What is Forensic Psychology?

What is Forensic Psychology? Forensic psychology is a specialised area of psychology that applies psychological theory and skills to the understanding and functioning of the legal and criminal justice system. Forensic psychology also covers Psychology and the law Civil and criminal psychological matters The psychology of police and policing, correction, probation and parole We will be looking at five areas were a psychologist may work; stalkers, criminal profiling, the courtroom, assessing dangerousness, psychology of eyewitness memory

Working as a Forensic psychologist Forensic psychology is one of the fastest growing fields of psychology. This is partly because their has been widespread exposure of this field portrayed in movies, TV shoes and crime novels.

Roles of a forensic psychologist A forensic psychologists work is varied and can include some of the following: Advising police about the type of person likely to have commited a crime. (profiling) Assessing a persons state of mind at the time of committing an alleged crime. Giving advice or expert opinion to a court Assessing and treating people who are victims of crime Assessing the dangerousness of an offender ( making a judgement about the likelihood of them to reoffend) Conducting research into areas of psychology

Forensic Scientists at Work

Where forensic psychologists work Forensic psychologists are employed in one or more of the following Forensic mental health units Correctional institutions Law courts Child protection service Sexual offenders treatment services Domestic violence programs Police Universities Research organisations

Stalkers and Stalking

Introduction to stalkers and stalking You need to break up into small groups (preferably 5 groups) Each group will be given song lyrics Each group is to analyse the lyrics Think about the state of mind the song writer may have been in when they wrote it and answer the following questions 1.How was the writer feeling about the person they wrote the song about? 2. What do you think prompted the writing of the song Do you think it is possible that the writer of this song had written it about someone they hadn’t met? 3. What do you think the song is about? 4. Imagine that this song was written about and dedicated to you. How would you feel? Would you do anything about it? Each group needs to present their thoughts to the class

What is stalking? Stalking is a term used to describe a persons persistent attempts to force unwanted communications or contact on another person that causes the victim fear or distress. Communication can include telephone, voicemail, sms, letters, faxes, email, gifts etc.. Contact can be made through direct approaches, following, loitering or maintaining surveillance

Is stalking a crime? Stalking is a criminal offence in each Australian state and Territory. In Victoria the penalty for stalking is 10 years imprisonment. The Victorian law states that a person is guilty of stalking is he/she in engages in a series of actions with the intention of causing physical or mental harm to victim.

VIP Stalking Victims Complete Question 2 ONLY