The History Of Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology is an area of psychology that has been rapidly gaining popularity in recent years. Entertainment media’s fascination with the intersection of crime and psychology has fueled the growing interest in the field. According to Jane Tyler Ward, PhD, forensic psychology can be defined as psychology that “emphasizes the application of research and experimentation in other areas of psychology to the legal arena.” Although forensic psychology is popular right now, it was not until 1962 that a court case set the precedent that properly trained psychologists could provide expert testimony (Page 20). Additionally, forensic psychology was not APA (American Psychological Association) certified until 2001 (Page 16). The field of forensic

psychology involves a constant intellectual challenge, as well as provides an opportunity to help people. However, the job also produces instances in which ethical issues are often hard to avoid. A career in forensic psychology means a generous amount of further education, an impressive salary, and interaction with many different types of people.
Forensic psychologist’s duties are taken so seriously because they can often have a large impact on the lives of others. These psychologists are mainly responsible for providing psychological evaluations for people who, in some way, come in contact with the law. Experts may also provide testimony in civil and criminal cases. Civil cases that one may provide testimony in include personal injury, lawsuits, or civil commitment. Furthermore, the criminal cases that forensic psychologists are able to provide expertise for include the sanity at the time of the offense, as well as the accused’s competency to stand trial (Page 19). Common cases that a forensic psychologist may be involved with include child abuse, custody, and homicide. Experts may also work with those who have already been convicted, and those whose release date are approaching. While working in any of these settings, professionals are required to abide by the specialty guidelines that were adopted in August of 2011. “These guidelines apply to all matters in which experts provide expertise…(Page 24)”
The work that forensic psychologist’s do can often be burdensome and depressing. Because of this, there are many attributes that employers look for in potential employees. This career requires individuals to have a life long learning attitude. Additionally, employers look for applicants who possess a strong work ethic, excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to effectively explain and defend a position numerous times. Furthermore, because the field involves exposure to many sensitive topics, an individual in that field must be able to keep bias out of their work, as well as except viewpoints from many different types of people (Pages 4, 5).
Because forensic psychologist’s conclusions/observations have such a strong impact, individuals pursuing a career in that field must be highly qualified. There are “over 50 doctoral and master’s programs that teach a combination of psychology and the law (Page 29).” A doctoral degree is preferred for almost all positions within the field. These degrees focus on psychology, criminology, and forensics. Additionally, in order to become a certified forensic psychologist, and individual must complete 1000 hours of residency, and pass a written and oral exam (Pages 15, 29). Any psychologist must also be licensed by the state in which they practice. Depending on the state an individual wished to practice in, there may be extenuating requirements that vary from the APA requirements for certification. Furthermore, possible awards/honors include the Best Undergraduate Paper, Dissertation Award, and the Saleem Shah Award. The Saleem Shah Award, is awarded to an individual for early career excellence.
For an individual with a forensic psychology degree, there are many possible avenues for a career.

Forensic psychologists are able to work in a courtroom, jail, for a government agency (ie FBI), in a mental health facility, or obtain their own private practice (Pages 3, 4). Experts working in the courtroom often provide testimony, as well as aid in jury selection. Those working in a jail are able to either provide constant counsel to inmates, or work to prepare them for rehabilitation into society as their departure date approaches. Additionally, working with patients in a mental health facility is often similar to working with inmates in a jail/prison. Counseling can be continuous throughout the patient's stay, or be sporadic based on court dates, release dates, severity of disease, possible treatment, etc. Those who work for a government agency are often required to travel often for their job. This is because government agencies assist local law enforcement with cases throughout the nation. Private practice is a way for forensic psychologists to “loan themselves out” to whichever arena needs them at the time. Whether it be a court case, a university research project, or the treatment of a

criminal.
Furthermore, forensic psychologists often participate in research at institutions or universities (Page 11). For some, that is their entire career. It is possible that an individual never interacts with criminals in a courtroom or prison setting. Research is important to the field because it provides information for experts to reference/use when working with criminals in various settings. Research allows the field of forensic psychology to continue growing and become increasingly accurate. “Memories are highly susceptible to error, vulnerable to many sources of influence, and often lead to false convictions (Page 22).” Because of this, a large concept that researchers focus on is “the nature of how we conceptualize memory and miscommunication” (page 21). This research aims to assist in determining whether a subject is telling the truth about a recovered memory, or if their memory was warped by the influence of another person.
Although there are many opportunities to work specifically in the field of forensic psychology, an individual also has the option to branch out into other career fields. These individuals have the opportunity to counsel at risk youth, or work as a general psychologist (Page 1). These careers require little to no additional training/education. Additionally, an individual interested in the field of forensic psychology may work as a non-profit lobbyist or a law enforcement officer, with specialized experience. Moreover, if an individual wishes to pursue a career similar to forensic psychology and is willing to obtain additional training/education, they may become a professor at a higher education institution.
Opportunities for advancement that remain specifically in the field of forensic psychology include obtaining a higher salary from experience or performance and/or receiving a promotion to a position with more power. Additionally, becoming a criminal profiler for a government agency such as the F.B.I. would be considered advancement because that job is held with such high regard.
Earnings for forensic psychologists vary greatly depending on who an individual is employed by.

Experts working at universities, doing research, are often paid similarly to those in other areas of psychology. Additionally, “forensic psychologists in private practice are often well compensated”, says Connell. It is difficult to pinpoint earnings for forensic psychologists because the Bureau of Labor Statistics only reports on the earnings of general psychologists. These numbers are as follows; $69,280 median salary, and greater than $110,880 for the upper tenth percentile in 2012 (Page 30). However, according to Payscale, forensic psychologists are currently earning anywhere from $39,620 to $150,900. In spite of these reports, it is difficult to predict salary without knowing an individual’s qualifications, experience, and

employer.
The field of forensic psychology is so new, and so specific, that it is difficult to gather data specific to the field. The BLS reports that the job outlook for general psychology is growing at 12% through 2022 (Page 31). This percentage is as fast as average for related occupations. Additionally, the BLS reported that there were 160,200 jobs in the field of psychology and that the job change from 2012-2022 would be 18,700. Although this data is not specific to forensic psychology, it does encompass the field. Ira K Packer, PhD, also states that there has been a “proliferation of need” for psychologists to provide mental health expertise to the legal system (Page 16). These statistics, combined with the opinion of experts in the field, provide a positive job outlook for those pursuing a degree in forensic psychology.
Ultimately, “psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and human behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another and their environments (Page 25).” Forensic psychologists are no different. Although a forensic psychologist focuses on the aforementioned areas in relation to crime and the legal system, and often operates in a less traditional setting, their job is essentially the same. In order the gain the ability to perform such tasks, an individual must obtain a degree from a college or university. They must also possess skills that will help them to be successful in the field. Forensic psychology is an extremely interesting field. However, it is not the job for everyone. A great deal of schooling, long hours, and exposure to disturbing circumstances can be cumbersome deterrents to some. Thus, an individual wishing to pursue a career in forensic psychology must realise the difficulty of that career, and the extensive requirements associated with the field.