DOCSLIB.ORG

Federal Probation- a Journal of Correctional Philosophy and Practice September 2019

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Federal Probation- a Journal of Correctional Philosophy and Practice September 2019 September 2019 21 Measuring Hope in Jail Inmates with Substance Use Problems Yang Yang University of Louisiana at Lafayette TREATMENT RESEARCH HAS identified a strategies that would lead to goal attainment; Seidner, Burling, Pagliarini, & Robbins-Sisco, variety of factors influencing the effectiveness agency is the mental energy or willpower that 1998; Logan, Kilmer, & Marlatt, 2010), greater of substance use treatment for criminal justice motivates oneself to attain the goals (Snyder, time abstinent (Irving et al., 1998), higher (CJ) populations (see review by Greenfield 2002). Research has indicated that hopeful self-efficacy (Irving et al., 1998), and better et al., 2007; Moos, 2007; Prendergast, Podus, thinking has the power to alleviate depression, treatment outcomes (Kaskutas et al., 2005; Chang, & Urada, 2002). However, the lit- assist in goal setting, and improve mental and Kelly, Stout, Zywiak, & Schneider, 2006). In erature has disproportionately focused on physical health among high-risk populations a pilot study, Stearns, Yang, and Boudreaux the reduction of pathological symptoms, (Hergenrather, Geishecker, Clark, & Rhodes, (2018) implemented a four-week intervention such as reducing drug use, prolonging drug 2013; Rosenstreich, Feldman, Davidson, Maza, to develop and enhance hope among female abstinence, and addressing related social and & Margalit, 2015). In the event of challenges, jail inmates with substance use problems; behavioral problems. There is an increasing people with hope tend to evaluate potential the study found that resources that provide call for research on the phenomenon of human barriers and develop strategies to overcome structure and discipline were necessary to flourishing and psychological strengths (Keyes barriers or switch to alternative pathways to successful delivery of the hope-based inter- & Haidt, 2003; Krentzman, 2013), and the goal attainment (Snyder, 2000). Also, hopeful vention among these women. This suggests delineation of relations between strengths and people may persevere by self-motivating and that more research is needed to understand deficits (Woldgabreal, Day, & Ward, 2016). In regulating emotions, thoughts, and behaviors justice-involved individuals and factors that practice, interventions should not only focus to desirable goals (Snyder, 2000). In this sense, are associated with hope. on reducing risk factors but also capitalize on hope is particularly instrumental for high-risk psychological strengths or positive function- individuals (such as those involved in the Characteristics of Criminal ing (both terms are used interchangeably in justice system) in propelling them to achieve Justice Populations this study). The current study measures one desired goals in the midst of life adversity. Justice-involved individuals usually grow up type of positive functioning (i.e., hope) and Despite being a highly desirable cognitive in environments rife with stressors and chal- examines the relations between hope and risk state in inmates, hope has not been addressed lenges, such as poor social support, financial factors in jail inmates, the findings of which adequately in research with CJ populations and legal challenges, unstable housing, could help practitioners develop programs (Stearns, Yang, & Boudreaux, 2018) or sub- and other criminogenic contextual factors responsive to address risk factors and promote stance use treatment (Krentzman, 2013). With (Boardman, Finch, Ellison, Williams, & a positive lifestyle and general well-being. 100 jail inmates in Ontario, Martin & Stermac Jackson, 2001; Morenoff & Harding, 2014; (2009) revealed that inmates with lower levels Naser & Visher, 2006) and are likely to be Hope of hope are at high risk of being involved exposed to traumatic experiences (Green, Hope is a psychological strength buffering in illegal behaviors and persist in maintain- Miranda, Daroowalla, & Siddique, 2005; the negative consequences experienced from ing such a behavior. Marshall, Champagne, James, 2004; James & Glaze, 2006; McClellan, adversity (Hellman & Gwinn, 2017) and Brown, and Miller (1997) studied hope in Farabee, & Crouch, 1997). Thus, they are likely facilitating general well-being (Magaletta & sex offenders and indicated that increases in to develop psychological maladjustment in Oliver, 1999). Snyder (2000) defines hope hope were associated with greater empathy, terms of the feeling of worthlessness, depres- as a cognitive-based motivational theory, in enhanced intimacy, and lowered feelings of sion, and anxiety (Chamberland, Fallon, which two components—“pathways” and loneliness. In the area of substance use treat- Black, Trocmé, & Chabot, 2012; Ge, Best, “agency”—work reciprocally towards the third ment, research has revealed that hope is related Conger, & Simons, 1996; Paredes, Ferreira, & component—goals. Pathway refers to mental to the deterrence of substance use (Irving, Pereira, 2014) and turn to substance use as a 22 FEDERAL PROBATION Volume 83 Number 2 way to cope with these painful psychological essential to study hope in CJ populations, the use (four items; e.g., “being treated in an consequences (Auerbach, Abela, & Ho, 2007; population of which would benefit from such emergency room”), and need for public assis- Gutierres & Van Puymbroeck, 2006; Kelly, a cognitive capacity. With a jail sample, the tance (three items; e.g. “receiving any public Rollings, & Harmon, 2005; Weiss, 2004). current study intends to (1) assess hope, (2) financial support (food stamps, disability, Substance use aggravates their exposure to examine the association between hope and public assistance)”) were assessed by the life adversity and reinforces negative feelings several factors that characterize CJ popula- Texas Christian University (TCU) A-RISK of worthlessness, depression, and helpless- tions with substance use problems, and (3) form (Institute of Behavioral Research, 2008). ness (Gutierres & Van Puymbroeck, 2006; explore gender differences in the associations Lifetime victimization and violence were Weiss, 2004). between hope and these factors. assessed by the MacArthur Community Furthermore, confinement in prisons or Violence Inventory (Steadman et al., 1998). jails adds a layer of psychological risk; many Methods Participants were asked in their lifetime (1) if inmates experience panic, anxiety, depression, Participants they were victimized in eight categories (e.g., rage, hopelessness, despair, and other psycho- Data were collected from 209 adults (81 per- “has anyone thrown something at you,” “tried logical problems (American Psychological cent male) in a local jail who volunteered to to physically force to have sex against your Association, 2014; Covin, 2012). The confine- participate in the study. The demographic and will,” and “threatened you with a knife or a ment also creates a disruption in their social background information is presented in Table gun or other lethal weapon”) and (2) if they relations, which compounds the weak attach- 1. All of the participants had substance use had violent behavior in nine categories (e.g., ment with a positive social network (Western, problems before being arrested. The major- Braga, Davis, & Sirois, 2015). When social ity of the participants had a felony charge TABLE 1. support or other assistance is not available, (81 percent), the remaining being charged Demographic Characteristics and justice-involved individuals during reentry are with either misdemeanor (10 percent) or Background Information (N = 209) at high risk of reoffending and reincarceration. case pending (9 percent). The average length Thus, research is needed that examines psy- of time being held in custody was 170 days Gender (male) 81 percent chological strengths among justice-involved (range = 3 days—13 years). The average age Race (n = 199) populations that are associated improved of the first arrest was 19 (ranging from 10 to White 39 percent reentry and future crime deterrence. 49), with 48 percent of the participants having African American 47 percent juvenile records. All participants provided Gender Difference informed consent to participation. The study Others 14 percent Gender plays a role in rehabilitation because has been approved by the author’s university Education (n = 201) males and females have different treatment institutional review board. needs (Coleman, Almond, & McManus, 2018; 9 years education 24 percent Procedures Salisbury, Van Voorhis, & Spiropoulos, 2009; 10-11 years education 20 percent Skrobecki, 2014). For example, compared to Data were collected in a classroom setting 12 years or GED 35 percent male counterparts, females tend to report inside the jail with the assistance of jail offi- more than 12 years extensive traumatic and abusive histories, cials. Potential participants were recruited education 21 percent have mental health problems, use substances from a substance use treatment program in Marital status (n = 201) to cope with physical and emotional pains, groups (no more than 15 participants per and have low self-esteem and self-efficacy group). Participation was voluntary and did Single (never married) 59 percent (Carlson, Shafer, & Duffee, 2010; Salisbury et not impact the treatment or legal status in Married 17 percent al., 2009). Males have more criminal involve- any way. A correctional officer was on site to Divorced 17 percent ment and use multiple drugs (Hser, Huang, ensure safety and order; however, the correc- Teruya, & Anglin, 2003). These different char- tional officer had no involvement in research.