Criminal Justice Psychology and Roles They Play

Psychologists serve in various roles within the criminal justice system, as well as at every level of the criminal justice system from law enforcement to corrections. Some of the most common categories of criminal justice psychologist include as applied scientist, basic scientist, policy evaluator, and advocate. Each of these roles can be fulfilled at the levels of law enforcement, corrections, and also within the courts system.
Applied Scientist/Psychologist
Licensed psychologists can work as applied scientists: translating empirical evidence into informed practice at the levels of law enforcement, corrections, or any level of procedural justice. For example, expert witnesses are essentially applied scientists because they directly apply what they know about psychiatric disorders and the behaviors of individuals with these disorders towards helping a judge and jury make educated, informed decisions through witness testimony or consultation. Offering their expertise to law enforcement, an applied scientist would also be able to offer assistance with both victim and perpetrator profiling. Some applied psychologists assist with police interrogations, or with witness identification processes (Day & Marion, n.d.). Applied scientists could also consult with corrections departments to help them design their facilities and programs better, to reduce recidivism or improve safety.
Basic Scientist
A basic scientist is somewhat of a misnomer, as there is nothing basic about this important role in the criminal justice system. In fact, a basic scientist conducts research that can ultimately influence the law and public policy, law enforcement or corrections practices, or procedural justice. Many forensic psychologists are basic scientists, who study criminological phenomena within a university environment to provide data sets or empirical findings that may influence the practice of law within the courts system (Shelton, Goldner & Henry, 2016). Criminology psychologists can also be employed directly by law enforcement agencies or correctional institutes to inform best practices (Scottsdale, n.d.).
Policy Evaluator
One of the most important roles of the psychologist in the criminal justice system is as policy evaluator. The psychologist can assess and inform public policy related to law enforcement tactics, correctional procedures and methods, and also to the court system. As Shelton, Goldner & Henry (2016) point out, “psychologists are increasingly playing important roles in advising and informing policy and legislative developments, particularly with regard to contemporary social justice issues,” (p. 1). Social justice issues including those linked to race, gender, and socioeconomic class, can better inform policies that help prevent crime, such as community policing, or policies that reduce recidivism, like structured re-entry programs or alternative sentencing.
Advocate
While attorneys can serve as advocates for suspects and witnesses during criminal justice proceedings, a psychologist provides an additional range of services at every level or stage of the criminal justice system. A psychologist may serve as an advocate for a suspect or a witness during police interrogation procedures, for example, (Day & Marion, n.d.). Within the corrections environment a psychologist can advocate on behalf of a client petitioning for parole, or a client seeking access to mental health services. A psychologist can also advocate for an entire community, helping to address structural or institutional problems and promoting effective rehabilitation and re-entry services that reduce recidivism and prevent the breakdowns of families and communities. In the courtroom, psychologists serve as advocates in several ways, such as by offering testimony regarding certain psychological states or conditions or by counseling clients.






References

Day, D.M. & Marion, S.B. (n.d.). Applying social psychology to the criminal justice system. https://www.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-binaries/44552_11.pdf
Scottsdale, B. (n.d.). Criminal justice careers in applied psychology. The Chronicle. http://work.chron.com/criminal-justice-careers-applied-psychology-15599.html
Shelton, S., Goldner, J.A. & Henry, J. (2016). Psychologists in the legal system. The Register Report, Fall 2016, https://www.nationalregister.org/pub/the-national-register-report-pub/the-register-report-fall-2016/psychologists-in-the-legal-system-merging-and-avoiding-collisions-at-the-intersection-of-psychology-and-law/