Crime is one of the biggest sins, that destroys the victim physically as well as mentally but what is there in the minds of the criminals that compelled them to commit a crime is only confined to a criminal.
Forensic psychology is the subject that helps investigators to enter the minds of criminals so that they can understand the mental status and thought processing of the criminals. Forensic psychology is the application of clinical psychology in criminal investigations and legal proceedings.
Forensic psychology is a vast and critical subject that is developing day by day and is also in demand for legal proceedings and trials. Therefore, there is a need for more forensic psychologists in law enforcement agencies, which attracts many students to pursue this field.
In this article, we have cataloged the top 5 book suggestions for students interested in forensic psychology and who want to excel in this field.
Top 5 Forensic Psychology Books
1. Investigative Psychology: Offender Profiling and the Analysis of Criminal Action
This book is written by Donna Youngs and David Canter who have discussed the various modern aspects of criminal profiling.
This is one of the best books to study investigative psychology as it involves a full range of investigative activities that involve effective information collection, detecting deception, and the development of decision support systems.
The authors have discussed various empirically tested models for offender profiling and guidance for investigations, as well as an agenda for research in Investigative Psychology.
If any student is interested in studying and wants to research investigative psychology, this book is a must-read.
2. The Anatomy of Motive by John Douglas
The author of this book John Douglas is a former FBI special agent, the Bureau’s criminal profiling pioneer, and one of the creators of the Crime Classification Manual.
This book is full of real-life cases that Douglas came across during his service. He has explained each concept very clearly with the help of these cases.
In this book, Douglas has explained the psychology of arsonists, hijackers, serial killers, spree killers, and mass murderers.
If a student is interested in studying forensic psychology with real-life case studies, then this is one of the best options.
3. Essentials of Forensic Psychological Assessment by Marc Ackerman
Written by Marc Ackerman, this book is a good source for knowledge of psychological assessments in legal investigations.
The author has discussed various psychological tests along with case studies to better understand forensic psychology students.
It has various important highlighted texts, keywords, and phrases that make understanding easier. It also has directive guidelines for conducting psychological assessments.
For the self-assessment of students, this book has various quizzes in it, which makes it a good choice for students interested in forensic psychology.
4. The Handbook of Forensic Psychology
This book written by Irving B. Weiner and Randy K. Otto is a highly recommended book for academicians as well as professional forensic psychologists.
It includes all the newly developed tools, techniques, and methods required for new psychology practitioners. It also has the new ethics guidelines approved by the American Psychological Association (APA).
The authors have discussed all the perspectives of neuropsychological assessment, eyewitness testimony, ad jury competence, and decision-making, including selection, process, and authority.
5. Forensic Psychology: Crime, Justice, Law Interventions
The book written by Graham M. Davies and Arthur R. Beech is an essential reading for every undergraduate and postgraduate student, pursuing forensic psychology.
It is a detailed introductory book that includes all the theories of criminal behavior, psychological theories, application of the theories to a criminal investigation, treating the witnesses and offenders, and analysis of the legal proceedings.
This book is the first suggestion to all the students of forensic psychology as it introduces the readers to the subject in an excellent manner.
Conclusion
Forensic psychology is a vast and challenging subject as it directs forensic psychologists to enter into the minds of criminals and people, which is not an easy task. However, the skills can be mastered through acquiring a thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of psychology, law, and trials.
Therefore, to cater to the students we have enlisted a few books that will help them with a better understanding of the subject.
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