Forensic Psychology Research Articles

The Role of Forensic Science in Criminal Investigation

Forensic science is a crucial element of the criminal justice system. Forensic scientists examine and analyse evidence from crime scenes and elsewhere to develop objective findings that can assist in the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of crime or absolve an innocent person from suspicion. This study comprises a crime scene investigation, which is a scene where the case investigator and crime scene personnel work together to define and secure areas that may contain evidence; examine and document the scene; collect physical evidence; preserve, pack, and submit the evidence to the laboratory for analysis. Further, this study discusses forensic psychology and crime investigation, which elucidates the use of clinical specialties to walk through criminal acts and behaviours by applying psychological research, data, and theory to differentiate between the suspects and the main culprits. Additionally, the investigative techniques in forensic science have been thoroughly lined up, such as DNA analysis, finger printing, voice recognition, handwriting analysis, ballistics, autopsy, etc. Furthermore, the role of DNA profiling technology is conceptualised as a procedure that can be used to identify individuals on the basis of their unique genetic makeup. Moreover, the role of forensics in the identification of the accused and victim is mentioned in this study. The identification of the victim is executed by examining the teeth, mouth, or body alignment. To obtain an identification of the suspect, police use several modes like visual, audio, scientific, and test identification parades. Next, the role of toxicology, serology, and narcotics analysis in investigation is related to this study. These three deal with the study of chemistry, biology, and psychotherapy for the individual. This study makes use of brain mapping, polygraph, and narcotics analysis, the tests that are useful to know the concealed information that is related to crime. Eventually, the forensic evidence and the opinion of the experts are the last steps to assist the criminal investigation and to subjectively correlate all the aspects of the forensic methodology and crime scene.

The practice of clinical forensic psychology in Canada: Current landscape and future directions.

The practice of clinical forensic psychology in Canada: Current landscape and future directions.

Book review: Forensic Psychologists: Prisons, Power and Vulnerability by Jason Warr

Book review: <i>Forensic Psychologists: Prisons, Power and Vulnerability</i> by Jason Warr

Working in partnership to support trauma informed care for children, young people and their families in North Yorkshire

The Psychologically Informed Partnership Approach (PIPA) is a partnership between North Yorkshire Council (NYC) and Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV). PIPA aims to provide a flexible, psychological and trauma-informed service to meet a wide range of needs of vulnerable children across Children and Families Services (C&amp;FS) within North Yorkshire.PIPA consists of Clinical and Forensic Psychologists, and Advanced Practitioners working across NYC. The service considers the individual needs, complexities and experiences of children, young people, family members and practitioners, whilst also holding in mind broader systemic and organisational perspectives. This paper outlines how PIPA applies a range of models and frameworks to support innovative, non-blaming approaches with children, young people and their families, and the outcome of this approach thus far.A variety of measures are used to evaluate how PIPA involvement has influenced a range of outcomes for children, young people and families, as seen in theOutcomes and Feedback section. Two case studies are also included to demonstrate how this approach works in practise.The paper concludes with reflections on our learning and recommendations for similar practices to be embedded across other children and families’ services in the country.

THE Urgensi Ahli Linguistik Forensik Dan Psikologi Forensik Dalam Sistem Peradilan Pidana Terpadu

The existence of information from forensic linguistics experts and forensic psychology experts is very much needed by law enforcement officers in the criminal justice system. to make light of a crime. The purpose of this study was to analyze the role of forensic linguistics and forensic psychology experts in helping law enforcement officers to seek and find the truth in order to make light of a crime. The research method used in this research is normative legal research which is complemented by social legal research. The approach used is a statutory approach and a conceptual approach. Data collection technique is literature study and analyzed qualitatively. The results showed that information from forensic linguistics experts and forensic psychologists could be requested from the start of the investigation phase even if required by the judge, forensic linguistics and forensic psychology experts could be presented in the trial process either by the public prosecutor or by the defendant's legal counsel, whose main purpose is assist law enforcement officers to make light of a crime. Thus, the existence of information from forensic linguistics and forensic psychology experts is very much needed in an integrated criminal justice system. However, there are some limitations such as lack of human resources, lack of legal knowledge possessed by experts, conflicts of interest and differences in paradigms from experts even though they have the same specifications are some of the obstacles that are often faced by law enforcement officers when faced with situations that require the role of an expert.

