CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGISTS IN THE NSW CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
Criminal psychologists conduct an important role in the NSW criminal justice system. They are tasked with applying psychological principles and analysis to understand a perpetrator’s mindset before committing a crime and understand the motive, reasons and rationale behind the crime.
CRIMINAL LAWYERS GROUP AND CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGISTS
Our specialised criminal lawyers at Criminal Lawyers Group have extensive experience working and liaising with criminal psychologists for the purposes of defence and sentencing across a diverse range of criminal matters, including the most serious of criminal offences.
If you have been accused or charged with a criminal offence, contact our expert criminal lawyers now for a free consultation so that we may secure the best outcome for you.
WHAT DOES A CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGIST DO?
A criminal psychologist analyses psychological factors behind criminal behaviour. They focus on the psychology of criminals and seek to understand their thoughts, intentions and reactions related to their criminal behaviour.
The role of a criminal psychologist is particularly on understanding criminal behaviour, rather than solving crimes.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGIST AND FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGIST?
Whilst the terms ‘criminal psychologist’ and ‘forensic psychologist’ are commonly used interchangeably, they are in fact two distinct professions. A criminal psychologist primarily focuses on psychological factors behind the commission of a crime, whereas the role of a forensic psychologist is to analyse the aftermath of a crime and explore ways to prevent crime and rehabilitate the offender.
HOW DO I BECOME A CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGIST?
The general process to becoming a criminal psychologist in Australia requires a person to complete an accredited psychology degree, followed by an honours degree or equivalent and then obtain registration with the Psychology Board of Australia for professional practice. Criminal psychologists may obtain experience through internships or placements in clinical and forensic settings and generally engage in continuous professional development.
The process to becoming a forensic psychologist in Australia is quite similar to that of a criminal psychologist, although it requires the completion of a specific postgraduate degree in forensic psychology.
CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGIST LOOKS INTO NORTH COAST SERIAL KILLER THEORY
Criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro joined Dr Xanthe Mallett on a podcast to delve into suggestions that a serial killer or serial killers were responsible for 67 women who have gone missing on the NSW North Coast since 1977. The criminal psychologist examined patterns and potential links and expressed the view that “there’s more than one person at work here.”
The renowned criminal psychologist also stated “serial killers have a chameleon ability to blend into the community. And of course, a lot of those towns along the eastern seaboard, particularly Byron, are transient towns. So people can do hit and runs and disappear.”
Meanwhile, Dr Mallett stated “It cannot be a coincidence. This is not a normal pattern.”
The increased attention follows Member of the NSW legislative Council, The Hon. Jeremy Buckingham MLC presenting a speech in NSW Parliament in which he suggested an alarming similarity between the unsolved cases of possible homicide between the Newcastle and Byron Bay areas.
Mr Buckingham stated to NSW Parliament that the cases had not been given proper focus and that it was clear that there was a serial killer or serial killers operating on the north coast of NSW. “The worst serial killer in the nation’s history has gotten away with it,” he stated.
NSW POLICE DISMISS SERIAL KILLER CLAIMS AND PREMIER REJECTS CALL FOR SPECIAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY
NSW Police have dismissed claims that the disappearances are the work of a serial killer, citing that there exists no evidence to indicate a common offender.
NSW Premier Chris Minns MP rejected calls for a Special Commission of Inquiry, stating that “We’ve got incredibly committed homicide squad detectives whose business it is to investigate this information.”
CONTACT CRIMINAL LAWYERS GROUP NOW
If you or anyone you know have been accused or charged with a criminal offence, contact our expert criminal lawyers at Criminal Lawyers Group immediately for a free consultation so that we may secure the best outcome for you.
Our award-winning team of criminal law experts are nationally recognised for securing not guilty verdicts and the withdrawal of charges for our clients across NSW who have been charged with criminal offences.