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Application of Investigative Psychology to Psychodynamic
    APPLICATION OF INVESTIGATIVE PSYCHOLOGY TO PSYCHODYNAMIC AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT THEORIES: EXAMINING TRAITS AND TYPOLOGIES OF SERIAL KILLERS BY JORDYN SMITH A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology California Baptist University School of Behavioral Sciences 2018 i ii SCHOOL OF BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES The thesis of Jordyn Smith, “Application of Investigative Psychology to Psychodynamic and Human Development Theories: Examining Traits and Typologies of Serial Killers,” approved by her Committee, has been accepted and approved by the Faculty of the School of Behavioral Sciences, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology. Thesis Committee: _____________________________ Anne-Marie Larsen, Ph.D., Associate Professor _____________________________ Jenny E. Aguilar, PsyD., Director, Assistant Professor Committee Chairperson April 27, 2018 iii DEDICATION To my husband, son and dog. Your continuous encouragement and loving support throughout my educational endeavors transformed my dreams into a reality. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to acknowledge Dr. Jenny Aguilar and Dr. Anne- Marie Larsen for believing in my study and having patience with my countless inquiries. I would also like to acknowledge my parents, mother-in-law and father-in-law, and sister for allowing me time to study and attend class without worrying about my son. Lastly, I would like to acknowledge California Baptist University for giving me this opportunity. v ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS Application of Investigative Psychology to Psychodynamic and Human Development Theories: Examining Traits and Typologies of Serial Killers by Jordyn Smith School of Behavioral Sciences Jenny E. Aguilar, PsyD.
    [Show full text]
  • 02 Department of Behavioral Science
    Institute of Behavioural Science Institute of Behavioural Science Gujarat Forensic Sciences University Sector – 18/A, Near Police Bhavan Gandhinagar – 382007, Gujarat State, India Ph: +91 - (0) 79 - 65735517/65735519 / 65735520 Fax: +91 - (0) 79 232 47465/ 232 56251 E-mail: [email protected] Gujarat Forensic Sciences University Gandhinagar About the Institute The clinical training of Clinical Psychology trainees is primarily conducted in the Government Hospital for Mental Health, Ahmedabad. The students carry out psychological diagnostic Institute of Behavioral Science assessments of inpatients and outpatients of the hospital. They are also trained in behaviour modification techniques and psychotherapy. The faculties of Psychiatry Department there provide clinical supervision as well as lectures to these trainees. Additionally, IBS posts its IBS is a GFSU Centre for postgraduate education and research in the mind-brain trainees to Gujarat Medical, Education and Research Society, Gandhinagar (GMERS Hospital), domain, with central focus on criminal behaviour, forensic psychology, and clinical from where patients are referred for psychological assessments to IBS. psychology. The mutually interactive effects in the neurocognitive, neurobehavioral, psychobiological, and psychosocial domains are the focus of various courses and The Buddha Psychological Services Centre (BPSC) at the IBS provides consultation services, in research in the institute. The courses give opportunity to specialize in these areas terms of diagnostic assessments, therapeutic and rehabilitative services, to children with for understanding not only the deviations and their effects but also methods for learning disorders, Autism and ADHD children. The center has facilities for Neurofeedback, enhancing mental capabilities for reducing the effects of stress and diseases on the Biofeedback and computerized cognitive retraining programs.