Transfer of Minors to Adult Court in California: Investigating the Legal/Demographic Factors that Make the Difference.

In light of California's passage of Proposition 57 in 2016, the present study examined the relationship between legal/demographic variables and decisions to transfer juveniles to the adult court system. Following Prop 57, transfer decisions were entrusted solely with judges and prosecutors could no longer direct file. We used a sample of 106 reports written by forensic psychologists on behalf of the defense examining the life circumstances of minors who allegedly committed serious crimes. Close to two-thirds of minors were kept in the juvenile system whereas the rest were transferred. Utilizing regression analysis, we found that minors with at least one murder charge were more likely to end up in adult court. In regards to race, we detected an overall considerable overrepresentation of Black and Latino juveniles and an underrepresentation of Whites with charges against them but no support of racial bias in transfer decisions in our restricted data set.

The Effectiveness of Chromotherapy on Youth

The majority of people view color therapy as an alternative therapy. It is a rather young field of study. There are a tonne of various elements in life that might affect your mood and mental health. It is proposed that colors and colored lighting can improve one’s physical or mental health. If you want to create a calm and clear workplace, it’s critical to understand how color influences your mood. The interaction between the human body and colors has been thoroughly explored in a variety of research. Despite the fact that color therapy has been used for thousands of years, people’s interest in it has grown more recently. Different body parts are related to different colors. These are the various energy centers’ inherent healing abilities. In today’s age of globalization, color therapy is one of the most well-liked complementary treatments used to affect people’s conduct and brains. In forensic psychology, color is a crucial element that helps to build our surroundings. Without color, our world would be lifeless and sad. It is essential to our built environment, especially for teenagers, people who are partially blind, adolescents, and those who, for one reason or another, feel confined and dissatisfied with their way of life. Our brains are programmed to focus on things that stand out from our surroundings in terms of color. Which qualities and traits we associate with a person are influenced by the color of her clothing. Depending on the context, it may be culturally prejudiced due to political movements or historical occurrences. This review clarified the significance of this therapy and its advancement in the field of psychology, raised awareness among today’s youth, and added a fresh perspective to this investigation.

Why language matters: What forensic psychologists need to know about the deaf community, American Sign Language, and interpreters.

Why language matters: What forensic psychologists need to know about the deaf community, American Sign Language, and interpreters.

The Role of Neuroprediction and Artificial Intelligence in the Future of Criminal Procedure Support Science: A New Era in Neuroscience and Criminal Justice

Recent developments in the field of neuroimaging in the world of neuroscience, when combined with artificial intelligence and, more specifically, with the use of mechanical engineering, have resulted in the creation of brain reading technology that may soon be widely used in scientific fields in the world including detecting, for example, criminal lies. When used in forensic psychiatry, this approach can increase the precision of risk assessment and help determine areas where intervention can be most effective. Neuro prediction with artificial intelligence can be called AI. This neuroprotection is a method of predicting criminal behaviour by finding biomarkers of brain function that can indicate that someone is committing crimes in the future. Normative legal research or library legal research (library research), with a statute, conceptual, comparative, historical, or futuristic approach. The nature of the research used in this research is descriptive-prescriptive and uses content analysis. The result of this research is to dissect the development of AI Neuroprediction in forensic psychiatry and criminal justice with attention to this technology's legal and ethical implications and potential applications. In the future, AI neuroprediction may play an important role in integrating forensic psychology into the criminal justice system. Through in-depth analysis of neurological data, AI neuroprediction could assist in identifying behavioral patterns or tendencies that might influence a person's criminal propensity, thus enriching traditional forensic psychological evaluations. It may also contribute to creating more precise and personalized intervention strategies to prevent repeat crimes.

Recommendations for establishing or expanding a successful forensic psychology practice.

