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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LEGAL

SCIENCE AND INNOVATION
[ISSN 2581-9453]
Volume 2 | Issue 3
2020
© 2020 International Journal of Legal Science and Innovation

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116 International Journal of Legal Science and Innovation [Vol. 2 Iss 3; 116]

Scope of Criminal Psychology

NAGENDRA SINGH1 AND NEHA MAHESHWARI2

ABSTRACT
Whenever a person commits crime there are always some reasons behind it. Reasons are
basically the building blocks of psychology. whenever any person feels that he has so
strong reasons behind which he can hide and commit the crime than these reasons are
nothing short of criminal psychology of that person. And whenever the questions comes
that what all things can be done to prevent or lessen the ever increasing crime rate. Than
the first step which should be taken to prevent the crime rate is to understand the
psychology of the criminal because psychology ultimately develops from reasons and
unless the reasons are known it is just impossible to stop the crime rate.Sso for this
particular reason the role of criminal psychologist comes into play. This paper describes
the character and role of criminal psychologist in today’s world in which the crime rate
is increasing like never before. From starting with the basic notions of criminal
psychology till the duties or functions which are required to be performed by criminal
psychologist each and every thing has been discussed in this paper in detail. History of
criminal psychology has been discussed in depth. The reasons behind the growth of this
branch of criminal science have been elaborated. While discussing all these aspects of
criminal psychology there is one major sub-topic in this paper which has been described
in detail which often creates confusion in the mind of people that is differences in
criminal psychology and forensic psychology. Generally people misunderstand this
concept because these two branches are so similar in nature that often people end up
getting consfused while reading this concept. But on the other hand it is true that these
two have some distinct and unique features of their own and the same have been
discussed in the paper in detail.

I. INTRODUCTION
This article focuses on Criminal Psychology and its scope. Within this section of the article,
we will first of all seek to clarify why each human being in illegal activity is entirely
different. We should not lose sight of the specific laws that could apply to all those engaged
in the crime itself (e.g. offender) or investigation procedure (e.g. witnesses) until we study

1
Author is a Student at Manipal University Jaipur, India.
2 Author is a Student at Manipal University Jaipur, India.

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this issue constantly. That's why criminal psychology is so fascinating, as experts state, and
why they take pride in their work very much. Persons with this career path also attempt to
figure out why people commit offenses, what intentions they have, and what has made them
commit offenses. The study on the relationship between cause and effect varies from a
childhood atmosphere for a serial murderer to psychiatric turmoil, which drives them to loot a
bank for financial difficulties.

II. WHAT IS CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGY?

The analysis of the perceptions, motives, and emotions of criminals, both illustrated by
criminal behavior, is criminal psychology. The research assessed how and why someone
commits a crime as well as the reactions following the crime. There are several definitions of
the term "criminal psychology" It still has no meaning recognized today. It can be described
as the science that helps research institutions to carry out their tasks more effectively through
the application of psychological knowledge.

III. HISTORY
As we understand, the field of criminal psychology was launched at the beginning of the 19th
century. Therefore, they are no such great historical occurrences in the history of the
psychology of crime. Yet the origins of criminal psychology seen in the United Kingdom and
areas of the United States, Europe, and Russia can still be traced.

In India, the first group of experimental psychology in Calcutta University was founded in
1916. The Lok Nayak Jayaprakash National Criminological and Forensic Science Institute
were established in Delhi in 1972.

A.P.A. was then accepted as a specialist field in 2001.

Not too long ago, criminal justice was established as a scientific field. The colleges stopped
teaching towards the end of the 19th century. However, the investigator's utilized techniques
for identifying suspects earlier. German psychologist Hugo Munsterberg is supposed to begin
the psychology of the criminals, and his psychologists are still using his tasks from the 19th
to the 20th centuries. Throughout the entire cycle of criminal war, the role of crime
psychologists has grown exponentially since the beginning of the 20th century, and their
research in every developing country in the world is widely respected today.

IV. CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Crime is like a cauldron inside a pond that impacts people any time it is done. This was never
more important to locate those that are liable to maintain a clear to fair judicial procedure.
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Crime psychologists allow law enforcement to apprehend guilty offenders and help teach
them more about the criminal mind through their insightful research.

What is the work environment of a criminal psychologist?

