Criminal Psychology Forensic Examination Protocols
Criminal psychology is a transdisciplinary area of scientific practice related to the application of psychological research and theory to the assessment of criminological phenomena. The phenomena generally fall into the following categories: criminality, the criminal, the victim and the crime. Criminal Psychology is a place where psychology, sociology, criminology, and victimology can intersect with their respective intersectional literature base to develop a deeper and a more sensitive understanding of how crime is both perpetrated and perpetuated. The term "criminal psychology" can also imply investigative and forensic applications--though not necessarily. It generally addresses legal questions and other issues before the court or within other legal contexts, though often without a clear awareness of related scientific, or legal requirement. To be clear, the forensic applications of criminal psychology are the primary focus of this work. Criminal Psychology is a textbook written for sincere students and professionals. It takes the reader well beyond the true crime and pop culture stereotypes that tend to dominate the literature and establishes a foundation for professional literacy unavailable elsewhere in a single volume. This effort seeks effort seeks to bridge the gap between the scientific study of criminal behavior, forensic assessments, and the human mind. It explores and documents, in an applied manner, the way that criminal minds work: how they are constructed, how they reason, and what moves them to action or restraint. It is intended to serve students and professionals as a concise but essential desk reference of professional concepts and protocols -- to help shed related myths that dominate popular culture.