Forensic Job Vacancy: The University of Manchester (UK)

Research Assistant (2 Posts)

The university of Manchester, division of psychiatry is looking to appoint 2 research assistants required to evaluate two initiatives; firstly, improvements to the transfer of prisoners to psychiatric hospital; secondly, a pilot intervention into depression amongst older adults in prison.

Your main duties will include: conducting and analysing qualitative interviews with staff involved in the transfer of prisoners to psychiatric hospital in the former project; recruitment of older prisoners to the pilot intervention study and conducting regular clinical interviews with this group in the latter project.

With a good first degree in psychology or related discipline (2:1 or above) you will have experience of qualitative methodologies, good organisational skills and be able to work independently, together with undertaking mental health interviews. Experience of working in the Criminal Justice System or secure psychiatric care would be advantageous.

The posts will involve travelling and so the ability to travel independently of the public transport system is essential.

The posts are full-time and available from 2 January 2007 and will be based at the Northwest Forensic Academic Unit, at Ashworth Hospital. Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory CRB check.

Further Job/Application Information



Research Assistant post 1 (6 months)

Salary - up to £21,467 p.a

Job Vacancy Reference Number MHS/485/06

Closing Date 12th December 2006

Research Assistant post 2 (12 months)

Salary - up to £21,467 p.a

Job Vacancy Reference Number MHS/486/06

Closing Date 12th December 2006

For further details, and to download the job application form visit the university of Manchester job vacancy web page.

Visit The University of Manchester Job Vacancy web page

Visit The University of Manchester Division of Psychiatry

Key Figures in Forensic Psychology: Professor David Canter

I've just added a new page to the main forensic psychology website showcasing the work of Professor David Canter.



Professor David Canter was Professor of Psychology at the University of Surrey for ten years, where he founded the MSc course in Investigative Psychology. He continues as Professor of Psychology at The University of Liverpool. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society and a member of its Forensic Division and a Chartered Forensic Psychologist.

He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and a Member of the Forensic Science Society. He has published 20 books and over 150 papers in learned professional journals, and lectured around the world on various aspects of scientific psychology. His book, 'Criminal Shadows', won the Golden Dagger Award for crime non-fiction and its US equivalent, an Anthony Award.

Professor Canter has given evidence to a number of major government enquiries and to a House of commons select committee, including unchallenged evidence to the enquiry into the Kings Cross Underground fire concerning whether the fire was accidental or malicious, and given evidence to the Appeal Courts in Belfast and in a murder trial at the Old Bailey. He has also given advice in response to requests from over 150 police investigations world wide.

His main area of expertise is the systematic analysis of human behaviour in order to identify the dominant trends within it. This has also involved a number of studies of the inferences about the probable characteristics of an offender that may validly be derived from the consideration of the ways in which he commits a crime. This has included a detailed study of the behaviour of many criminals and the analysis of spoken and written material to indicate its origins and links to other questioned material.

Professor Canter has recently been elected an Academician of the Academy of Social Sciences; this recognises his important and seminal contributions to the social sciences.

For more information on Professor Canter, including his seminal work within the field of investigative psychology, visit the main forensic psychology website.

Click Here For Further Details

New Forensic Science Website & Other Work in Progress

I'm currently working on a number of projects for 2007. In response to the number of e-mails I recieve requesting information on studying forensic psychology, degree options, accreditation issues, career options and prospects, internships/work experience, expert testimony etc; I will be collabortaing on a book with Professor Christopher Cronin designed to provide the definitive student guide to forensic psychology both in the USA and the UK.

I will also be launching a new Forensic Science Website, the aim of which is to provide a comprehensive overview of all the major forensic disciplines, forensic pathology, forensic dentistry, criminalistics, etc. Each forensic science topic will be introduced by an expert in the field, along with links to quality resources, essential reading guides and degree listings etc.

And finally, if I can convince my other half that it would be a good idea to invest in a new digital camcorder, I would like to do a series of free forensic psychology video presentations. I'm still thinking about the precise format of the videos but they are likely to take the form of short lectures or forensic psychology video blogs.

If you would like to be kept up-to-date with the latest developments for 2007, forensic science website launch, free video tutorials etc, just leave your details and I'll let you know as soon as I have any news.

