When we talk about psychology applied to criminal research, we are actually talking about a set of disciplines that together are part of so-called criminal psychology; this area of psychology includes areas of interest such as victimology, crime scene analysis and film management.
This science is developed in a wide range of procedures, such as psychological autopsy, profiling, surgical analysis, etc. The areas of development of criminal psychology are numerous, so it is considered an important tool in criminal investigations.
- One of the multiple functions of the criminal psychologist is to assist the police investigator in interviews with victims.
- Witnesses and persons suspected of a crime.
- In order to assess the mental state of the interviewee and possible psychopathological factors that may be present.
In addition, the psychology applied to criminal investigation provides an interpretative analysis of the crime scene and the modus operandi or signature of the offender; the latter refers to the offender’s pattern of conduct; it also refers to its predictability, as it is a behavior. that tends to change if repeated.
Forensic psychologists also perform reconstructive or retrospective psychological evaluations, combining forensic knowledge with clinical mental health analysis, their primary function is psychological autopsies and the analysis of wrong deaths, particularly useful in the delimitation of criminal profiles.
Criminal profiling is a technique that attempts to predict human behavior in relation to crime, for example, the analysis and interpretation of evidence found at the crime scene or modus operandi can highlight a type of criminal personality or, above all, help to discard other profiles.
The profile is usually drawn in four steps
Criminal profiles are based on evidence. One of the most important, when it appears, is that related to post-mortem wounds that are compatible with possible acts of torture, sadism or rituals.
In addition, this type of survey take into account geographic parameters and the link to other cases.
To complete this fieldwork, there are complex algorithms, such as Duke University, which uses Bayesian probability networks, these programs provide valuable information to define profiles that leave little room for error.
In general, there is the mental image of the psychologist as a therapist, the person we ask for help in trying to resolve a psychological conflict, or who helps in the development of skills that make the lives of their clients more adequate and, definitely, happier . . However, criminal psychology is another area of ​​psychology, different from the clinic.
Psychology applied to criminal investigations is one of the most exciting areas of psychology, in which professionals in the sector can apply their knowledge to the common and indirect benefit of many people, it is a science that continues to evolve, requiring technical knowledge and also a lot of intuition.