What does a criminal psychologist do?

The criminal psychologist is mainly studied by the personality of convicted criminals or people undergoing prosecution, including their actions, thoughts, reactions and intentions. Criminal psychology is usually done in the evaluation capacity when the defendant is suspected of reducing the mental ability. The criminal psychologist will perform tests that help determine whether the evaluated person is competent to the court. Once the evaluation is completed, the psychologist is often asked to provide professional testimony of the defendant in court. This gives the jury insight into the mind of the accused.

Not all criminal psychologies take place in the court environment. Many times a criminal psychologist is invited to work closely with coercive organs or Federal Investigation Office (FBI) for profiling of murderers, sexual predators and other stubborn criminals. The trend of profiling of criminal psychology began in the 40th century, when psychiatrists were included in the profile of Adolf Hitler. Criminal psychologists have remained in modern criminology since thenIt helps to help define emerging sciences.

criminal anthropology is another industry of criminal psychology. He may be asked for a criminal psychologist to explore the bones of the victim to help determine the thinking of murderers at the time of killing. With specialized training, a criminal psychologist learns how to use forensic traces that remained in the bones or other material to define a pattern or modus operandi (MO), individual criminals. With the information provided by this type of study, officials are obtained in criminal proceedings for a valuable forensic records that can be used in court.

There are also opportunities for a criminal psychologist to work outside the courtroom and active law enforcement. Many psychologists decide to establish private practice or continue to teach criminal judiciary and forensic psychology for federal agencies and university levels. PrivatePractice usually creates more income, especially if a criminal psychologist decides to provide testimony to the professional court in addition to his practice.

Requirements for career in criminal psychology vary all over the world. Most areas require at least a bachelor's degree in criminal judiciary, psychology or criminal psychology. Someone who plans a clinical or advanced career may need a master's degree or Ph.D.