Click Here To Access The Leave Your Details Form

Forensic & Psychology Video Walls

I've just added a new feature to the Forensic Psychology Website, namely a constantly updating collection of the most recent Internet based forensic and psychology related videos.

Each video wall is built around a specific search term e.g., 'forensic expert' and each image in the wall is a sample of the video that you can watch in full should you wish to do so. So far I have added a 'forensic expert wall', a 'FBI profiler wall' and a 'clinical psychology wall'

For more information and to check out the video walls visit the main forensic psychology website.

http://www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com/forensic-video-walls.html

Have a great thanksgiving

David

American Psychology-Law Society Award for Best Undergraduate Paper

The American Psychology-Law Society Award for Best Undergraduate Paper is awarded to an outstanding undergraduate research paper that is focused on the interdisciplinary study of psychology and law. Proposals will be judged based on independence, originality, contribution to field, soundness of design and analyses, and quality of writing.

To be eligible for an award, the student must be the major contributor to a project on a topic relevant to psychology and law (i.e., the student had primary responsibility for initiating and conducting the project even though the project will usually be conducted under the supervision of a mentor). At the time that the student submits a paper for this award, the student must be the first author on a submission to the annual American Psychology-Law Society conference on the same work.

To receive the award, the submission to the American Psychology-Law Society conference must have been accepted for presentation as either a paper or a poster. Data collection should be complete. Students may submit their work during their first post-undergraduate year as long as the work was conducted during their undergraduate career.

Note about the 2007 Award:

On the years that the American Psychology-Law Society conference is outside of North America (such as 2007), applicants may submit their work to be presented at the American Psychological Association’s annual meeting which will be held in San Francisco on August 17-20,
2007.

Nominations/Applications:

Send one copy of each of the following:

Copy of poster or paper proposal submitted to the AP-LS conference (or APA).

A statement by the student describing their role in initiating, conducting, analyzing and writing the project (150 words or fewer).

APA style manuscript or thesis detailing the research to be considered for an award in less than 10 pages of text. Figures, tables and references can exceed the 10 pages although should be limited to what is absolutely necessary.

Letter of support from the student’s faculty supervisor; this letter must characterize the nature and extent of the student’s contribution to the project.

Submissions:

Submissions must be received either via email (preferred in .pdf or .doc formats) or postal mail by the committee chair on or before December 10, 2006.

Email Address: Veronica.Stinson@smu.ca

Postal Address:

Veronica Stinson,
Chair of the AP-LS Undergraduate Paper Award Committee,
Department of Psychology,
Saint Mary’s University, Halifax,
Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 3C3

Jack The Ripper: E-Fit Picture & Geographic Profiling

Read a really interesting article in the Independent (UK broadsheet newspaper) which reported on the attempts to apply modern investigative techniques to the Jack The Ripper case, the imfamous serial killer who terrorised London in 1888 and was never caught.

E-Fit of Jack The Ripper



As part of the new investigation John Grieve, a former deputy assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, who headed the anti-terrorist branch and the force's homicide squad, compiled an image of the Ripper. Drawing on statements from 13 people who claimed to have seen the man they suspect was the killer, Mr Grieve had an e-fit drawn up. Contradictory descriptions were ignored and the image was based on similar witness statements.

The image shows a man aged between 25 and 35 and is 5ft5in to 5ft 7in tall. He has a large black moustache, close cropped black hair, a pinched face and square jaw.

Geographic Profiling



The newspaper report also notes that the pioneer of geographic profiling Kim Rossmo (pictured above) has recently pinpointed where Jack The Ripper most likely lived. Geographic profiling is an information management system and investigative methodology that evaluates the locations of connected serial crimes to determine the most probable area of offender residence. Based on the locations of the killings and reported sightings, Dr Rossmo concluded that Jack the Ripper was a resident of the square mile area in which he killed; and it is highly likely that He lived in Flower and Dean Street. In 1888 the police conducted door-to-door inquiries in Flower and Dean Street. Each of the victims had lived within 100 yards of the street.

