Question
The forensic psychological professional can add great value when considering perspectives of national intelligence. However, there is a debate over how involved forensic psychologists should be in the US Intelligence Community (USIC).
Using the module readings, the Argosy University online library resources, and independent resources, research the roles and responsibilities of the forensic psychology professional in the USIC.
Tasks:
In a minimum of 300 words, respond to the following:
Explain both sides of the debate on how involved forensic psychologists should be in the USIC.
Provide your perspective on the issue and the side with which you concur. There is no right or wrong side.
Give reasons in support of your responses. Be sure to cite your sources
Sample paper
Forensic Psychologists and the USIC
Forensic psychology is the practice that combines the science of human/animal behaviors with the law. This form of work is imminent in rehabilitation centers, prisons, law firms, government agencies, schools or even private practice. A forensic psychologist is a professional knowledgeable in learning human behaviors and has comprehensive knowledge in the justice system as well. The United States intelligence community has a large coordinated chain of professionals distributed throughout all states and in the federal government. The intelligence community operates in cooperation with other bodies such as the police and the judiciary. We shall look into the roles and responsibilities of forensic psychology professionals in the United States Intelligence Community (USIC).
Forensic psychology is a hybrid of both civil and criminal sides of the justice system. Forensics is, therefore, crucial in the conduct and practice of the supreme law in the land. Forensics also encompasses both clinical and experimental aspects of psychology. Forensic psychology professionals in the United States have roles and responsibilities in the intelligence community to secure and ensure safety; justice is served to the American people.
There have been discussions about how important forensic psychologists are to the information commission. These professionals have special skills distinct from other professionals such as the police. They have investigative skills shared with other security enforcing professionals, reason why they blend in well. Forensic psychologists have various roles and responsibilities in the United States. They can serve as trial consultants, case evaluators, researchers, experts on witnesses, treatment providers, academicians, and correctional psychologists.
Trial consultants work hand in hand with other professionals in the legal fraternity. Trial consultation involves the whole process for determining a case from case preparation to judgment. Selection of judges that will be deciding the case is one of the activities in trial consultation. The development of a strategy in how the matter is approached, preparation of the witnesses, are some of the roles tasked on these professionals. They are the right-hand men for attorneys as they prepare for a case. Collecting the data and research would include surveys in the community. Forensic psychologists assist in all stages of the proceedings.
An expert witness is a professional who can testify on specific knowledge professionally determined on the case. This can be a role played by the psychologist. Clinical psychologists have the expertise training suited and curved to be an expert witness. They are tasked with evaluating a witness’s mental form and determine insanity, civil commitment, competency, and hostility to the case. A forensic psychologist can also take the role of a correctional psychologist. A correctional psychologist works with offenders and inmates detained in correctional facilities such as prisons. This part goes a long way to evaluating and determining the fate of these individuals. Inmates can be set free, or sentence increased upon evaluation by professionals. In the mention of these few roles among others, it is evident that forensic psychologists are vital in gathering intelligence for the justice system. These professionals should be incorporated rather than pushed away in their daily duties in serving citizens of the United States. My take on the involvement in the USIC is that they should be incorporated since they possess expertise that is direly required in the intelligence community.
References
Gannon, T. A. (2016). Forensic psychologists should use the behavioral experiment to facilitate cognitive change in clients who have offended. Aggression and violent behavior, 27, 130-141.
Wortley, R., & Townsley, M. (Eds.). (2016). Environmental criminology and crime analysis. Routledge.
Related:
