The Use of Forensic Psychology in Solving Heinous Crimes

Television trends come and go, but crime-solving shows have always been popular. This has been true since “Dragnet” aired in the 1950s. Today, the rise of on-demand streaming has made these shows even more accessible. Viewers can watch both classic and current series whenever they want. 

Many of these shows follow detectives in police procedurals, tracking down criminals. Others focus on courtroom drama, where legal teams prosecute and defend. Some, like the long-running “Law & Order,” combine both. Audiences love watching the pieces of a mystery come together and seeing justice served. 

Recently, shows like “Criminal Minds” have added forensic psychologists to the mix. Characters like Tara Lewis (played by Aisha Tyler) highlight the role of psychology in solving crimes. Forensic psychology is a newer addition to TV shows and a growing field in real life. It’s becoming a popular career choice for students pursuing a degree in Psychology. 

What Is Forensic Psychology? 

The American Psychological Association (APA) defines forensic psychology as “the application of clinical specialties to the legal arena.” Forensic psychologists work with law professionals, including attorneys and judges, to bring a better understanding of multi-faceted and often complex psychological issues into legal cases. 

Forensic psychologists use their knowledge and research to support the criminal justice system. They help detectives understand suspect behavior, assess criminals, testify in court, and design intervention programs aimed at rehabilitation. They also conduct psychological research that influences legal practices.

For example, Elizabeth Loftus has demonstrated how post-event information can alter memories, which has affected how courts handle eyewitness testimony. Similarly, Stephen Ceci’s research has shaped the understanding of children’s testimony, highlighting its complexities and improving its use in legal settings. These contributions ensure that psychological insights are effectively applied to real-world legal issues.

Forensic Psychology Jobs 

Forensic psychologists play a crucial role in the judicial system, working on both civil and criminal cases. They advise legal teams, provide expert courtroom testimony, and sometimes create suspect profiles using crime scene evidence. Forensic psychologists can be found in various environments, including prisons, mental health facilities, universities, private research firms, and nonprofit organizations.

Common roles in the field include: 

• Correctional counselors: Work with prison inmates to support rehabilitation efforts. 
• Jury consultants: Assist legal teams in selecting jurors for trials. 
• Professors: Teach forensic psychology at the university level, helping to train future psychologists. 
• Criminal profilers: Create profiles of suspects for law enforcement, including specialized units like the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (famously portrayed in Silence of the Lambs). 

Salaries in forensic psychology vary by location, employer, and job duties, but the average salary is $80,251 according to PayScale.

Forensic Psychologists and Real World Cases 

While television often portrays forensic psychologists as constantly working in the field, most focus on research rather than direct criminal investigation. However, their expertise has played pivotal roles in solving many high-profile cases, particularly those involving notorious serial killers.

One of the most famous examples is the case of Ted Bundy, whose horrifying string of murders spanned the 1970s. Forensic psychologists were instrumental in building Bundy’s psychological profile, helping law enforcement understand his behavior and anticipate his next moves. This profiling ultimately contributed to his capture after a years-long manhunt.

Another well-known case involving forensic psychologists is that of John Wayne Gacy, the serial killer who performed as a clown and was convicted of murdering 33 young men. Gacy’s defense team argued that he suffered from multiple personality disorders, which they claimed made him legally insane and unable to stand trial. Forensic psychologists, however, provided critical testimony that debunked this claim, showing that Gacy’s crimes were premeditated and deliberate. Their analysis played a key role in ensuring Gacy faced justice, leading to his conviction for all 33 murders.

In both cases, forensic psychologists demonstrated the critical impact of their work, showing that even though they may not be in the field as often as TV suggests, their expertise is indispensable in shaping legal outcomes and ensuring criminals are held accountable. 

Touro University Worldwide’s Psychology Programs 

In addition to an online BA in Psychology with a concentration on forensic psychology, Touro University Worldwide also offers an online Master of Science in Forensic Psychology. Both 100% online programs offer students the flexibility they need to earn a degree in this exciting field of psychology on a schedule that suits their needs. 

The online BA in Psychology aligns with guidelines and goals from the APA for undergraduate learning outcomes. Topics covered include learning psychology, developmental psychology, experimental psychology, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. The program gives students a strong foundation to take with them into a graduate program. 

The 36-credit MS in Forensic Psychology provides aspiring forensic psychologists with the knowledge and skills they need to work in a variety of settings in the criminal justice system. No residency or GRE is required for the program, which full-time students can finish in about a year.