Criminal Psychology Careers

Careers in criminal psychology has a lot of scope these days and they can be both lucrative and taxing. If you want to know more on that aspect keep reading.

The field of criminal psychology is becoming increasingly popular and is attracting a lot of students to this field of study. It, popularly and formally known as forensic psychology, is an emerging field that offers lucrative careers for those who opt for it. Jobs involve application of psychology to procedure of law and crime investigations. Criminal or forensic psychologists have an important role to play in these procedures and hence are in great demand. There are various other fields too, where criminal psychologists can work and develop themselves. For everyone interested in knowing about the various careers in this field, here's a job description of a criminal psychologist.

Job Description

Forensic psychologists deal a lot with the laws and legal issues which includes interaction with jurors and criminals, helping jurors with decision-making based on their observations, formulating legal evaluations and understanding criminal law and legal procedures. One important function of criminal psychologists in the criminal justice system is to determine the mental state of the defendants when the crime was committed and during the legal trials. Becoming a criminal psychologist would require you to obtain the necessary criminal psychology degrees. Also, you will be expected to have excellent communication skills and be good at dealing with people. 

Careers in Forensic Psychology

As mentioned before, there are various sub-fields and setups of criminal psychology where criminal or forensic psychologists can work. These are also linked to the legal system indirectly and have an equal amount of scope. Here's a description of the careers in forensic psychology. 

Clinical-Forensic Psychology
This is the most common area where qualified criminal psychologists can find work. This field is similar to other careers in clinical psychology. It basically involves studying the mental processes and behavior of criminals to find out the reason behind the crime that has been committed by the criminal. The psychologist needs to do this by observation, studying the history of the criminal and by creating a case study that supports the investigation reports.

Legal Forensic Psychology
A legal forensic psychologist basically works as an aid to lawyers and attorneys who seek their advice for all trial related work. These psychologists often advice the lawyers on the juror type suitable for that particular trial. They also assist in the jury selection procedure, in formulating questions to be asked by the juror and in making trial related decisions. An important function that they perform is to make the jury aware of any mental illness that the accused is suffering from that could also be the reason behind the crime committed. 

Forensic Research Psychology
Forensic research psychologists focus on developing new and improved methods of interrogation and assessment of eyewitnesses and criminals. Policy making in regard to juveniles and the elderly is also an area where forensic research psychologists focus on. 

Investigative Forensic Psychology
This one of the best fields of criminal psychology careers and consist of forensic psychologists focusing on assisting with investigative procedures like studying and analyzing mental processes of suspect criminals and witnesses. They are also involved in criminal profiling and psychological autopsies.

Probation/Rehabilitation
Forensic psychologists can also work as probation or correction officers who help develop and bring up plans of prisons where mentally ill criminals and juveniles can be kept and treated. They also develop strategies that can be used for the rehabilitation and development of the prisoners.

Apart from the career options mentioned above, criminal psychologists can also have their own private practice and can provide consultation services to clients and lawyers. Whatever the sub field, there is a lot of scope in all of them and all are well paying jobs. Make sure you obtain a valid degree from one of the reputed schools to make your career a successful and rewarding one.