailing risks is also required since you are dealing with very sensitive matters.

The work environment is very challenging and demanding. You will be exposed to sensitive situations and risky encounters with offenders. Critical thinking will help you make the right judgments in cases that ordinary persons consider obvious. You must be resilient since crime scenes and criminals are never easy to deal with.




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