Recommendations for establishing or expanding a successful forensic psychology practice.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Race in the Criminal Justice System with Respect to Forensic Science Decision Making: Implications for Forensic Anthropology

Instances of racial disparities are well documented in the United States’ criminal justice system. This study reviewed the literature and conducted quantitative analyses on the role of race in forensic decision making among practitioners and other stakeholders in the criminal justice system. We hypothesized that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals will be significantly more likely to be associated with adverse outcomes than White individuals. A search strategy was developed and registered before the study commenced. Quantitative data were extracted from eligible studies to estimate the pooled effect size (odds ratio) for the effects of race. A final sample of 11 data sources (published study or dataset) was identified. Decision making by all stakeholders in the criminal justice system, including forensic practitioners, case investigators, and juries were evaluated in these studies. Two datasets evaluated the decision-making process involving forensic psychology or psychiatry, three focused on forensic evidence, four on forensic pathology, one involved forensic anthropology cases, and one involved clinical forensic medicine cases. The pooled odds ratio was estimated to be 1.10 (95% confidence interval: 0.67–1.81), indicating a trivial or negligible effect of race (i.e., BIPOC individuals were no more likely to be associated with adverse outcomes given the current evidence). Importantly, the results of this study do not indicate that bias or disparity related to race does not exist in forensic decision making in the criminal justice system. More research into systemic bias in forensic decision making, especially in relation to race, is needed. Forensic anthropologists are uniquely positioned to study and address racial disparities in the criminal justice system involving forensic science because of its interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary nature. This study highlights the need for further research and advocates for forensic anthropologists to be more involved in the study of the science and the impacts of forensic science rather than focusing on methodological advancement.

Identifying Patterns/Drivers in Women Criminals

The general notion of women, who are usually regarded as caregivers and nurturers, can kill in cold blood is difficult to accept in Indian society. Despite the belief that murders are mostly male-perpetrated, women are often also culprits, killing with the same heartlessness as any male killer. As is the case with other aspects of life, it is often seen that the motivations of women killers are different from their male peers. While many male criminals are driven by sadism, sex, violence and lust, women's motivations are found to be mostly economic in nature. Predominantly many Motives are common, to both genders are greed and mental imbalance. This present paper is an attempt to study different aspects of women criminal with parameters or drivers such as Education, Family Background, Social Status, Personal life, and any history of sufferings Mentally or Physically. This paper also focuses on various Modus Operandi adopted by Such Women. The Study will help Criminologist and Forensic Psychologist to understand the reason why a woman who is supposed to be caregiver is able to take away the life in cruel manner. The study will help to prevent / handle such women from committing such offences by Knowing the psychology and motive behind a criminal mind. Keywords: Forensic Psychology, women, female criminals, murders

Specific Criminal Profiling and Interrogation Techniques as Forensic Psychology Methods in Hungarian Law Enforcement

One of the applied areas of criminal psychology, the forensic psychology presents how the knowledge of psychology can be applied in the most optimal way in order to effectively detect individual crimes. A trend has appeared in law enforcement agencies for psychologists to carry out special activities in the criminal field. One specific activity is criminal profiling and the other is the development of the most effective interrogation techniques. Now I attempt to present these two specific criminal tasks of psychology. I present a literature review on how forensic psychology can be used during profiling and the planning of special interrogations. Despite the fact that offender profiling is not new for law enforcement agencies, its clinical trend has begun to appear and spread independently in recent years. The application of psychology in the planning of individual interrogations is a much more researched field and used during weekday work.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HANDWRITING AND VARIOUS ASPECTS OF PERSONALITY, SUCH AS INTELLIGENCE, CREATIVITY AND EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE

The article is devoted to exploring the relationship between personality traits and handwriting characteristics. Specifically, the results of various scientific studies on this topic are analyzed, and the handwriting characteristics associated with intelligence, creativity, and emotional stability are determined. In addition, the article examines the results of studies on the connection between handwriting and a person’s emotional reactions, which helps to understand how handwriting can reflect a person’s emotional state. The conclusions of the article may be useful for handwriting experts, forensic psychologists, practising psychologists, teachers, recruiters, and anyone interested in the relationship between handwriting and personality.

Developing consensus for culturally informed forensic mental health assessment: Experts' opinions on best practices.

