Forensic Psychology: A code to hack the criminal mind

 

Introduction:

        Considering the advancements in the field of psychology, criminal psychology (forensic psychology) has been a major devoting factor in this matter. Psychology has been one of the most enigmatic subjects to be studied due to neurological differences of the human mind on a fundamental level. Keeping in mind the basic variances of human beings such as gender, age, culture and others, temperament of a person is far more deeply situated in their subconsciousness. Criminal psychology targets this subconscious level to gain a precise understanding of the criminal mind.

Background:

        Dating all the way back to the late 19th and early 20th century, William James and Hugo Munsterberg began contemplating the applications of psychology to legal issues. These investigations gave path to the fundaments of understanding the criminal behaviour, emphasizing the role of their mental processes and individual variationism during the criminal conduct. It was not until the mid-20th century that criminal psychology held some credibility due to the works of Hervey Cleckley and Robert hare studying individuals with antisocial and psychopathic traits.

Decoding the Concept:

    Definition : Forensic psychology is an interdisciplinary field of psychology and forensics, that applies the concepts of criminology, sociology, and behavioural psychology in aiding the law enforcement and judiciary department.

Psychology and criminal psychology go hand in hand.

        Criminal psychology cannot exist without the concepts and principles of psychology. These principles aid in understanding and analysing the criminal behaviours exhibited by an individual or a group. Along with these principles, a concept known as "Mens rea" is necessary for any criminal proceeding to come to a fair judgement. Criminal psychology comes into play to establish ‘mens rea,’ ultimately decoding the mental processes and emotions with respect to legal and criminal context.

            Ranging from criminal profiling to interrogating the suspect, this field has proven to be of utmost importance. Forensic psychology draws from various disciplines, including psychology, sociology, law, and criminology. Ultimately, this interdisciplinary approach helps in providing a comprehensive understanding of criminal behaviour.

        To understand and apply the concept of forensic psychology, we must first understand that dealing with clients (criminally insane or otherwise), is a time sensitive issue. Diagnostic must not be given immediately, but after thoughtful consideration and careful tests through several instruments. It not only depends on the mental state of the person after the commencement of time, yet also before and during the crime is committed.

What do forensic psychologists do?

Review the roles of a forensic psychologist point-wise to gain better understanding:

1. Consultation Service to Legal Proceedings :    Forensic psychology serves as a valuable consultation service to legal proceedings, offering insights into factors relevant to a case. The expertise of forensic psychologists can provide crucial data for understanding the psychological aspects of individuals involved in legal matters.

2. Expert Witness Testimony :     Forensic psychologists have the authority to testify in courts as expert witnesses under sections 45 and 55 of the Indian Evidence Act. They play a key role in providing psychological assessments for ongoing judicial cases, offering their expertise to inform legal decisions and jury.

3. Criminal Profiling :    Criminal profiling is a critical task assigned to forensic psychologists in criminal cases. Profiling involves examining the mental state, history of abuse, mental health, and family history, providing valuable insights into the offender's behaviour and motivations.

4. Distinction Between Interrogations and Interviews :    Forensic psychologists recognize the difference between interrogations and interviews in legal settings. Interviews are less accusatory, allowing for a more open and cooperative exchange of information.

5. Observation of Body Language and Micro-Expressions :    Forensic psychologists utilize fundamental observations, such as body language and micro-expressions, during interviews. These observations contribute to a better understanding of the psychological dynamics at play and can influence the direction of an investigation.

6. Establishing Connection and Contact :     Building a sense of contact and connection is crucial in forensic psychology. Small gestures, like a tap on the hand, can break down barriers between the psychologist and the client, fostering a more open and collaborative environment.

7.  Minimizing Physical Barriers :     Physical barriers, such as a table or a glass of water between individuals, can create a sense of differentiation. Forensic psychologists are mindful of these details to ensure a more psychologically comfortable and open interaction between the parties involved in legal proceedings.

Case Where Forensic Psychology Played a Major Role:

Technically speaking, forensic psychology should be a part of every court trial and investigation process as well. There are multiple cases ranging from petty theft to heinous crimes like rapes and murders, in which forensic psychology must hold a part to understand the tendencies and behaviour of the committed person.

