Correctional Subspecialty Roles and Responsibilities

Correctional Subspecialty Roles and Responsibilities

The objective of this study is to explain two roles of a forensic psychology professionals working in the correctional subspecialty and the importance of each of these roles and to explain two responsibilities of a forensic psychology professionals working in the correctional subspecialty and the importance of each of these responsibilities.

The 'Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists' is reported to be representative of a joint statement of the American Psychology-Law Society and Division 41 of the American Psychological Association and endorse by the American Academy of Forensic Psychology. (Committee on Ethical Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists, 1991, p.2) Forensic Psychologist work in diverse settings throughout the judicial and correctional system in the United States and it is also noted in the literature reviewed in this brief study that the roles and responsibilities of the forensic psychologist is varied depending upon which setting that the forensic psychologist works in.

The roles of the forensic psychologist include the screening and counseling of prisoners and reviewing the status of prisoners on suicide watch. The forensic psychologist in the correctional setting works in establishing a screening procedure that is valid and reliable for correctional officer positions in the correctional facility. The forensic psychologist in the correctional facility setting also works in evaluating the effectiveness of existing programs for both adult and juvenile offenders. This includes such as victim-offender rehabilitation programs.

The forensic psychologist in the correctional setting also works in developing programs for correctional facility personnel including stress programs. Finally, the forensic psychologist in the correctional setting works in the assessment of the development of a system for prison inmate classification used in placement of the inmates within the correctional facility.

The forensic psychologist has a responsibility of ensuring that individuals are fully informed of their legal rights in regards to the anticipated forensic service and the reasons for evaluation and the nature of the procedures to be used as well as the intentions concerning the use of any product of these services. The forensic psychologist is required to obtain the informed consent of the party or their legal representative prior to proceeding with any evaluations or procedures.