Forensic psychologists offer their professional expertise to aid the judicial system in civil and criminal matters. They use their knowledge of psychology to assist in understanding and addressing complex forensic matters. Here are some of the main duties of a forensic psychologist:

• Conducting psychological assessments and evaluations of individuals involved in legal cases.
• Providing expert testimony in court, presenting their professional opinions based on psychological research and evaluation findings.
• Assessing offenders’ state of mind at the time of the offense, their competency to stand trial, and their risk of reoffending.
• Assessing witness credibility and evaluating child custody in divorce.
• Analyzing crime scene evidence and developing criminal profiles to narrow down suspect lists.
• Providing counseling services to victims of crime and death notification procedures.
• Designing and implementing treatment programs and evaluating their effectiveness for juvenile and adult offenders.
• Consulting on public policy and working within the criminal justice system.

Forensic psychologists attend court cases to provide expert testimony, perform child custody evaluations, assess intervention program efficacy, and screen law enforcement applicants. They also observe and interview people in the legal system, assess behavioral, emotional, and psychological problems and disorders, and write reports on criminal profiles, criminal responsibility, and mental status. Forensic psychologists need strong verbal communication skills and should excel at assessment, interviewing, report writing, and case presentation.