-By Timothy Lyons
The study of psychology in general can be fascinating are for many people. The specialization of forensics to gain forensic psychology jobs is one that includes some of the most interesting aspects of psychology. According to the US bureau of labor statistics, job growth in this area is expected to grow 27% in the area of forensics.
Two researchers come to mind in the area of forensics and the study of just how persons with a criminal mindset think. Dr.’s Glenn D. Walters and Stanton Samenow have studied and written about crime and the thinking patterns that accompany the criminal lifestyle.
Dr. Stanton Samenow’s seminal book, Inside the Criminal Mind is a work that shows his commitment and understanding in this area. Dr. Samenow has provided some of the best information about what criminals think and has demonstrated techniques that deal directly with the criminal in helping them to realize the nature of their thinking.
Dr Walters has written a number of books regarding the topic. His works have not only looked at the type of thinking that accompany crime but he has also bridged the gap between criminal thinking and the thinking that accompanies drug use and addiction. This link is critical in understanding a brilliant perspective on how the thinking patterns can be used in both addiction and criminal thinking,
Forensic Psychology Jobs
So you might be asking but what does this have to do with forensic psychology jobs? The answer is that this is the core of what forensics is all about. In forensics, the study of the thinking and motivations of criminal activity assist the forensic worker in assessing and evaluating criminals. This work is done in the court room, in criminal justice settings and even in work with at risk youth populations. The application can go far beyond just that of criminal thinking as mentioned earlier with Dr. Walters’s link of addiction thinking processes.
Imagine a world in which you expertise in forensics allowed you to truly understand the thinking of others. That knowledge could help you in other areas of life as well.
In the criminal justice setting the person with a forensics degree could apply this background to helping the courts assess offenders. They can even look at whether a person has the ability to stand trial. In community corrections such as probation or parole, one could look at the possibility of a criminal re-offending or recidivism rates. It could help with consultation in courts to evaluate testimony, advise courts and law enforcement in dealing with mental illness and criminal thinking. It might allow for work with juvenile offenders and at risk youth who have been the victims of socio-economic issues or as a result of trauma from upbringing.
Jobs
Other areas of work might include teaching forensics at the college or university level, dong research, working with coroners or medical examiners.
- Witness assessment
- Interrogation techniques
- Public policy in the law enforcement settings
- Analyze criminal thinking
- Treatment of the mentally ill in legal settings
- Research in the area of criminal pathology
- Designing programs in settings that include incarcerated individuals
- As a case manager or counselor in community corrections
The list is not all inclusive. There are so many areas in which the person with a forensic psychology degree could work. This area can be accessed with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. In most cases the person who wants to work in forensics might obtain a master’s degree. This would help in obtaining employment in some of the higher level positions that require this type of degree. The asset with this degree would be that someone could get a job in an area that is very fulfilling. However, monetary needs of the institution or organization sometimes allow for strict budget controls.
In all, the idea of gaining knowledge in this area has many advantages. The cross over into other fields is a bonus. The types of jobs is only limited by your imagination. This is worthy field to join. The jobs are going to be there and the ability to remain emplyed should remain constant.
This is a promising indicator of how someone graduating with a forensics degree will obtain a job in the field. There are many educational settings such as universities that hire. There are many ways to start your entry into the field to obtain forensic psychology jobs.
References
Samenow, S. E. (2004). Inside the criminal mind. New York: Crown Publishers.
Walters, G. D. (1996). Substance Abuse and the New Road to Recovery: A practitioner’s guide. Washington D.C. Taylor and Francis