A book review- Forensic Psychology, A very short Introduction by David Canter.


David Canter is Emeritus Professor of Applied social psychology at the university of Liverpool. He was also the creator of Investigative psychology. David Canter specialises in Environmental psychology, offender profiling and Forensic Psychology.

After having read- Forensic psychology, a very short introduction, I was introduced to new concepts and a much clearer understanding of the role that forensic psychologists play in murder investigations.

The book details, the court procedures in gaining a conviction for murder cases, additionally it also establishes the fundamental role of forensics, which arguably is to collect scientific evidence and to establish what is and isn’t there to either prove someone’s guilt or innocence in the context of the courtroom. Chapter two titled ‘how to make a criminal’  details physical and biological traits which have been used to construct a psychopath and murderer, this is for forensic psychologists to use as a stepping ladder to strengthen offender profiling, David Canter also identifies that there is an unnecessary assumption, that criminals and murderers can be constructed alike, and that the Lombrosian argument has to be re-approached. Within the book, Canter also argues that as a psychologist, the approach to constructing a ‘typical murderer’ must be re-evaluated. He acknowledges and highlights that there is a multi-study consisting of environment, association, social space, economic position, and circumstance which shapes how an individual approaches life and actions taken within it.

Chapter five explores how psychologists interact and work with offenders. David Canter highlights the complexities of prison and the fact that prison is a cause for long lasting mental damage to an offender. A forensic psychologist partly explores ways to help reintegrate offenders once they have been released from prison, subsequently Canter argues that the components which usually encourage reform is opportunity and subsequently positive change. Opportunities to find jobs, education and a workable family/living dynamic. However, the effects of prison can ultimately damage these opportunities and the motivation to pursue them. The book details further as to specific complexities which can alter the trajectory of these changes.

Lastly, David Canter also discusses the vital role forensic psychologists play with law enforcement agencies and their involvement with investigations. The role of forensic psychologists in this instance is to collect and make sense of case sensitive data and information. Analytics of interviews with suspects, victims and witnesses are also a major functioning role within forensic psychology.

To conclude my thoughts, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book- ‘’Forensic Science, a very short introduction’’. My understanding of the role forensic psychologists plays in the court-room, working with offenders and law enforcement agencies is much more enhanced, as is my ability to critically explore social constructions of an ‘ideal criminal’, and ‘ideal victim’. Lastly, I have acknowledged that there is a complex psychological approach to offender profiling, which David Canter argues is ever changing.

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