More Information



There is a page dedicated to geographical profiling on the main forensic psychology website.

http://www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com/geographic-profiling.html



On my other blog, I posted an item entitled "Going Beyond The Mo: Criminal Profiling, Jack The Ripper And Signature Behavior". The article draws upon Robert Keppel's analysis of the Jack the ripper murders in order to examine the concept of signature behavior and how this differs from the offender’s Modus Operandi. You can find this other Jack The Ripper blog item listed under previous posts.

http://all-about-forensic-psychology.blogspot.com/

Forensic Psychology Job Vacancy: Juvenile Forensic Psychologist, Augusta, Georgia (USA)

The Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR), Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Addictive Diseases (MHDDAD), is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Juvenile Forensic Psychologist in Augusta, Georgia.

Job Description

Under limited supervision, you will conduct psychological testing and evaluations on children and/or adults with delinquent or status offenses, which bring them into contact with the judicial system. Provide opinions based on psychological evaluations regarding competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility. May be required to provide courtroom testimony and or
consultations to court personnel.

Qualifications

A current Georgia license to practice psychology (license may be temporary, provisional, or permanent). Or a valid license to practice psychology from any other state and license-eligible in Georgia. Once hired, a Georgia license to practice psychology would be required. Preference will be given to candidates, who can demonstrate:

Experience of psychological assessment and diagnosis of children and adolescents.

Experience relating to the treatment of childhood and adolescent psychiatric disorders.

Forensic experience and/or training.

Knowledge of developmental issues in children and adolescents related to cognitive and social development.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive starting salary of $51,000 – $70,000, a generous benefits package is offered that includes a flexible schedule, training opportunities, employee retirement plan, deferred compensation, 12 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, dental, vision, long term care, and life insurance.

Employment Information

This position is located in Augusta, Georgia. Nestled along the banks of the Savannah River, Augusta is the second largest and oldest city in Georgia. Augusta and the Central Savannah River Area provide diversity of cultural, recreation and social activities, low cost of living, excellent public and private schools and is the home of Augusta State University and the Medical College of Georgia. Located in the east central section of the state, Augusta is approximately 150 miles east of Atlanta on Interstate 20. Augusta is also centrally located just two and a half hours from the beach and the mountains.

Applying for this job

A cover letter and resume in Microsoft Word format should be sent via e-mail to psychologist@dhrjobs.com To ensure proper routing/handling of your credentials, copy/paste or type the following title in the subject of your email: MHDDAD/Forensic Psychologist

Candidates for this position may be subject to employment drug testing and criminal background check.

Click Here To Visit The Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Mental Health

Key Figures in Eyewitness Memory Research: Professor Gary L. Wells

The aim of this blog post is to showcase the work of Professor Gary Wells because in doing so, readers will be introduced to some of the most important and influential research within the field of eyewitness memory.



Gary L. Wells (Ph.D. from Ohio State University, 1977) is Professor of Psychology at Iowa State University and holds the title of Distinguished Professor. Professor Wells is also the Social Science Research Director of the American Judicature Society's Institute of Forensic Science and Public Policy in Greensboro , North Carolina. He is an internationally recognized scholar in scientific psychology and his studies of eyewitness memory are widely known and cited. Wells has authored over 150 articles and chapters and two books. Most of this work has been focused on the reliability of eyewitness identification. His research on eyewitness identification is funded by the National Science Foundation and his findings have been incorporated into standard textbooks in psychology and law.

His studies demonstrate that rates of mistaken eyewitness identification can be exacerbated by the methods that crime investigators use in conducting lineups and photo spreads. Professor Well's eyewitness research program was launched in 1974 and is directed at discovering the causes of mistaken identification from police lineups and photo spreads; with a particular emphasis on how to prevent these errors. Numerous successful interventions have been developed, such as:

Improved instructions to eyewitnesses

Improved techniques for structuring lineups and photo spreads

Safeguards for insuring the integrity of the administration of lineups and photo spreads.

Over 30 years of groundbreaking research has produced a large number of theoretical and applied real world advances. These include developing a better understanding of the tenuous link between confidence and accuracy in eyewitness identification, describing the origins of false confidence, defining the domain of variables that control accuracy, and proposing and developing new lineup procedures. In relation to developing new lineup procedures, two major advancements are the The Sequential Lineup (put simply witnesses view suspects one at a time rather than simultaneously); and Double-Blind Techniques whereby the person responsible for the lineup does not know who the real suspect is.

