A Profile of Forensic Psychologists in South Africa

Abstract

Forensic psychology is more exposed to the scrutiny of other professionals and the media than most other fields in psychology. Unfortunately the discipline often falls short of the expectations in this regard. In order to compile a profile of forensic psychologists in South Africa 153 questionnaires were distributed to psychologists who render psycholegal services in court. Aspects covered in the questionnaire were experience and the work setting of the participants, number of reports submitted and appearance as witnesses, types of forensic activities, referral sources, qualifications, other fields of expertise, assessment techniques used by the participants, perception of the legal environment, and forensic training. The findings and implications for forensic psychology in South Africa are discussed.