    [Show full text]
  • Investigative Psychology Program Transcript
    Investigative Psychology Investigative Psychology Program Transcript [MUSIC PLAYING] NARRATOR: In this video program Dr. Gabrielle Salfati explains investigative psychology. She describes how an investigative psychologist studies, analyzes, and assists, in solving crime. She also explains how experts in other areas of psychology and law, help locate evidence and assist in the apprehension and conviction of criminals. DR. GABRIELLE SALFATI: Investigative psychology is really about how psychology can contribute to criminal investigations across the board. One component would be, how do we retrieve information from the crime scene? How do we retrieve information from witnesses and victims, and also offenders? Another component of investigative psychology is how the police make decisions based on that information. The third component of investigative psychology, is what is more commonly known as offender profiling, or crime scene analysis. Offender profiling allows the police to prioritize suspects in order to find the most likely offender that they want to concentrate on for the next stage of the investigation, which is normally the interviewing stage. And the idea is that you want to be able to narrow down this group of suspects in order to find the most likely suspects. Let me give you an example. At any crime scene, you have an enormous amount of information that the police deals with and collects. Traditionally, what we're focused on most, is the forensic side of the crime scene. So this is blood, DNA, hair, footprints, anything that is biological that can be tested in a lab using chemistry techniques. And normally, nowadays, we're really looking at DNA.
    [Show full text]
  • Introducing Investigative Psychology
    University of Huddersfield Repository Youngs, Donna E. and Canter, David V. Introducing Investigative Psychology Original Citation Youngs, Donna E. and Canter, David V. (2006) Introducing Investigative Psychology. In: Psychology and Law. Juta & Co ltd, Cape Town, South Africa, pp. 321-342. ISBN 9780702166624 This version is available at http://eprints.hud.ac.uk/id/eprint/8196/ The University Repository is a digital collection of the research output of the University, available on Open Access. Copyright and Moral Rights for the items on this site are retained by the individual author and/or other copyright owners. Users may access full items free of charge; copies of full text items generally can be reproduced, displayed or performed and given to third parties in any format or medium for personal research or study, educational or not-for-profit purposes without prior permission or charge, provided: • The authors, title and full bibliographic details is credited in any copy; • A hyperlink and/or URL is included for the original metadata page; and • The content is not changed in any way. For more information, including our policy and submission procedure, please contact the Repository Team at: [email protected]. http://eprints.hud.ac.uk/ chapter 11 31/5/05 1:30 PM Page 322 Chapter 11 Introducing Investigative Psychology Donna E Youngs and David V Canter After studying this chapter, you should be able to: G define Investigative Psychology, and explain its use or role G identify and explain the ten classes of operational question used by investigators G explain the concept of 'profiling equations', and how these are used to make inferences about crimes G distinguish the three common roles that a perpetrator assigns to his/her victim G discuss the role decision-making plays in investigation G outline how psychology can help to obtain useful data and interpret this data during an investigation.
