What Is Forensic Psychology?

Always wondered how the mind works? How criminals get those deranged ideas when they commit those horrendous murders or crimes? “Forensic psychologists are professionals that often play a role in punishing and preventing crimes by applying psychological knowledge to legal matters, both in the criminal and civil areas” (Karen Franklin). In layman terms, forensic psychologists apply principles of psychology to criminal justice. When seeking a career in this field you must choose carefully on which college or university you want to get into, that is why you should go to Penn State University. A little history about forensic psychology is that, “It was first introduced in the mid 1900’s, ever
Most people confuse forensic psychology with criminal psychology, but in reality they are two different things with many similar qualities. In comparison, Criminal psychology is when professionals study the behavior and thoughts of just the criminal or suspect and maybe those closest, related, or come in contact with him/her to justify whether he/she was mentally unstable or in the right state mind when committing the crime (1 Cherry). As mentioned before, unlike but similar, the tasks and responsibilities of a forensic psychologists is look at the crime scene, the Crime Scene investigators or C.S.I are investigating. They also look at the evidence collected or present at the crime scene, plus, forensic psychologists give their expert opinion on what type of person committed the crime. Basically, forensic psychologists apply their principles of psychology to criminal justice in order to determine the hows and whys of the criminal of the criminal mind; why do people commit the crimes, how to prevent the crime, and what type of killer committed the crime, and what type of people killer
In actual reality they do so much more than that. Here are some key points on what the tasks and responsibilities of a forensic psychologist; train and mentor psychological assistants or trainee forensic psychologists, act as an expert witness during criminal trials, influence on a criminal sentencing, working with the victims of the crime and the general public in relation to their fear around crime, and take cases given to them. (about.edu) Some forensic psychologists will most likely find employment in police stations, court houses, and law firms. Other places like prisons, jails, and juvenile detention centers also hire forensic psychologists. Even the Federal Bureau Of Investigations or F.B.I will accept forensic psychologists. You are probably thinking why is this field needed? Doesn't the police officers, and C.S.I put the ‘bad guys’ away? Well sometimes having a forensic psychologists can be a very important piece of the puzzle when solving a criminal case. It gives that extra push. Professionals in this field help narrow the suspect list, or even help know what the killers motives were. They also help prevent crime. For