One notable case study involves the assessment and profiling of criminal suspect to aid law enforcement in solving crime. 

For example, the infamous Ted Bundy case. History’s one of the most notorious serial killers underwent extensive psychological profiling during the investigation. This examination provided insights into his specific rituals, patterns, and motivations behind his gruesome acts, aiding investigators in linking various crime scenes and establishing a coherent narrative. Other than that, examining the characteristics of his victims allowed for a better understanding of his target selection, contributing to the development of strategies to prevent future crimes and protect potential targets. Bundy’s courtroom behaviour became another critical aspect for forensic psychologists. His charm, manipulation tactics, and attempts to represent himself in court showcased the extent of his psychopathy.

Interesting instruments used in forensic psychology:

    There are certain instruments used in forensic psychology aid that helps us in determining emotional, cognitive, and even deceptive level of stress during interrogation. Some of them include:

1. Visual stress analyser
2. LVA-40
3. BEOS
4. Polygraph

1. Visual stress analyser  : This instrument contains a high-level camera, detector, and is graph based. Four of the stress types are analysed by this instrument, emotional stress, global stress, neutral stress, and cognitive stress. The working of this instrument is simple, these stress levels are colour coded based on the facial coding of the subject. Now, if emotional and cognitive level are high, the result shows to be “subject is excited.” On the other hand, if the levels of global stress and cognitive stress are the high, the result changes to:” the subject is thinking too much.”. In relation with deception detection, and stress levels, if all the stress levels are high, it points to the fact that the subject’s deception.
   
2. Layered Voice Analysis (LVA-40) : This instrument analyses the voice modulations during an interview or interrogation. The gaps between two words, vibrations during a sentence and even word framing is based on analysis of the person’s-controlled interview. This instrument is vital during interrogations mainly based on subjects with visual retardation using audio equipped technology. Probes must be designed in such a way that the subject will have to answer in more than some sentences.
3. BEOS :  BEOS is the abbreviation of Brain Electrical Oscillation Signature Profiling. Pertaining to its name, it is based on brain mapping of the electrical impulses within our brain that goes through during audio submission to the subject. For optimal use of this instrument, the subject must be in a secluded and calm room, and must be relaxed. After this, the interrogator narrates the actions of commission of crime in first person view. The situation must extend a bit more on both sides of the crime commencement. What this does is, the subject starts visualizing the situation, and if it were something they have already been through, the memory dominant part of the brain is lit and active rather than the imaginative and cognitive part. Hence, due to its neurological nature, BEOS holds an accuracy of 99.8%.
4. Polygraph : Polygraph is something that is depicted in many media and entertainment sectors. Although many fail to understand that it is completely different that how it is shown in the movies or series. Polygraph tests need to be done only after recording the controlled results to understand the subject’s fundamental bodily workings. Polygraph analyses respiratory, pulmonary, and even movement related to the body. Contradictory to the instruments above, the polygraph test demands “yes” or “no” questions mandatorily.

Conclusion:

        In conclusion, forensic psychology is an integral part of any criminal proceeding for smooth and efficient trial. Its attributes encompass not only criminal interactions but also victim mental-care and rehabilitation of the criminal as victim both. Keeping in mind all the duties that a forensic psychologist must adhere and follow, they have a vast role to play during trials and interrogations as well. Forensic psychology is a field where the need for research is exponential. To aid with the findings and credibility of forensic psychology results, instruments such as BEOS and visual stress analysers are inculcated in research and interrogations to form these corroborative evidences. Therefore, this makes it one of the most interesting and mystical subjects to be studied on.

References:

1.   https://www.sciencedirect.com/
2. https://www.psychology.org
3. “Forensic Psychology” by Solomon M. Fulero and Lawrence S. Wrightsman.
4. https://www.forensicscolleges.com
5. https://www.discovermagazine.com
6. Pravesh Charan Isai [Scientist Assistant @ Centre of Excellence in Investigative & Forensic Psychology, National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar (Gujarat)]