    [Show full text]
  • Society for Police & Criminal Psychology
    2015 41ST ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE SOCIETY FOR POLICE & CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGY The Georgian Terrace Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia USA September 30 - October 3, 2015 Countries Presenting 2015 cover.indd 1 9/4/2015 8:11:51 AM 2015 41TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE SOCIETY FOR POLICE & CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGY The Georgian Terrace Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia, USA September 30, October 1, 2 and 3, 2015 our executive board Andy Ryan, Ph.D. Eric Hickey, Ph.D. President Journal Editor FBI Alliant International University Quantico, Virginia Fresno, California Gary S. Aumiller, Ph.D. ABPP Jon Moss, Ph.D. ABPP Executive Director Diplomate Director Hauppauge, New York Richmond, Virginia Riccardo Fenici, MD. Ph.D. Michael Stoloff, Ph.D. European Director Webmaster Universita Cattolica Del Sacro James Madison University Cuore Harrisonburg, Virginia Rome, Italy Byron Greenberg, Ph.D. Majeed Khader, Ph.D. Research Chair Asian Director Virginia Beach, Virginia Singapore Police Department Singapore Jana Price Sharps, Ph.D. President Elect Wayman Mullins, Ph.D. Education Chair Treasurer-2016 Conference Host Alliant International University Texas State University Fresno, California San Marcos, Texas Dr. Adam Park JoAnne Brewster, Ph.D. ABPP Dr. Nick Carrasco Secretary Austin Conference Co-Hosts James Madison University Texas Department of Public Harrisonburg, Virginia Safety our sponsors Society for Police and Criminal Psychology (SPCP) 2015 “SPCP on My Mind” Program Page 3 Contents Executive Board 2 Contents 3 Forward by President of the 5 Society for Police & Criminal Psychology Andrew Ryan, Ph.D Specifics of ACCOP 7 Events Sponsored by 9 Conference at a Glance 11 Conference Posters 23 Abstracts 29 Society for Police and Criminal Psychology (SPCP) 2015 “SPCP on My Mind” Program Page 5 Forward WELCOME TO HOTLANTA! The SPCP Board and I welcome Y’ALL to the 41st Annual Conference of the Society for Police & Criminal Psychol- ogy (SPCP) in Atlanta, Ga.
    [Show full text]
  • The Effect of Confirmation Bias on Criminal Investigative Decision Making
    Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2015 The ffecE t of Confirmation Bias on Criminal Investigative Decision Making Wayne A. Wallace Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Criminology Commons, Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons, and the Psychology Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Wayne A. Wallace has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Kristen Beyer Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. David Kriska, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Penny Devine, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2015 Abstract The Effect of Confirmation Bias in Criminal Investigative Decision Making by Wayne A. Wallace MA, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, 2010 BA, Adams State College, 1986 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University March 2015 Abstract Confirmation bias occurs when a person believes in or searches for evidence to support his or her favored theory while ignoring or excusing disconfirmatory evidence and is disinclined to change his or her belief once he or she arrives at a conclusion.
    [Show full text]
  • Investigator Beliefs of Homicide Crime Scene Characteristics
    INVESTIGATOR BELIEFS OF HOMICIDE CRIME SCENE CHARACTERISTICS Joshua J. Reynolds Victoria Estrada-Reynolds Stockton University Scott Freng Sean M. McCrea University of Wyoming Homicide investigators rely on a plethora of sources to solve a case, including their own beliefs and intuitions. We discuss a variety of these beliefs and explore their veracity using a novel approach, coding cases from the documentary television show, Forensic Files. Our results indicate that most of these beliefs are unsupported. However, some beliefs may be predictive. Specifically, a body that was wrapped or placed in a container was indicative that the body had been transported. In addition, finding the victim nude was predictive of rape. We discuss the problems of following inaccurate beliefs, and the potential use of the accurate beliefs we identified. Keywords: homicide beliefs, intuition, crime scene, profiling During a criminal investigation, such as a homicide, investigators are given the enormous task of piecing together evidence to solve the crime. To do this, investigators must rely on multiple sources of knowledge, such as eyewitnesses, forensic evidence, and often their own beliefs and intuition about the crime scene and potential suspects. However, research on the accuracy of these sources indicates potential problems. For example, research has shown that eyewitness memory is malleable, fallible, and generally not as strong as the average person believes (Blank & Launay, 2014; Deffenbacher, Bornstein, Penrod, & McGorty, 2004; Loftus, 2005). Even forensic evidence such as fingerprints, long believed to be extremely reliable, have now been shown to be problematic (Dror, Charlton, & Péron, 2006; Dror, Péron, Hind, & Charlton, 2005; National Research Council, 2009).
