A forensic psychologist is someone who studies the actions and motives of criminals, and applies this research to other criminals. He or she usually has a degree in psychology, criminology, or both. Most have at least a master’s degree. After getting their education, many forensic psychologists spend several years as a police officer. This experience gives them insight into the lives and thought processes of criminals.

Forensic psychologists work in many different areas of the justice system. Some work in courtrooms, while others work for police departments. A forensic psychologist may also work in prisons or detention centers, as a college professor, or with a community outreach program.

It is hard to narrow down exactly what a forensic psychologist does. Because there are so many different branches of psychology (social, cognitive, behavioral, and so on) and so many types of crimes (arson, murder, robbery, and others), there are many different things that a psychologist may do. It is usually based on the psychologist's education and history. A forensic psychologist who works in prisons as a therapist for inmates has a very different job than the forensic psychologist who does profiling for the FBI. Most, however, do research to learn more about the criminal mind.

Research is one of the main things that a forensic psychologist does. He or she interviews incarcerated criminals to understand why they committed the crimes they did. This research can then be analyzed, and conclusions drawn. Forensic psychologists will also study the work of other psychologists to gain more insight. They also study the case files of other criminals.

With this knowledge, a forensic psychologist is able to notice similarities between different types of criminals. Using the principle that a crime scene can reveal a lot about the criminal, psychologists can create a profile for the perpetrator based on what clues he or she may leave behind. Profiling is what comes to mind for most people when they think of forensic psychology, and the ability to create a profile is a big part of this career for many people. However, it is not all that a forensic psychologist does.

A forensic psychologist may act as an expert witness in court cases. As an expert witness, a psychologist provides the judge and jurors with the psychological facts relevant to the crimeHe They may also help to advise the judge on what sort of sentence should be handed out, based on the perpetrator’s likelihood to continue the criminal behavior. The psychologist may be consulted again every time the perpetrator is up for parole.

Some forensic psychologists study the accuracy of eyewitness testimony, some work with youthful offenders, and some work with victims and their families. With such a wide field of possible study, there is almost no limit to what a forensic psychologist can do.