Psychologists serve in various roles within the criminal justice system, as well as at every level of the criminal justice system from law enforcement to corrections. Some of the most common categories of criminal justice psychologist include as applied scientist, basic scientist, policy evaluator, and advocate. Each of these roles can be fulfilled at the levels of law enforcement, corrections, and also within the courts system.
Applied Scientist/Psychologist
Licensed psychologists can work as applied scientists: translating empirical evidence into informed practice at the levels of law enforcement, corrections, or any level of procedural justice. For example, expert witnesses are essentially applied scientists because they directly apply what they know about psychiatric disorders and the behaviors of individuals with these disorders towards helping a judge and jury make educated, informed decisions through witness testimony or consultation. Offering their expertise to law enforcement, an applied scientist would also be able to offer assistance with both victim and perpetrator profiling. Some applied psychologists assist with police interrogations, or with witness identification processes (Day & Marion, n.d.). Applied scientists could also consult with corrections departments to help them design their facilities and programs better, to reduce recidivism or improve safety.
Basic Scientist
In fact, a basic scientist conducts research that can ultimately influence the law and public policy, law enforcement or corrections practices, or procedural justice. Many forensic psychologists are basic scientists, who study criminological phenomena within a university environment to provide data sets or empirical findings that may influence the practice of law within the courts system (Shelton, Goldner & Henry, 2016). Criminology psychologists can also be employed directly by law enforcement agencies or correctional institutes to inform best practices (Scottsdale, n.d.).
Policy Evaluator
One of the most important roles of the psychologist in the criminal justice system is as policy evaluator. The psychologist can assess and inform public policy related to law enforcement tactics, correctional procedures and methods, and also to the court system. As Shelton, Goldner & Henry (2016) point out, “psychologists are increasingly playing important roles in advising and informing policy and legislative developments, particularly with regard to contemporary social justice issues,” (p. 1). Social justice issues including those linked to race, gender, and socioeconomic class, can better inform policies that help prevent crime, such as community policing,…
