In a world where more than half the people are criminals, some of us are wondering about the motivations of criminals. Hence, it is necessary to consult a Forensic or Criminal Psychologist to obtain answers to these questions. A Criminal Psychologist is an expert who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals involved in criminal activity.
Researching why people commit crimes is a significant part of a criminal psychologist’s job. A criminal may be assessed to determine the likelihood of re-offending or make inferences about a convicted felon’s actions following their conviction for a crime. In this case, if you’re interested in pursuing this kind of career, you can enroll in an online criminal psychology degree program.
Undoubtedly, being a forensic psychologist comes with various perks, but it also has a few drawbacks. A closer look at criminal psychology’s upsides and downsides; and its importance will help you better understand why this profession is in demand.
Advantages and Risks
Many jobs exist in this field, but they can be very demanding and challenging. You may find yourself working nights and weekends to add insult to injury, which isn’t ideal. Here are some pros and cons in this career.
Several career options to choose from
Forensic Psychology offers a diverse range of career options. Since the options available are so diverse, you have the chance to gain exposure to a wide range of career paths.
For instance, some criminal psychologists are employed in research. They are responsible for carrying out experiments, putting hypotheses to the test, performing meta-analyses of previously published research, and writing reports on their investigations. To be sure, this is not the same as working with law enforcement as a criminal psychologist.
Offers Potential for Development
Even after you graduate from a program in forensic psychology, your professional growth and development opportunities are far from over. Board certification can be obtained through the American Board of Forensic Psychology. Many people consider this certification the pinnacle of professional competence in this area.
Substantial opportunity for generating income
As criminal psychology has the potential to be a rewarding profession, this is another reason why it is so appealing.
According to statistics, psychologists earn an average annual salary of $82,180. The yearly salary can range anywhere from the low end, approximately $46,000, to the high end, over $137,000 annually.
And if you put effort into gaining more on-the-job experience, advance your education with additional degrees and certifications, and cultivate a particular area of expertise. Your salary may rise sooner rather than later to the top of that range.
High probability of experiencing stress
Although employees look forward to a challenge, there are also times when the challenges pile up, leading to a significant amount of stress. In this kind of work, the possibility of something like this happening is always present.
When preparing for a court case with an attorney, you’ll need to deal with many issues. Many criminal psychologists’ work is emotionally draining, which can be exacerbated by the volume of cases they have to deal with.
The possibility of working long hours
Although this isn’t a typical 9-5 job, which many people see as an advantage, it implies that you may have to put in some extra hours. Working long hours, including weekends and public holidays, may be necessary.
The majority of the time, criminal psychologists who work as jury consultants, victim’s advocates, or police consultants are the ones who are required to put in these additional hours. In the weeks and months leading up to a trial, the amount of work often needed increases, resulting in long workdays.
Importance of Criminal Psychologists
Psychologists who specialize in forensic work have several transferable skills that can be used to make the legal system more effective. Among them are:
Evaluating a Criminal’s State of Mind
People often commit crimes under stress or when their mental health is deteriorating. Such criminals face lower charges than those committed by rational people. In this case, criminal psychologists can examine the convict’s mental state and determine if they are in the proper state of mind or not. It can help formulate appropriate punishments for various types of criminal offenses.
Can Supply Further Supporting Evidence
To help the jury make an informed choice, testimony from criminal psychologists can be helpful. The absence of proof can frequently confuse the case. A few flaws in the system can dramatically change the outcome. As a result, they assist by making remarks and providing additional information about the criminal’s actions and intentions.
Providing In-Prison Treatment Consultation
Mental illness can lead to self-harm and violence against other inmates, especially for offenders who have been traumatized. As a result, these people are given their rooms and dedicated settings to meet their specific cognitive needs. Criminal psychologists can provide counsel regarding the most suitable punishment for particular offenders.
Final Thoughts
Criminal psychologists can provide several advantages to the justice system, such as those described above. Before a criminal may be sentenced, a judicial system must be comprehensive and definite. To help define crimes and sanctions, the court relies on criminal psychologists.
