Ethical standards for forensic psychology practice

Competence

Gaining and Maintaining Competence

This standard for competence is essential given that forensic psychologists must keep abreast of developments in the field and ensure that their credentials are appropriate to the needs of the current population. Standards must be set for entrance to the profession, and once established the education of the forensic psychologist must be continual particularly given changes in understanding of mental disorders (such as the biological as well as the sociological causes of violence).

Relationships

,2 Multiple Relationships

Guidelines are provided as to what constitutes a 'multiple' relationship given that forensic psychologists must avoid all conflicts of interest when dealing with clients. Particularly in the field of criminal justice, aspersions upon objectivity can have serious consequences. This standard defines what constitutes a 'multiple' relationship (joint, potentially conflicting obligations such as a previous professional relationship with someone the psychologist is assessing) and the need to ensure that roles and responsibilities do not conflict.

Confidentiality and Privilege

10.0.4 Use of Case Materials in Teaching, Continuing Education, and Other Scholarly Activities

Forensic psychology is a practical discipline and there is an understandable need and desire to use 'real life' materials in the dissemination of knowledge. However, the desire to use a case study must not undercut the rights of the individual patient. If a forensic psychologist works on an interesting case 'in the field' he or she cannot automatically use that knowledge in the classroom, without taking appropriate measures to ensure the confidentiality of the subjects is maintained. This is particularly important given that an instructor is a role model for his or her students, as well as has ethical responsibilities to the institutions and people for whom he or she has worked.

Methods and Procedures

13.02 Differentiating Observations, Inferences, and Conclusions

Forensic psychologists are well aware of the differences between observations (such as the appearance of a patient), inferences (suppositions made that are not based in established facts), and conclusions (which are based upon analysis and multiple sources of information grounded in professional judgment). However, members of the lay public are not always as well versed in these distinctions (such as the observation that the patient seems disoriented vs. A conclusion or diagnosis about the patient's mental illness) and particularly with non-professionals, forensic psychologists must make distinctions between these factors.