What is the difference between Investigative & Forensic Psychology? Part 7 of 7 of the ‘What is Investigative Psychology?’ series
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What is the difference between forensic psychologists and investigative psychologists? The forensic psychologists are perhaps better known, as these professionals are firmly established within the criminal justice system. They provide psychological treatment to offenders, make assessments on individuals’ (both witnesses’ and suspects’) mental competency or credibility and provide other
advice to the court. The salient difference is that forensic psychologists are more concerned with working with offenders after the investigative process and during their incarceration in terms of their treatment and risk assessment (Canter, D. (2004). Offender Profiling and Investigative Psychology, Journal of Investigative Psychology and Offender Profiling, 1: 1-15). Nevertheless, they can also assist in ongoing investigations by using their expertise in criminal behaviour, especially when
coupled with mental illness. They can advise on how to interview suspects, or witnesses with mental health problems or developmental needs, for example. On the other hand, the investigative psychologist’s input is more useful before conviction, as they can focus their efforts on helping the police identify the most promising suspect(s), as well as getting the best evidence out of them as well as victims and witnesses, in order to convict the right person. A forensic psychologist might then provide an expert opinion at court on the mental health of the perpetrator, as well as assess the level of risk they pose to the public when it is considered whether they can be released from prison or not, after they have served some time behind bars...
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