    [Show full text]
  • Neurocriminology: a Field of Psychology That Corrects the Anti-Social Behaviour
    IF : 4.547 | IC Value 80.26 VOLUME-6,Volume ISSUE-12,: 3 | Issue : DECEMBER-201711 | November 2014 • ISSN • ISSN No N o2277 2277 - - 8160 8179 Original Research Paper Psychology NEUROCRIMINOLOGY: A FIELD OF PSYCHOLOGY THAT CORRECTS THE ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR Bijin Thomas RCI Reg. Clinical Psychologist, Ph.D Research Scholar, Institute of Research And Development, Raksha Shakti University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Zachariah* *Corresponding Author Former Additional Director, Directorate of Forensic Sciences, Gandhinagar, Gujarat; Former Director, Institute of Behavioural Science, Gujarat Forensic Sciences Dr. S.L. Vaya University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat; Former Director, Institute of Research And Development, Raksha Shakti University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Bibin Abraham RCI Reg. Clinical Psychologist, Ph.D Research Scholar, Institute of Research And Zachariah Development, Raksha Shakti University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. ABSTRACT Forensic Psychology is an applied eld of Psychology that is related with law and legal system regarding the collection of evidences and reporting them for the judicial presentation. Investigative Psychology is an outcome of forensic psychology that would lead the investigative psychologist to help the investigating agencies by conducting specic psychological examinations related to that particular crime. But both Forensic Psychology and Investigative Psychology are purely related to path nder to give right direction in an investigation through its applications. But, there is a eld that is linked to Forensic and Investigative Psychology that helps the individual to correct the anti-social behaviour that lead to criminal activity. That is known as “Neurocriminology”, an intervention module for correcting Antisocial Behavior and thereby reduce the recidivism in jails, and juvenile homes. This article will give a glimpse of the link between path from the forensic-investigative psychology to 'Neurocriminology'.
    [Show full text]
  • FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY Aw 2018 WHAT DOES the SPEC SAY?
    FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY Aw 2018 WHAT DOES THE SPEC SAY? 4.3.9 Forensic Psychology Problems in defining crime. Ways of measuring crime, including official statistics, victim surveys and offender surveys. Offender profiling: the top-down approach, including organised and disorganised types of offender; the bottom-up approach, including investigative Psychology; geographical profiling. Biological explanations of offending behaviour: an historical approach (atavistic form); genetics and neural explanations. Psychological explanations of offending behaviour: Eysenck’s theory of the criminal personality; cognitive explanations; level of moral reasoning and cognitive distortions, including hostile attribution bias and minimalisation; differential association theory; psychodynamic explanations. Dealing with offending behaviour: the aims of custodial sentencing and the psychological effects of custodial sentencing. Recidivism. Behaviour modification in custody. Anger management and restorative justice programmes. WHICH ONES ARE CRIMES? THINK PAIR SHARE Collecting rainwater Blackmail A pregnant woman urinating in a policeman’s helmet Having a food hygiene rating of 1 Manslaughter Being a female topless cashier in a tropical fish shop in Liverpool. Emotional abuse of a person under 16 Concealment of birth PROBLEMS IN DEFINING A CRIME? In pairs discuss the following question: What could be a problem in defining crime? Crime: an act committed in violation of the law where the consequence of conviction by court is punishment (especially a serious punishment such as imprisonment) DEFINITIONS OF CRIME The definitions of crime would be problematic as whether something is illegal or not would be down to the definition of crime that is being used (this isn’t as a straightforward as we think!!) The definition is only as good as the legal system (whether its corrupt or not), is the definition able to change and historical changes could see a once criminal act become legal.