Professor Wells has served as an expert for the defense, prosecution, and plaintiffs in criminal and civil cases across the U.S. and Canada. His conclusions about eyewitness identification have received national media attention in such places as the New Yorker magazine, Time magazine, the Chicago Tribune, the Los Angeles Times, and the New York Times. He has made appearances on CBS’s 48 Hours, the NBC Nightly News, CNN’s Newsnight, and NBC’s Today Show, among others. He has given more than 100 workshops and presentations to trial judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and police across the U.S. and Canada in the last five years.

He was a founding member of the U.S. Department of Justice group that developed the first set of national guidelines for eyewitness evidence. He co-chaired the panel that wrote the Justice Department training manual for law enforcement on the collection and preservation of eyewitness identification evidence, which has been distributed to every law enforcement agency in the U.S. Wells has worked with prosecutors and police in New Jersey, North Carolina, Maryland, Massachusetts, California, Washington, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Colorado, Iowa, New York, and other states to reform the way they conduct police lineups. In 2001 Wells was given the Distinguished Contributions to Psychology and Law Award from the American Psychology-Law Society. In 2004, Wells was elected President of the American Psychology-Law Society.

To find out more about Professor Wells and how to access his comprehensive collection of quality eyewitness memory related reference material visit the main forensic psychology website.

http://www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com/eyewitness.html

Top Quality Psychology Resource: PsychSplash

In this post I just want to draw your attention to PsychSplash, which is an outstanding psychology resource that showcases other great psychology resources.

What you will find on PsychSplash is an ongoing commentary of Psychology related websites and psychology related blogs.



Gareth Furber BPsych (Hons), PhD

This innovative and much needed psychology resource is written and maintained by Gareth Furber who notes that PsychSplash is a project aimed at reviewing the web for Psychologists and that the idea grew out of his interest in the web and fascination with how something so huge like the internet could actually make your life easier.

Well Gareth has certainly made life easier for anybody looking for quality psychology information and there are plenty of things of interest relating to forensic psychology and the application of psychology in a legal context.

A great feature of PsychSplash is its interactivity. You can comment on Gareth's articles and psychology reviews, make suggestions, express your opinion, direct people to psychology related sites and you can get all the latest PsychSplash entries delivered straight into your inbox.

Click here to Vist The PsychSplash Homepage

Critical Issues in Forensic Psychology: False Confessions

The topic of false confessions is another very important issue within a legal context where psychological knowledge and expertise can be brought be bear. Psychological vulnerabilites and interrogative circumstances are two of the key areas that have been examined by psychologists in relation to false confessions.

The reason that the study of false confessions is such an important topic within forensic psychology is that research into the reliability of testimony and suggestibility is as old as the discipline itself.



Hugo Munsterberg

In 1908 Hugo Munsterberg published 'On The Witness Stand: Essays on Psychology And Crime'. One of these essays was entitled 'Untrue Confessions'. The writing of Hugo Munsterberg was not only groundbreaking but also very perceptive. In the first sentence of his essay on false confessions he stated that:

I am most seriously convinced that it is a tragedy not only of crime but also of human error and miscarried justice, and my scientific conscience as a psychologist compels me to speak of it because the tragedy of yesterday may come up again, in some other form, tomorrow



John Mark Karr

Munsterberg's contention that false confessions were a normal phenomena triggered by unusual circumstances was most recently brought to light in the circumstances surrounding the John Mark Karr case. In relation to the unsolved murder of six-year-old JonBenét Ramsey, John Mark Karr claimed that he was present when Ramsey died and that her death was an accident. Authorities were made aware of Karr via the e-mail correspondence he had with Michael Tracey, a journalism professor at the University of Colorado. Karr was arrested in Bangkok returned to the USA for questioning. Shortly after, prosecutors announced they would not be pursuing charges in connection with the murder after DNA tests failed to place Karr at the scene.

Theoretical explanations for the psychology of false confessions

The work of Kassin and Wrightsman in the USA and Gudjonsson in the UK has done a great deal to further our understanding of the psychology of false confessions. To find out more about this work, along with links to a number of excellent resources on the subject of false confessions visit the main forensic psychology website.

Click Here To See The False Confessions Webpage

PSY.D. in Clinical Psychology (Forensic Psychology Concentration). Miami USA

Program Mission

The mission of the Psy.D. program in Clinical Psychology at the Carlos Albizu University, Miami Campus is to train culturally competent clinical psychologists at the doctoral level of professional competence with special emphasis on the training of minorities, particularly Hispanics.

