Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychologists are professionals who practice psychology within the criminal justice system and civil courts. As a subfield of psychology, forensic psychology involves the application of psychological knowledge and methods to both civil and criminal legal questions. These professionals are interested in understanding the reasons behind certain behaviors and are dedicated to minimizing and preventing such behaviors. They utilize their knowledge of psychological principles to narrow down suspect lists and provide motives for crimes. General Responsibilities: 1. Applying psychology to the criminal justice system 2. Assessing offenders' state of mind at the time of offense 3. Assessing the competency of individuals to stand trial 4. Assessing the risk of re-offending 5. Assessing witness credibility 6. Evaluating child custody in divorce cases 7. Preparing for and providing testimony in court 8. Assessing the consistency of factual information across multiple sources 9. Advising police on mental illness and criminal psychology 10. Consulting with attorneys on mental health issues in the court system 11. Working with at-risk populations such as trauma survivors 12. Designing correctional programs