Applying Psychology to Forensic Practice - Paperback

by Adrian Needs (Editor), Graham J. Towl (Editor)

This book illustrates the wide variety of applications of psychology to the criminal and civil justice system.

• Illustrates the wide variety of applications of psychology to the criminal and civil justice system.
• Gives examples of how forensic psychology can benefit not only from clinical and criminological approaches, but also from the insights of occupational, cognitive, developmental and social psychology.
• Many of the chapters introduce readers to areas which have not received extensive coverage elsewhere.
• Includes new directions in forensic practice.
• Chapters draw out the implications for professionals working in the field.
• Contributors include both academics and practitioners.
• Reflects both the scope and the potential of forensic psychology.

Back Jacket

The central theme of this book is that forensic psychology can benefit from the insights of many other branches of psychology. The contributors draw on the findings of occupational, cognitive, developmental and social psychology, as well as more familiar clinical and criminological approaches, in order to demonstrate the various ways in which psychology can be applied within the criminal justice system.Chapters include illustrations of the application of psychology to the investigative process, to the analysis of offending, to intervening with offenders, and to increasing organizational effectiveness. The book as a whole reflects the range and synergy that characterize forensic psychology today.

Author Biography

Adrian Needs runs the MSc in Forensic Psychology at the University of Portsmouth. He worked in the Prison Service for many years and as an office holder in the BPS has played a leading role in the development of training in forensic psychology. Published work includes articles on social skills interventions, sexual and violent offending and prison officer training.
Graham Towl is Head of Psychology for the Prison Service and the National Probation Service. His recent publications include Psychology in Prisons (Blackwell Publishing, 2003) and numerous journal articles on suicide and self-injury, risk assessment with offenders, ethics and public sector management.