Philosophy of Training

The philosophy of training for the Psy.D. Program is based upon the value that the needs of a multicultural society are best served by a psychology profession that is both culturally competent and inclusive. In accordance with this value, the Program seeks to provide students with a rich exposure to culturally and individually diverse populations through its academic training and applied experiences. It also seeks to train students that have been underrepresented in the field.

Training Model

The Psy.D. Program follows the practitioner-scholar model, as defined by the Vail Conference and further articulated in the Mission Bay Resolutions. The Psy.D. Program is designed to prepare students as clinical psychologists to provide comprehensive psychotherapeutic and psychodiagnostic services, to assume administrative and supervisory positions in mental health programs, and to provide professional psychological consultation. The Program trains students in the theories and concepts of cultural and individual diversity and in their application to the practice of professional psychology. It also trains students to be consumers of research and base their work on the foundation of scientific evidence and scholarly works.

Training Goals

Prepare students to become clinical psychologists who provide comprehensive psychodiagnostic and psychotherapeutic services in an ethical and competent manner.Educate students in theories and concepts of cultural diversity and individual differences, and their application to the practice of professional psychology.Prepare students to function as clinical supervisors, program administrators, and/or consultants.Educate students to practice clinical psychology as informed by the theories, methods, and findings of scientific research and scholarly works.

Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of academic courses and clinical practica, students will be able to:

Demonstrate comprehensive clinical assessment skills.

Demonstrate comprehensive skills in clinical intervention.

Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of and ability to apply ethical principles to clinical practice.

Identify and understand issues related to cultural diversity and individual differences as they affect clinical competencies.

Demonstrate the ability as clinical psychologists to serve as clinical supervisors, administrators, and consultants in diverse settings.

Demonstrate the skills to be discerning consumers of scholarly works and research, including studies of empirically based treatment methodology.

Forensic Psychology Concentration Study Areas



The Forensic Psychology Concentration is designed to train students to deliver psychological services (psychodiagnostic assessment, case law, legal standards, and expert testimony) within the judicial and correctional systems. The course content for the Forensic Psychology Concentration is as follows:

Behavioral Science and the Law

Forensic Psychology I (Criminal Law)

Forensic Psychology II (Family and Juvenile Law)

Police and Correctional Psychology

Forensic Assessment

Other Information



Contact Information

All applications and enquires are dealt with by the University’s Admissions Office. For contact information, online application form and other important information please visit the admissions webpage.

Click Here To Visit the Admissions Webpage

Click Here To Visit the University's Psychology Homepage

About Miami



Click Here To Visit The Miami City Guide Website

Click Here To See The Miami Wikipedia Page

Are You Doing This Degree Program?



If so, why not tell people what you think by clicking on the comments link below.

The best way to save this forensic psychology degree program for future reference is to click on the social bookmark this link below.

Forensic Psychology Degree Directories



Click Here To Review Forensic Psychology Degrees Across The USA



Click Here To Review Forensic Psychology Degrees Across The UK

Forensic Psychology Courses: The University of Birmingham (UK)

The following forensic psychology courses are offered in the Centre for Forensic and Family Psychology, School of Psychology.

Master of Science in Criminological Psychology:

This modularised forensic psychology related degree course is designed for graduate psychologists who work with offenders or their victims to develop skills such as assessment, management and treatment. The Course is taught one day a week at the University, beginning late September each year and consisting of lecturers/seminars from invited speakers, practice assessment, case studies and research. The Masters Course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) to be equivalent to stage one of training as a Chartered Forensic Psychologist. Applicants must hold at least a second class honours psychology degree (which confers Graduate Basis for Registration with the BPS) and be working in a forensic setting. Applications by end of March each year.

Master of Science in Clinical Criminology:

This modularised forensic psychology related masters degree is designed to help multidisciplinary professionals (non psychologists), develop skills such as assessment, management, intervention and treatment of offenders who commit serious crimes of a violent and/or sexual nature. The Course is taught one day a week at the University, beginning late September each year and consisting of lecturers/seminars from invited speakers, practice assessment, case studies and research. Applicants must hold a relevant degree (at least second class honours) and be working with victims or offenders. Applications by end of March each year.

