What is FP Flashcards
Dr. James Brussel
First psychological profile used to catch George Metesky (Mad Bomber)
First criminal profile used in law enforcement
What is forensic psychology?
Study of human behavior as it applies to the legal system
Forensic psychologist vs. Forensic Psychiatrist
Psychologist is PHD (post-doctorate training, academic); Psychiatrist is MD (more training, medical program)
What is included in a forensic assessment? (3 parts)
A. Therapeutic Assessment
*treatment planning
*interview
*psychological testing
*collateral information
B. Clarify and identify the legal issue
C. Can forensic psychology contribute to the legal question
Therapeutic vs. Forensic Assessment (Goals)
Therapeutic: gather info & reduce psychological suffering
Forensic: gather information to address the legal question
Therapeutic vs. Forensic
(Relationship)
T: supportive and caring
F: investigative and truth-seeking
Therapeutic vs. Forensic
(Professional designation)
T: examinee is the client
F: entity seeking services is the client
Therapeutic vs. Forensic
(Consequences)
T: chosen intervention/treatment
F: loss of liberty/financial
Therapeutic vs. Forensic
(Perspective)
T: examinee’s perspective is paramount
F: truth is paramount
Clinical Interview types
Unstructured
Semi-structured
Fully structured
Test types
- Ability tests (intelligence, neuropsychological)
- Personality/ psychopathology
- Forensic assessment
Types of collateral information and cautions
Institutional records
Interviews
*verify for accuracy
*be wary of malingering
Forensic report characteristics
*Separates facts from inferences and interpretations
*Stays within the scope
*provides an appropriate amount of information
*minimized clinical jargon
George Metesky
Mad Bomber
Former ConEd employee, hurt on job, sent bombs, wrote letters
Dr. Brussell created a profile, largely correct
What is FP?
Forensic Psychology is the study of human behavior as it applies to the legal system