Individuals with minoritized identities are overrepresented in legal system contexts; thus, forensic mental health professionals conduct evaluations of examinees with a diversity of identities. Professional and ethical guidelines direct that these evaluations be completed in a culturally informed manner, yet many professionals still identify a need for specific guidance on how to do so. In the present study, we sought to establish consensus regarding best practices in incorporating culture into forensic mental health evaluations. Given the exploratory nature of this research, no formal hypotheses were tested. We expected that participants would concur that some practices are important to completing culturally informed forensic evaluations. We recruited two samples. Nine people with joint expertise in cultural considerations and forensic evaluations participated in a Delphi-type poll. More than half reported a minoritized racial/ethnic identity, and all identified as a man (56%) or woman (44%). Experts were surveyed regarding importance (two rounds) and relevance (one round) of recommended practices. They contributed seven additional relevant practices. Twenty-one board-certified forensic psychologists completed a one-time survey of their perceptions of best practices. These psychologists primarily identified as White (90%), and most did not identify as Hispanic or Latine (80%). They all identified as men (45%) or women (55%). This sample was asked to rate the importance of a list of practices refined during the Delphi-type poll. The majority of practices were considered important or very important by experts and board-certified psychologists. Consensus is most clear for 28 practices with means, medians, and modes all in the "important" to "very important" range at all time points. There is wide agreement on the importance of particular methods for incorporating cultural considerations in each phase of the forensic evaluation process. Forensic psychologists can use this information to self-evaluate and improve their practice and to inform training. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Statistical learning methods and cross-cultural fairness: Trade-offs and implications for risk assessment instruments.

The use of statistical learning methods has recently increased within the risk assessment literature. They have primarily been used to increase accuracy and the area under the curve (AUC, i.e., discrimination). Processing approaches applied to statistical learning methods have also emerged to increase cross-cultural fairness. However, these approaches are rarely trialed in the forensic psychology discipline nor have they been trialed as an approach to increase fairness in Australia. The study included 380 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males assessed with the Level of Service/Risk Needs Responsivity (LS/RNR). Discrimination was assessed through the AUC, and fairness was assessed through the cross area under the curve (xAUC), error rate balance, calibration, predictive parity, and statistical parity. Logistic regression, penalized logistic regression, random forest, stochastic gradient boosting, and support vector machine algorithms using the LS/RNR risk factors were used to compare performance against the LS/RNR total risk score. The algorithms were then subjected to pre- and postprocessing approaches to see if fairness could be improved. Statistical learning methods were found to produce comparable or marginally improved AUC values. Processing approaches increased several fairness definitions (namely xAUC, error rate balance, and statistical parity) between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The findings demonstrate that statistical learning methods may be a useful approach to increasing the discrimination and cross-cultural fairness of risk assessment instruments. However, both fairness and the use of statistical learning methods encompass significant trade-offs that need to be considered. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Reflections as a programme leader of MSc forensic psychology: Decolonising the forensic psychology curriculum in higher education

The movement to decolonise the curriculum has gained momentum over recent years. Whilst in principle this is supported by many, knowing how to take forward this approach as applied to our own discipline and subject areas, can be challenging. This reflective piece provides an example of how a Higher Education institution in the UK is exploring ways of decolonising a post graduate qualification in forensic psychology.

Improving access to forensic psychology education and training for learners with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Neurodiversity within education and the workplace has sparked interest as part of the wider Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) movement. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one aspect of neurodiversity, traits of which can feature as both barriers and strengths within education and training. Current support for learners with ADHD from institutions varies and is often limited. The purpose of this paper will be to re-dress the attendance to deficits in ADHD and to consider some of the strengths that people with ADHD may bring, and specifically how these may apply to forensic psychology. This paper will also consider how the UK training route for forensic psychology provides barriers and opportunities for people with ADHD and make suggestions for ways in which education, training and supervision could be improved to attract and retain a population of learners who could bring value to the profession.

Isn’t it time for forensic psychologists to stop using the term ‘gang’?

The concept of ‘gangs’ is poorly defined within legal and psychological literature. This article describes how methodological flaws in studies that apply the ‘gang’ label have perpetuated bias against Black and Asian males. Harms associated with the ‘gang’ label are discussed within the broader context of racism within the Criminal Justice System. Implications for forensic psychological practice in the areas of formulation, risk assessment and intervention planning with Black and Asian clients who have been labelled as ‘gang’ members are discussed. Feelings psychologists may experience upon acknowledging bias in their practice with those labelled as ‘gang’ affiliated are also explored. The article concludes by arguing why psychologists have a responsibility to stop using the term ‘gang’ and proposing alternative language and concepts to understand group related offending.

Reflections on decolonisation of forensic psychology workshop presented at the DFP conference in Solihull on 14–16 June 2022

Reflections on decolonisation of forensic psychology workshop presented at the DFP conference in Solihull on 14–16 June 2022