Forensic psychologist
Forensic psychology applies psychological theory to criminal investigation, understanding psychological problems associated with criminal behaviour, and the treatment of those who have committed offences.
This page has information on the role of a forensic psychologist. There is also links to further information.
Working life
Forensic psychologists work with all aspects of the criminal justice system from the psychological aspects of investigation and legal process through to offending behaviour and application of psychological methods to reduce the impact of this and future re-offending.
As a forensic psychologist, you'll work in the treatment of offenders in a range of areas including sexual offending, violence and aggression, interpersonal and social skills and intervention to help stop illicit drug and or alcohol use. Most of your work will be done in association with the police, probation services, prisons and young offender institutions, trying to understand the psychological problems leading to criminal behaviour and looking for ways to prevent it.
Your work may include:
- piloting and implementing new treatment programmes
- reducing stress for staff and prisoners
- providing hard research evidence to support practice
- undertaking statistical analysis for prisoner profiling
- giving expert evidence in court
- advising parole boards and mental health tribunals
- crime analysis

Who will I work with?
Forensic psychologists work with a range of people, including:
- those who have chronic difficulties
- those at risk of offending as a consequence of their behaviour
- family members
- victims
- the public affected by crime
Whilst this usually applies to adults, some specialised forensic psychologists work with young offenders and within the youth justice system.
Where will I work?
The largest single employer of forensic psychologists in the UK is HM Prison Service, although forensic psychologists are also employed by:
- the NHS
- private healthcare providers
- specialist mental health settings (such as ‘secure hospitals’)
- social services
- offender management services (such as police and probation)
- academic departments, teaching, supervising, and researching in their area of expertise.
Want to learn more?
- Find information on the entry requirements for forensic psychology
- Find information on training and development in forensic psychology