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Forensic psychology can be a truly fascinating career choice but forensic psychology jobs are not even close to what people think that they are. When most people hear the word “forensic” they immediately think of Crime Scene Investigation Units or nationwide hunts for serial killers. Forensic scientists work on crime scenes but, except in very rare cases, forensic psychologists will often go their entire career without visiting a crime scene. But forensic psychologists will also, during their career, with extensively with people involved with crime scenes and some aspects of forensic psychology can be dangerous.
One of the primary jobs of a forensic psychologist interview witnesses, victims and even suspects of alleged crimes. Any of these situations, but especially when interviewing suspects, could irrupt into violence very quickly and in many cases the interview rooms are small and help is at least a few minutes away. Many forensic psychologists also work in prisons in different capacities. Some work in the probational and parole departments, evaluating offenders for possible release, or evaluating someone who is being civilly committed. There are also forensic psychologists working as therapists in sex offender and substance abuse in-prison programs. Local and State police agencies also either hire directly or contract for the services of a private forensic psychological clinic for many different services. The police use them to conduct interviews and in some rare cases, to help profile a particular criminal. Forensic psychologists apply the principles of psychology to the law and a thorough understanding of both criminal behavior and the law. When studying criminal behavior they learn that many criminal think in similar ways and can use these principles to find possible patterns that can be predicted by investigators.
But some forensic psychology jobs take place in safer environments as well. In fact, most forensic psychologists work with either the family court system or in private practice. In some cases politicians often hire forensic psychologists to assist with both campaigns and planning policy decisions. Forensic psychologists are able to evaluate demographics of people, based on poll responses, to help the politician make decisions. These skills are also now being used by major corporations to help them decide on the best marketing and advertising programs that are within the law. The field is wide open for new candidates and you can lead nearly any lifestyle you want. If you like the risk of working with potentially violent felons you can find it, but if you like a nine-to-five crunching numbers you can have it as well. Forensic psychologists in private practice often get to experience both worlds at some point in their career.