Masters in Forensic Psychology Practice (2 years full time):

Doctorate in Forensic Psychology Practice (3 years full time):

These two programmes aim to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to work as a forensic psychologist; to analyse offending behaviour and its effect on victims, to manage, assess and plan treatment strategies for both victims and offenders and to work as an expert providing professional reports and training. Each week half of the time will be spent at the University in academic learning and the other half in a forensic practice placement. Students will have the chance to work with offender groups (adults, young people, individuals with learning disability) both in community and institutional environments. An evidence based approach is emphasised with the objective of developing skills in research and evaluation. Therefore, professional case studies, research studies and forensic practice reports are carried out.

The two year Masters Course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) to be equivalent to stage one of training as a Chartered Forensic Psychologist. At the end of the Masters, students may choose to complete a third year full time on forensic research and psychometric methods leading to a Doctorate (Foren.Psy.D.). The practice component of the Doctorate can contribute to stage two of training as a Chartered Forensic Psychologist. The entrance requirement is at least a second class honours degree in psychology which confers Graduate Basis for Registration with the BPS. Deadline for applications is end of March each year.

Other Information



Contact Information

All applications and enquires are dealt with by the University’s Postgraduate Admissions Office.

Phone: 0121 414 5488

Fax: 0121 414 6378

e-mail: admissions@bham.ac.uk

Visit the Admissions Webpage and Access The Online Application

Click Here To Visit the School of Psychology

About Birmingham



Click Here To Access The Visit Birmingham website

Click Here To See The Birmingham Wikipedia Page

Are You Doing Any of These Degree Courses?



If so, why not tell people what you think by clicking on the comments link below.

Forensic Psychology Degree Directories



Click Here To Review Forensic Psychology Degrees in the USA



Click Here To Review Forensic Psychology Degrees in the UK

The best way to save these forensic psychology degree reviews for future reference is to click on the social bookmark this link below.

Profiling Serial Killers: Limitations of The FBI Approach

The American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law held its annual meeting in Chicago at the end of October. One of the panel discussions during the meeting was entitled 'Serial Killers: From Cradle to Grave' which addressed the perceived limitations of FBI profiles. Among the issues raised were the following:



The notorious BTK murderer Dennis Rader who remained at large for over 30 years did not fit into the FBI's profiling methodology in relation to crime scenes.



Florida prostitute Aileen Wuornos convicted and subsequently executed for the murder of several men was effectively excluded from profiling typologies because the FBI database of convicted serial killers did not include women.

The FBI tends to categorise a crime scene as either organized or disorganized. An organized crime scene is said to highlight the control and careful planing the suspect has displayed in his/her environment when commissioning the crime; thereby pointing to an educated and socially competent individual. In contrast, a disorganized crime scene points to a lack of control and an absense of intelligent decision making. The disorganised suspect does little if anything to cover his/her tracks, pointing to a suspect who is either of low intelligence or a habitual user of drugs and/or alcohol.

On the surface this seems to be a perfectly reasonable classification system but one of the issues under discussion was the fact that crime scenes often have both organized and disorganized aspects. Dr Charles L. Scott who led the panel discussion states that the actions of BTK
murderer Dennis Rader provide a clear example of this. Scott suggests Rader's first crime scene demonstrates this ambiguity as there was clear evidence of advance planning and his domination of the environment but there were several disorganized elements as well e.g. leaving behind the Venetian blind cords he used as a strangling device.

Scott also points to the problems associated with the fact that in developing profiles of serial killers, the FBI draws on data and findings elicited from interviews with just 36 convicted serial murderers, all of whom were male and 90% of them white; which raises the question of relevance in relation to female or non-caucasian serial killers.

According to Dr Scott “The FBI profiling method has many positive attributes. But it also has some inherent limitations”, and that the purpose of the panel discussion was not to critique the FBI, but acquaint forensic psychiatrists with how the FBI profiles serial killers.

Have Your Say



So what do think of FBI profiling, art or science? Help or hindrance? Why not post your views over at the All About Forensic Psychology Forum?

Visit The Forensic Psychology Forum



If you would like to find out more about criminal profiling, don't forget that there are several pages dedicated to the subject on the main forensic psychology website.

