Forensic psychology is devoted to psychological aspects of legal processes in courts. The term is also often used to refer to investigative and criminological psychology: applying psychological theory to criminal investigation, understanding psychological problems associated with criminal behaviour, and the treatment of criminals.

Key tasks can include:

• piloting and implementing treatment programmes;
• modifying offender behaviour;
• responding to the changing needs of staff and prisoners;
• reducing stress for staff and prisoners;
• providing hard research evidence to support practice;
• undertaking statistical analysis for prisoner profiling;
• giving expert evidence in court;
• advising parole boards and mental health tribunals;
• crime analysis.

In the treatment of offenders, forensic psychologists are responsible for the development of appropriate programmes for rehabilitation. This may include anger management, social and cognitive skills training, and treatment for drug/and or alcohol addiction. In the support of prison staff, forensic psychologists may be responsible for the delivery of stress management or training on how to cope with understanding bullying, and techniques for hostage negotiation.

Where?

The largest single employer of forensic psychologists in the UK is HM Prison Service (which includes the Home Office Research and Development Unit as well as prisons). However, forensic psychologists can also be employed in the health service (including rehabilitation units and secure hospitals), the social service (including the police service, young offenders units, and the probation service), and in university departments or in private consultancy.

How?

Qualifications and training

Applicants are required to attend a national assessment centre (lasting five hours and assessing interpersonal and professional skills). During the assessment centre, applicants complete a presentation, a group exercise, a video exercise, a drafting exercise and a structured interview.

Successful candidates are then invited to a further interview at which they will be required to demonstrate knowledge of current issues in the Probation and Prison Service and the role of the psychologist in criminal justice, together with the following competencies:

• Planning and reviewing;
• Motivation and commitment;
• Communication (verbal);
• Communication (written);
• Problem solving;
• Systematic approach;
• Care and concern for the individual;
• Team skills;
• Rehabilitation;
• Analysis;
• Non-discriminatory approach.

Pay, prospects and conditions

Forensic psychology in the UK is currently booming with a significant growth in the job market. Up-to-date terms and conditions of employment may be obtained directly from employers. Pay rates start around £15,500 if you are newly qualified, up to £60,000+ for senior psychologists. Further information on the training, work, pay and recruitment of forensic psychologists in the Prison and Probation Service can be found at www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk or by e-mailing psychologygroup@atlas.co.uk

Further Information

www.bps.org.uk/forensic

Home Office, 50 Queen Anne’s Gate
London SW1H 9AT.
Tel: 020 7273 3000

Website:
www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk/corporate