WEEK 6 DISCUSSION RESPONSES
CLASSMATE LATOYA’S POST
The future of psychological profiling will allow different levels of educational backgrounds to become professional experts. Forensic psychology is very complex, and as society transitions, educators and experts should continue to update training in the field. Forensic psychologists should be diverse in ethnicity, religion, gender, etc., to have a fair understanding of how an offender should receive treatment. The article “The Practice of Forensic Psychology” discusses the importance of the education and training continuing to evolve with times by making sure to update old practices, dividing forensic psychology training into three levels, and enhancing the understanding of forensic psychology for consumers, the general public, and government officials (Otto & Heilbrun, 2002). These strategies will continue to contribute to the advancement and validity of forensic psychology.
One disadvantage of forensic psychology is allowing professionals not familiar with the field to be utilized as subject matter experts. “There are also the accidental experts—those who provide clinical services and are unexpectedly asked by a client’s attorney to offer an expert opinion about that client in litigation—and the economically driven experts—those who have entered forensic practice to compensate for diminished fee-for-service practice opportunities,” (Otto & Heilbrun, 2002). Another disadvantage psychologists face is not having an open mind to the social injustices and being diverse in other cultures. “Without appreciation of their cultural backgrounds, some individuals become not only victims of crime, but also victims of the criminal justice system and victims of the mental health professions that do not truly recognize their needs” (Bartol & Bartol, 2019).
In today’s society, mental health is at the forefront allowing forensic psychology to become mainstream. Most importantly, understanding the mental health of offenders will help reduce recidivism and assist with rehabilitation. I agree with both articles; there is room to grow in the field, and it’s vital to make sure psychologists are true forensic psychology experts.
References:
Bartol A., & Bartol C. (2019). Introduction to forensic psychology: Research and application (5th ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.
Heilbrun, K., & Brooks, S. (2010). Forensic psychology and forensic science: A proposed agenda for the next decade. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 16(3), 219–253. https://doi-org.proxy-library.ashford.edu/10.1037/a0019138
Otto, R. K., & Heilbrun, K. (2002). The practice of forensic psychology: A look toward the future in light of the past. American Psychologist, 57(1), 5–18. https://doi-org.proxy-library.ashford.edu/10.1037/0003-066X.57.1.5
CLASSMATE CHARLES’ POST
Discuss where you believe the future of psychological profiling is heading, whether it is appropriate, and what suggestions you have regarding criminal psychological profiling.
I believe the future of psychological profiling is to revolutionize the criminal justice system and add another layer of credibility to the way psychologists and psychiatrists, lawmakers, and the public view Psychological profiling assessment with its evidence-based approach. For the psychological profiling field to be considered a functioning field, there will have to be a set of standards where people can reference their accomplishments and failures. (Heilbrun,k.,& Brooks,2010). Forensic psychological profilers will have to partner with a well-respected psychology organization or develop their brand to keep their forward momentum going. The Forensic Psychologist will have to establish what they considered to be the “Best Practices” to validate themselves(Heilbrun,k.,& Brooks,2010). There is a need for more avenues to receive the necessary training to become a forensic psychologist in forensic psychology on the pre-doctoral and doctoral levels. As I stated, the programs have to be designed to show how they use “Best Practice Standards” in a unified manner so all practitioners are on the same page in school and the field.
In the earlier 1800s, two physicians George Phillips and Thomas Bond, used simple clues from a crime scene to develop a psychological profile of the personality of Serial Killer Jack the Ripper. From 1976 to 1979, FBI agents John Douglas and Robert Ressler developed psychological profiles on serial murders that led to many strategies to figure out how serial murder think and why they commit the crimes they do(Winerman,2004). These doctors and agents of the law with just pen and paper have saved many people’s lives. With the advancement of science and technology, from DNA testing to toxicology and psychological assessments, I think criminal profiling is an appropriate tool to keep our society safe from people who commit heinous crimes.
References:
Heilbrun, K., & Brooks, S. (2010). Forensic psychology and forensic science: A proposed agenda for the next decade. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 16(3), 219–253.
Winerman, L. (2004, July). Criminal profiling: the reality behind the myth. American Psychological Association, 35 (7), 66. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/monitor/julaug04/criminal