Assignment 2: IC Forensic Psychologist Role and Responsibilities
It may often seem that the roles of the IC forensic psychologist and the CI investigator appear to overlap. Both consider the motivations and actions of potential spies, and both must consider potential threats and vulnerabilities.
In this assignment, you will analyze what differentiates the IC forensic psychologist from the CI investigator and consider what you, as a forensic psychologist, would offer CI investigators that they may not be able to provide on their own.
Tasks:
Using the module readings, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet, research the role and specific responsibilities of the IC forensic psychologist versus that of the CI investigator.
In a minimum of 300 words, respond to the following:
Compare and contrast your role as the IC forensic psychologist with that of the CI investigator.
Explain what additional value the forensic psychologist provides in these CI investigations.
Explain how you can, in your role as a forensic psychologist, best impart that value without inferring that you have more to offer than the CI investigator.
Sample paper
IC Forensic Psychologist and CI Investigator Roles
As a CI investigator, one plays an important role relating to the legal issues surrounding the client. While acting as a CI investigator, one is in charge of submitting records concerning the client to the relevant insurance companies. Another role is to report any incidence of abuse or of concern relating to the client in the court of law (Hugaboom, 2002). The CI investigator is also responsible for testifying or providing evidence in the court of law either against or on behalf of the client. The CI investigator has the responsibility to maintain confidentiality relating to the information shared by the client. However, certain laws govern the sharing of confidential information with relevant parties such as during trial proceedings (Hugaboom, 2002). For instance, as the CI investigator, one may share information when he/she feels that the client is a danger to himself, to the investigator, or to others.
As the IC forensic psychologist, one holds responsibilities similar to those of CI investigator. However, there are a few differences. The IC forensic psychologist provides legal assistance in certain areas of psychology in which they have specialized. One is responsible for providing insight in legal, factual, professional, and civic standards that act as guideline to the participation of the psychologist as an expert witness (Hugaboom, 2002). As an expert witness, one has the right to offer expert opinion. One of the differences between the psychologist and the CI investigator lies in the frequency of meetings with the client. Generally, the IC forensic psychologist meets the client one or two times, during which he conducts evaluation. Forensic evaluations occur once a crime takes place and an accusation made against the client unlike in clinical evaluations (Hugaboom, 2002). Forensic evaluations are often short, and one does not maintain or establish any relationship with the client.
The forensic psychologist provides additional value in that he/she is able to establish the objective reality (Hugaboom, 2002). Objective reality is the reality that exists when there are no biases when making a decision. The CI investigator focuses on establishing the client’s subjective reality. In addition, the CI investigator spends much time with the client, which might affect his/her subjective reality. As a forensic psychologist, the best way to impart that value without inferring that one has more to offer is by insisting on an independent evaluation and report as the best solution. Through an independent evaluation of the client, it would be possible to give an objective report that serves the best interest of all the parties involved.
Reference
Hugaboom, D. (2002).The Different Duties and Responsibilities of Clinical and Forensic Psychologists in Legal Proceedings. A Journal of Undergraduate Student Research, 5(4): 27-32. Retrieved from http://fisherpub.sjfc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1121&context=ur
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