Click Here To Visit The Forensic Psychology Website

Masters Degree Review: University of Liverpool (UK)

Master of Science in Investigative Psychology:

The overall aims of the MSc in Investigative psychology course are to enable students to acquire the knowledge, skills and experience that will enable them to develop professional roles as investigative psychologists in law enforcement and similar agencies; and contribute to the growth of the discipline of investigative psychology through research, teaching and similar scholarly pursuits.

To achieve these aims the course provides the opportunity to gain relevant knowledge by providing the opportunity for students to gain a sound conceptual basis for the understanding of:

The available explanations of criminal behaviour.
The varieties of criminal activities and approaches to their classification, including:

arson

burglary

fraud

homicide, single and serial

threat and extortion

rape

robbery

stalking

criminal violence

organised crime and drug networks

Approaches to the treatment and assessment of criminals.
Psychological processes in investigative decision making.
Procedures available for linking crimes to a common offender.
The psychology of interviewing and approaches to training interviewers
Basic, relevant issues in the British legal system.
Professional and ethical issues of relevance to Investigative Psychology.
The history and critiques of 'offender profiling'.
The processes of publication and dissemination of academic material.
The nature and processes of police investigations.
The procedures available for statement validation and detecting deception.
The IT procedures drawn on from Crime Analysis.
Approaches to inferring offender characteristics from crime information.
Processes relevant to understanding police organisations and criminal networks.



Professor David Canter, internationally known for his pioneering work in police investigations, is one of the key lecturers on the course and its Director. Dr Ian Donald convenes the methodology course, and Dr Graham Wagstaff the Investigative Actions theme. Other lecturers are drawn from the staff of the Psychology Department and other associated departments at Liverpool University, including the Faculty of Law and Department of Clinical Psychology. Visiting lecturers from British and Overseas police forces and universities also contribute. A team of Post-Doctoral Fellows who are members of the Centre for Investigative Psychology, in which the course is based, also provide guidance and support.

Other Information



Contact Information

Further details about the course can be obtained from:

Director of Postgraduate Studies
Centre for Investigative Psychology
The University of Liverpool
Eleanor Rathbone Building
Bedford Street South
Liverpool L69 7ZA

Telephone: (0151) 794 3910

e-mail: enquiries@i-psy.com

Click Here To Visit The Centre For Investigative Psychology

About Liverpool



Click Here To See The Visit Liverpool Website

Click Here To See The Liverpool Wikipedia Page

Are You Doing This Degree Course?



If so, why not tell people what you think by clicking on the comments link below.

The best way to save this Masters degree review for future reference is to click on the social bookmark this link below.

Forensic Psychology: Free Internet And Academic Resources

Since launching the All About Forensic Psychology Website in December 2005, I've added a select number of quality Internet and academic resources to the great free stuff page, which as the name suggests can be obtained free of charge.

Because of the number of pages and the amount of information on the forensic psychology website, this particular page can be overlooked. With this in mind, the aim of this blog post is to showcase some of the great things you can get hold of for absolutely nothing.

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Google Pack



A completely free and extremely useful bundle of applications that you can download in a single installation. Features include a Google-tweaked version of Firefox, Adobe Acrobat Reader, antivirus software from Symantec, Google video player, Google Desktop Search, Picasa, Google Earth and Google Talk.

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Student's Guide to APA Psychology



A must have student free stuff choice for college students. The Student's Guide to APA Psychology shows how to document and format research papers in the style of the American Psychological Association and the American Psychologist. Revised and updated to the new 5th edition of the APA Publication Manual.

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Personal Assistant



This great time management alarm system is the perfect application for sleepy students who miss lectures, tutorials and important meetings.

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Electronic Post It



From the company that invented the Post-it note. This digital version of 3M's famous canary-yellow note is perfect for quick reminders on your computer desktop so you never miss a meeting, event, or thought. You can create your own notes with pictures and hyperlinks, stick notes on your computer desktop, and add alarms to your notes as reminders.

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English Dictionary and Thesaurus



This complete dictionary and multifaceted thesaurus runs locally, so does not use your Internet connection. Notable features include:

Structured lookup display, advanced wildcard search, tabbed interface, anagram search, customizable user-interface, flexible copy-to-clipboard functionality and multi-session history.

