I have written an Introduction To Forensic Psychology but I will not publish it in this Blog because it contains quite a number of graphics, photographs, diagrams, etc. However, if you would like a copy of this Introduction, email me at educationmatters@ teachers.org and it will be promptly yours.
This Introduction to Psychology is ideal to accompany the teaching on Forensic Psychology in any of the GCE A level courses.
I will publish the opening section here to give you an idea of what topics are covered.
FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY
What is forensic psychology?
Forensic psychology involves applying psychology to the field of criminal investigation and the law. The popularity of forensic psychology has grown phenomenally in recent years, partly due to sensationalized portrayals of the field in movies and television, which are not always accurate. Forensic psychologists are often depicted as criminal profilers who are able to almost psychically deduce a killer's next move. In reality, these professionals practice psychology as a science within the criminal justice system and civil courts.
What do forensic psychologists do?
A forensic psychology offers expertise across a wide range of issues related to the criminal justice system. These might include evaluating offender treatment programmes, risk assessment in deciding whether a criminal should be released on parole, providing expert testimony in relation to criminal cases or child custody decisions, advising police on identifying stress and burnout in their officers, or best how to negotiate with hostage takers.
Forensic psychologists must rely on substantial academic research if they are to provide worthwhile advice within the context of criminal or civil justice. This is why anyone seeking chartered status within the British Psychological Society as a forensic psychologist needs to demonstrate academic and research competence in forensic psychology, together with a period of approved supervised practice in the field. By taking this course, you are taking the first step in exploring and studying the work of a forensic psychology.
FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY - TOPICS
1. Approaches to profiling (e.g. the US 'Top down' approach, the British
'Bottom-up'approach and geographical profiling).
2. Decision-making of juries (e.g. minority influence, majority influence and
characteristics of the defendant).
3. Theories of crime including biological and social/psychological influences.
4. Factors affecting the accuracy of eyewitness testimony (e.g. reconstructive
memory, face recognition, attributional biases, the role of emotion).
5. Treatment and punishment of crime (e.g. cognitive therapies, behavioural
therapies and zero tolerance).
1. APPROACHES TO PROFILING
Back to the future - The New York Bomber
In November 1940 a bomb was left at the business premises of the energy utility Consolidated Edison in New York City. The pipe bomb did not detonate (arguably by design) as when it was discovered it was found to be wrapped in a note stating 'CON EDISON CROOKS, THIS IS FOR YOU'. A year later a very similar device was discovered. The bomb investigation team concluded that it had been constructed by the same person. The location of the device indicated that the bomber was probably en route to the Consolidated Edison building once again but for some reason he had to abandon his plan and the device was just left on the street. Up to this point neither incident had been reported in the press.
Three months later as US involvement in the Second World War began the bomber sent a type set letter to the police. In case you can't make it out, it read. 'I will make no more bomb units for the duration of the war - my patriotic feelings have made me decide this - later I will bring the Con Edison to justice - they will pay for their dastardly deeds.'
In fact he didn't make another bomb for nine years.
It was March 1950 when a third unexploded bomb was discovered and it was felt that it was never intended to go off. This was merely the calm before the storm, a fourth bomb exploded at the New York Public Library followed by another shortly afterwards at Grand Central station. In the next six years over 30 bombs would be planted, the vast majority of which detonated.
Public and political pressure on the police force to apprehend the bomber intensified the longer he remained at large. As a result of this pressure Dr James A. Brussel was asked to generate a profile of the bomber in the hope that it would help focus the investigation.
The Criminal profile provided by Dr. Brussel
Male, former employee of Consolidated Edison, injured while working there so seeking revenge, paranoid, 50 years old, neat and meticulous persona, foreign background, some formal education, unmarried, living with female relatives but not mother who probably died when he was young, upon capture he will be wearing a buttoned up double breasted jacket.
Criminal profiling based recommendations:
Brussel suggested that the police publicise their investigation along with the profile description of the bomber. In Brussel's opinion the bomber wanted credit for his work and this arrogance was likely to be his downfall as he may well be tempted to reveal details that would lead the police to his door.
Every major newspaper in New York gave details of the profile and although this resulted in a number of false leads the real bomber phoned Brussel warning him against any further involvement. At the same time administrative staff at Consolidated Edison had been instructed to search their employee files for anyone who appeared to match the bombers profile.
A member of staff came across the file of George Metesky. Metesky had an accident at work and had filed an unsuccessful disability claim against the company. In response to the failed disability claim Metesky wrote a series of letters to the company, one of which referred to their 'dastardly deeds'.
George Metesky was arrested shortly afterwards and immediately confessed. As he was being escorted to the police station it didn't go unnoticed that he was wearing a buttoned up double breasted jacket!
PROFILING
What is criminal profiling?
Criminal profiling consists of analyzing a crime scene and using the information to determine the identity of the perpetrator. While this doesn't directly give you the perpetrator's name, it is very helpful in narrowing down suspects. For example, a profile based on a crime scene provides information that may include the perpetrator's personality, sex, age, ethnic background, and possible physical features such as disfigurements or height and weight. This information can then be used to identify possible suspects, depending on who fits the profile. Personality is one of the most important parts of a criminal profile. Behavior reflects personality. And that is what profiling is all about.
Creating a criminal profile - bottom-up (UK) and top-down (USA)
The phrase top-down refers to an approach which starts with the big picture and then fills in the details. The top-down approach is the preferred method of profiling in the United States. This contrasts with the bottom-up approach which starts with details and creates the big picture. Both of these approaches have been used to build up profiles to aid police in solving crimes and apprehending criminals. Both have strengths and weaknesses. In reality it will depend on the situation and type of crime as to which approach is used.
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