A variety of settings can include criminal psychologists. Many work as a private agent, others
work in public institutions in full time, mostly in law enforcement agencies, others of them
tend to work in college and other educational centers. Others work in private.

They collaborate with the police and federal agents together to better settle cases and images
of various types of criminals usually abuse, including murderers, abductors, rapists, and so
on. They can also partner and private attorneys, state attorneys, and the criminal defender
service. They can also collaborate with prosecutors. The bulk of forensic psychologists invest
their time in court or the workplace.

They spend a lot of their working days investigating crimes, assessing witnesses, questioning
individuals, researching the life experience of the defendant, giving expert evidence at the
trial. Many work full-time, but those working in private companies or colleges typically have
more flexible hours.

In short, forensic psychology should be seen by:

Practices in private

 School of Academy

 Hospitals forensic.

 Facility correction.

 Clinics of medicine

Law enforcement bodies

 Centers for mental health.

The function of criminal psychologists in television shows is glamorized and over-estimated.

Police officers will not assist criminals in the arrest. In reality, it is never too straightforward
to fix a case as illustrated in Television shows. In most cases, a response to crime takes
weeks, months, or even years.

While criminal psychology isn't what you would expect from Television shows, it's far from
dull. Each day, you should do something else working in this area. You may, for example,
spend hours solving complex puzzles, encourage people who have done wrongdoing to do a
psychiatric assessment or even work in computer-related fields like an online scam.

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The four duties of criminal psychologists

In 1981, Professor Lionel Haward identified one of the pathologists in UK criminal

psychology as four potential avenues for psychologists to participate in criminal prosecutions
through their professional engagement. The following are:

Clinical: the psychologist is involved in the evaluation to make a clinical judgment in this
situation. To assist with the assessment, the psychologist could use screening methods,
interviews, or psychometric instruments. These tests will assist in deciding how the person
involved is handled. For eg, help us to decide whether you should take a trial or whether you
have a psychiatric condition related to whether or not you should follow the process.

Experimental: The psychologist's job is in this case to conduct research and educate a case.
This could include conducting experimental tests to illustrate a point or provide the court with
additional information. False memory, credible eyewitness experiments, and so on may be
involved.

Actuarial: This task entails using statistics to advise an event. A counselor, for instance,
might be asked to suggest the likelihood of a case. For example, courts may question the
probability of an offender reoffending after a sentence is refused.

Advisory: A policeman can advise you on how the inquiry should be conducted here. For
example, what is the ideal way for the victim to interview and how best to cross-interview a
helpless witness or another expert witness?

What does a criminal psychologist do?

Profiling- Yeah, offenders should be profilers to help authorities create a psychological

profile to support perpetrators. Unlike what you can find on tv, though, it is unlikely that a
consultant would go with the police to meet with the perpetrator. While a forensic
psychologist can visit a crime scene, she may spend more time on the study of possible
offenders in an office with case files, or a holding room. Most of the criminal psychology
looks at case-relevant studies and evidence. It almost feels scholarly. Moreover, racial
profiling is just one of their many potential facets.

Crime Analysis (AKA Intelligence Analysis) – This criminal psychology sector mainly
contains a case-based assessment. The case relation protocol requires the examination of the
offender's actions under some cases (under compliance with the police report, whether
appropriate or as suggested by the crime scene) and a review of the evidence with related
incidents in the system. For example, when matches were found – the same weapon used was

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used, the offender's threats were identical, and the crimes committed were committed at a
close geographical location – the police can investigate whether the offender was potentially
the same.

Consulting- Crime experts also work with police officers on various facets of a crime for
their experience. For instance, all through questioning, individuals can assist them to ask
appropriate questions or provide data to facilitate their inquiry.

Evaluation- The significant component of criminal psychology is evaluation. Psychological

examinations are carried out to assess the condition of the mindset of a defendant. For
example, if a suspect is in a steady mental state to be tested and has qualities that suit the
alleged crime, a Psychologist may have to decide.

Research- The research of criminology and legal processes can include a wide range of
practical research conducted by criminal psychologists. For starters, psychologists studied
recall, witness testimonies, gathering facts and statements that have changed the way
politicians and attorneys perform their practice in criminal law contexts.

Testimony of the Court- Criminal psychologists sometimes have to occur before the court to
testify expertly. Many psychiatrists are founded on their professional judgment in their entire
work. We focus their conclusions on research or review of evaluations and facts from other
experts.