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Desktop Wikipedia & Wiktionary



Search Wikipedia.org and Wiktionary.org from your desktop. Wikipedia Wiktionary offers you the convenience of an instant lookup tool and high-speed transportation to immense reference pages with little effort on your part. After installing Yahoo Widget Engine, you can search for information by quickly typing a word in its search box on your desktop.

This useful widget instantly launches your browser and heads to your selected choice, Wikipedia or Wiktionary. In addition, the program is available in English, Spanish, German, Portuguese, and French. Though you can easily look up information on both sites without this widget, its desktop positioning is pretty handy. You can adjust its size, location, and opacity on its preferences menu. Wordsmiths, professionals, researchers, and students will value the convenience this reference tool delivers.

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To get hold of any of the above for free just visit the student free stuff page.

Click Here To Visit The Great Student Free Stuff Page

Forensic Psychology Job Vacancies: The University of Aberdeen, Scotland (UK)

Applications are invited for one Research Assistant position and one Research Fellow in the school of psychology to work on a research project which aims to develop objective and effective means of assessing the extent to which a particular eyewitness memory report can be relied on as evidence.

Applications for Research Fellow position should have a PhD and a background in experimental social or cognitive psychology and an excellent track record of research in the eyewitness or a related area. Applicants for the graduate position should have a good bachelors/masters degree in Psychology and have relevant research experience.

The salary will be paid in the range of £22,540 per annum for the Research Assistant post and £26,915 per annum for the Research Fellow post.

Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Amina Memon (email amemon@abdn.ac.uk, tel: 01224 272230).

Click Here For Further Particulars And To Access The Online Application Form

Alternatively telephone (01224) 272727 (24-hour answering service) quoting reference number YPS204R for an application pack.

The closing date for the receipt of applications is Monday 13th November 2006.

Forensic Degree Review: Rhode Island, (USA)

Roger Williams University, Bristol, Rhode Island (USA):



Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology:

This two-year program, the Master of Arts degree in Forensic Psychology is designed to prepare students to provide assessment and treatment services in a forensic setting or further training at the doctoral level. Students will be trained in psychological testing, treatment, research methodology, and psychopathology. Internships and practica are available at a variety of forensic sites. Experiences include the areas of group psychotherapy, sex offender treatment,individual psychotherapy, psychological testing, and specialized assessment techniques. Research-based internships are also available. Interested students may also train in court clinic settings.

Mission of the Program

The Psychology Department strives to provide assessment and treatment skills for students interested in employment in a forensic setting or further training at the doctoral level. Faculty members work closely with students to help them develop an understanding and appreciation of the role of psychologists in legal proceedings and the law. Students are prepared to apply these skills to the problems of community and of the larger society. The department stresses tolerance for the views of others and an appreciation of the value of diversity. Other departmental objectives include preparing students to evaluate published research and think critically about their own ideas and the ideas of others.

Typical Study Path



The Master of Forensic Psychology curriculum is arranged in two tracks: (1) Non-Thesis/Practitioner (for students seeking specialized training in psychology prior to entering the work force as Masters level Forensic Practitioners), and (2) Thesis (for students seeking Masters level training in psychology as preparation for future study toward a doctoral degree in psychology). The seven-course core sequence provides students with the breadth and depth needed in theoretical foundation, research and skills to become forensic psychologists. Students then select four electives from various areas within Forensic Psychology. Finally, students take six credits of Thesis or Practicum, according to their track.

Other Information



Application Requirements

An earned bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Criminal Justice, or related field from an accredited 4-year college or university.

Personal statement (two pages maximum) describing your interest in Forensic Psychology, career goals, and how you can positively contribute to the graduate program at Roger Williams University.

Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate records.

Achieved an overall GPA of 3.00 or greater in undergraduate work.

Submission of GRE scores (minimum combined score of 1000; quantitative and verbal scores should not be below 500).

Three letters of recommendation attesting to the candidate’s academic accomplishments and potential to succeed in graduate school.

Application accompanied by the $50 application fee.

Completed prerequisite psychology courses in statistics and research methods.

Contact Details

Donald R. Whitworth, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair, Department of Psychology
Feinstein College of Arts and Sciences
Roger Williams University
One Old Ferry Road
Bristol, Rhode Island 02809

Tel: (401) 254-3509

e-mail: dwhitworth@rwu.edu

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