    [Show full text]
  • Psychopathic Psychology
    Student 1 Anonymous Student Borger L/L2 8th 12/9/13 Psychopathic Psychology Forensic psychologists have been portrayed often in movies and shows such as Bones and Silence of the Lambs. However, the real thing is far from the media’s excited version of the career. Some say the job is less thrilling than TV makes it seem. This is, for the most part, true; but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t interesting. Forensic psychologists don’t spend a lot of time at crime scenes or chasing criminals. Instead, they research and interview. A huge part of the job is criminal profiling, which is a method that determines who may have committed a crime and why. Forensic psychologists study many different kinds of people, one of those groups being psychopaths. Psychopathic offenders and patients function almost entirely differently from “normal” people. They don’t connect well at all with others, are irresponsible, and tend to be violent. This makes them more likely to commit crimes than people who don’t suffer this personality disorder. The focus of this paper is psychopaths and how they are viewed and assessed by these psychologists. How does psychology play into forensics? It may seem strange and irrelevant to laws enforcement, but it is, as a matter of fact, incredibly important. Forensic psychology is “the psychological assessment of individuals who are involved, in one way or another, with the legal system” (Ward 1). Psychologists who are in this practice not only study criminals, but they provide counseling for victims of various crimes and officers who undergo traumatic experiences.
    [Show full text]
  • The Flawed Interview of a Psychopathic Killer: What Went Wrong?
    Journal of Investigative Psychology and Offender Profi ling J. Investig. Psych. Offender Profi l. 8: 41–57 (2011) Published online 25 November 2010 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI: 10.1002/jip.128 CASE STUDY The Flawed Interview of a Psychopathic Killer: What Went Wrong? FRANK S. PERRI* Criminal Legal Department, Rockford, IL, USA Abstract The fl awed interview of convicted killer Christopher Porco illustrates what occurs when a suspect’s psychopathic traits are not considered in formulating an interview strategy. Specifi c areas of the dialogue between Christopher Porco and law enforcement demon- strates that traditional methods of interviewing may not produce a confession or valuable information when it comes to psychopathic suspects. Although the traditional goal of an interview is to obtain a confession or valuable information, law enforcement will have to display fl exibility in the interview process by implementing alternative interview strategies and redefi ning what a successful interview is composed of when these suspects are unwill- ing to confess to their crimes. Failure to remain fl exible, as displayed in the Christopher Porco case, which yielded neither a confession nor valuable information, can jeopardise the strength of a homicide case that ultimately may go to trial. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key words: interview; interrogation; psychopathy; homicide; Reid technique INTRODUCTION From a law enforcement perspective, the psychopath can be described as one of their greatest challenges because they are more likely to encounter this group than any other professional; unfortunately, courses designed to study psychopathy are not a traditional part of basic law enforcement curriculum or for social, behavioural, and forensic profes- sionals (Herve & Yuille, 2007).
    [Show full text]
  • Book of Abstracts
    17 th Conference of the International Academy of Investigative Psychology Practice Informed Research & Research Based Practice Day 1: Friday May 13 th 2016 Opening of 17 th Annual IAIP Conference C. Gabrielle Salfati, Director of the Investigative Psychology Research Unit, John Jay College of Criminal Justice Are We There Yet? The End of the Beginning for Investigative Psychology David Canter, President of the International Academy for Investigative Psychology Professor Canter has been prolific in mapping out the discipline of Investigative Psychology, opening up thinking on the psychology of criminal actions, and the ways in which this can inform police investigations and the courts. Professor Canter is frequently asked to contribute to strategic policing issues at national and international levels. He has provided expert evidence in diverse legal cases of international significance. Professor Canter is Professor of Psychology and Director of the International Research Centre for Investigative Psychology at Huddersfield University which he set up in 2009. He was formerly Professor of Psychology at Liverpool University from 1994, where he directed the Centre for Investigative Psychology and established the MSc in Investigative Psychology. Before that he held the positions of Lecturer, Reader and then Professor and Head of Department at The University of Surrey, starting in 1971, developing the world's first MSc programme in Environmental Psychology and subsequently Investigative Psychology. From 1969 to 1971, Professor Canter was Research Fellow at Tokyo University on a Leverhulme Fellowship. His first lecturing position was taken up at Strathclyde University in the School of Architecture growing out of membership of The Building Performance Research Unit, starting in 1968.
    [Show full text]