Psychological care- A criminal psychologist could also be requested to treat people that
commit crimes. Everyone’s task is to help their customers in dealing with and rehabilitating
criminal behavior repercussions so that they can be useful members of society.

The lectures- A forensic psychologist may instruct at the university level in a school of
psychology or crime. Furthermore, they may teach classes or offer workshops, such as those
conducted by a federal agency (i.e. the DEA) or by police, at law enforcement agencies.

Interviews – conducting interviews (witnesses or offenders) is essential to gathering reliable

and accurate information on the case. The biggest thing to interview them is that everyone
has different method-children who have been a victim to the incident, for example, may have
very valuable details because a child would have needed to be very careful in the process of
the interview as that was emphasized by the consultant. The offender who would not want to
admit can be an additional example. To establish the correct and productive approach, the
police and the criminal psychologist use their offender profiles.

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Rehabilitation of prisoners – not just supporting the police in jail is part of a criminal
psychologist's position. In many countries, society and government are worried about inmates
getting their freedom from imprisonment and able to re-socialize. The qualified institutions in
government work with forensic psychiatrists to accomplish this objective and to establish
specific measures to prevent the offenders from committing a felony and, on the other hand,
enabling them to regain their position in society.

V. CRIME PSYCHOLOGY AND FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY PARALLELS

Crime psychology as well as forensic psychology is strongly linked. Every career is
respectful of criminal or civil investigations. Professional experts in both disciplines have the
desire to collaborate with authorities and consider offenders' behavior and solve crimes. The
academic discussion and knowledge in criminal justice professional work in every one of
these fields.

Differences in criminal and forensic psychology

When contrasting criminal and forensic psychology, it's crucial to understand the biggest
differences between professions and traditional ways. There are certain points of difference
between the two pathways from the training needed for what their current tasks look like.
Numerous individuals combine the words crime and forensic psychologist. People can
identify themselves as one or the other and have the same tasks. There are, however, a few
significant differences. If you speak about identifying a suspect who is probably a criminal
psychologist. A forensic psychologist performs the most evaluation, but somebody who
describes as a criminal psychologist does not have to do an examination. The psychology of
criminals is studied by other scholars, although many individuals carrying out quantitative
work classify themselves as forensic psychologists. The difference is that forensic
psychologists treat all aspects of litigation, including civil cases, and that criminal
psychologists concentrate on criminal matters.

Educational requirements

A bachelor's degree in the field of forensic science, such as an online Bachelor of Arts degree
in forensic psychological studies from the University of Maryville, offers students a
psychological, social, and criminal law curriculum that provides a full understanding of the
modern forensic environment. While advanced education is required in both criminal and
clinical fields, there are plenty of resources for anyone who does not want to obtain a Ph.D.
or a psychologist. Bachelor's degree students may find, for instance, research on adjustments
or activism.

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In comparison, the sector of criminal psychology concentrates more on the knowledge of a

criminal. Criminal science classes are also irregular behavior, habits of drug misuse,
comportment figures, and juvenile science. Criminal psychology is generally not a program
of the degree itself, but rather a B.S., Masters or Ph.D. in criminology or psychology.

VI. CAREER, PATH, AND SCOPE

While crime prevention is about criminal behavior, it involves the criminal and civil
procedure, prison service, at-risk therapy for teenagers, and scholarly study.

In terms of forensic psychology, a vast spectrum of individuals from suspects, witnesses,

lawyers, and law enforcement must be measured. Forensic Psychology Graduates will also be
jury advisors, psychologists for young criminals, specialist witnesses, and much more. Those
who graduate from the University may be forensic psychologists or even professors of
forensic psychology.

Graduates in forensic justice courses, as opposed to offenders or the courts, deal directly with
criminals and those examining them. Criminal aspirants may consider disciplinary research,
surveillance, and psychology. Across both of these areas, forensic justice professionals are
trained to communicate with individuals with mental health issues in the form of critical
thought and analytical competencies, to follow and uphold their legal policy.

What does a criminal psychologist have to do?

 Psychological and justice expertise: Forensic psychologists are highly trained on both
legal and human behavioral matters. They will also be psychological specialists,
attorneys, and also technical professionals.

 Psychological testing: competence in management and interpretation of psychological

assessments is also important.

 Legislation on mental wellbeing: forensic psychiatrists in the world of justice tend to

have an outstanding power of the legislation on mental health. State laws, jurisdiction,
and legal procedures do need to be recognized.

 Exceptional communication skills: forensic psychologists should be excellent at

persuasion, including constructive and empathetic listening. Becoming often a topic in
the trial for forensic counselors, good public speaking skills, and the capacity in
stressful situations to remain calm are very helpful.

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 Skills: Like clinical psychologists, criminal psychologists should be capable of

maintaining organized records and to interact professionally and impartially with
individuals from several diverse groups and orientations.

 Capacity to establish trust: in a trial, it is highly necessary to create trust between the
complainant and all stakeholders.

 Science: Impeccable know-how in science is also a must. It is important to be able to

study past cases effectively, review facts, and carry out interviews.

 Keen attention to detail: it is equally important to have an eye for detail and to learn
patterns of behavior.

VII. CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGIST'S EXPERTISE AND PROBLEMS

This takes a lot of consideration to pursue forensic justice as a career. When your decision is
the best one, spend some time reviewing your talents, skills, and priorities. Given the
complex complexity of this career, you will face some very disturbing circumstances. Certain
qualities are important for a forensic psychologist because people often do not realize what is
real or what is false. They are good instincts.

To be descriptive and reflective, as the individual talks thoroughly about his responses and
the environment. Problem-solving is another trait that you need to be able to recognize and
understand the behaviors of offenders as well as to solve challenges, as there are no
difficulties to interpret spoken and written communication skills. Okay, the only way to
figure out why you're actually into this is to talk to a successful forensic psychologist.

How to become a criminal psychologist?

Education Requirements

You need a graduate degree in psychology to work as a psychologist. You will need a
bachelor's degree to be accepted in such a program; pupils will often have a degree in
psychology but that is not strictly necessary. To apply for a graduate school, you will also
need the GRE.

You can hear about conducting research and basic clinical practices in a program leading to a
Doctor in Philosophy (Ph.D.) in clinical psychology with a medical specialty or a Ph.D. in
clinical forensic psychology.

You research law, depression, crime, psychiatry, and assessments in these programs. You
deliver a dissertation and can also undergo clinical instruction in psychology depending on

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the course. You have a professional tutor to guide you while you study and write the report,
and you can select a curriculum that is a specialist in your research interests (what may range
from competency testing and juvenile offenders to suicide risks).

Licensing and Certification

You need to be certified as a psychologist to work as a criminal psychologist. Basic criteria

for registration differ by jurisdiction but usually include a jurisdiction psychology board test.
The Alliance of State and Provincial Psychological Boards is always the exam produced.

The American Board of Professional Psychology, an organization honoring practitioners who

have developed a specialty, provides free credentials as a forensic psychologist. You have to
receive a Degree, undertake an internship, work in the industry, show proof of further
experience, and obtain a certificate in the state of a specialty to gain this qualification.

The effect of psychology on the law

Over the years, a deeper awareness of neuroscience, psychiatry, and human nature, as well as
improvements in the way the defendant feels of the court system, has made substantial
changes in how the criminal justice system treats the mentally ill.

Amid the big developments in the push to de-institutionalize mentally ill individuals that
have combined with more sophisticated medicine and a better awareness of the origins and
possible therapies for psychiatric illnesses. Furthermore, the DE penalization of
homosexuality in the US was undoubtedly motivated by the increasing tolerance culture that
homosexuality — and more recently, transgender — is not psychiatric conditions.

VIII. CONCLUSION
A doctorate in psychology and a license to practice is required for becoming a criminal
psychologist. They typically have a postdoctoral thesis or research into criminal activity or
discrimination done. Crime psychologists also come from a legal background and carry the
expertise they have acquired to graduate programs where they develop their social assessment
abilities. There are also other jobs in the profession and often individuals who research
criminal justice are working as social care or in law enforcement matters, either as correction
agents or probation officers or as cops, firemen, emergency dispatchers, and ambulances
officers.

Crime psychologists are specialized in recognizing and understanding offenders' motives to

build a psychological profile. We analyze offending habits and treat certain problems of
mental health. Even they reach the courtroom to send expert witnesses. Such roles include

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treating individuals with offenses or determining their chance of recurrence. This article has
explained the importance of criminal psychologists and what is the impact of criminal
psychology.

*****

© 2020. International Journal of Legal Science and Innovation [ISSN 2581-9453]