The global surge in population is escalating poverty and crime rates, creating a domino effect on societal well-being. Domestic violence against women and children is prevalent in poorer households, leading many offenders to be imprisoned. Worldwide, prisons are often overcrowded, understaffed, and unsanitary, with a shortage of medical professionals contributing to higher prisoner mortality rates. Legal delays result in a high percentage of under-trial prisoners, prolonging their time in jail and exposing them to abuse.

Traditionally, prisons focused on punishment, but since the early 2010s, there's been a shift towards rehabilitation. Human rights activists argue that some prisoners, especially those who committed crimes due to uncontrollable circumstances, deserve therapy and a chance to reform. This has sparked debates on the effectiveness of rehabilitation versus conventional punishment.

Forensic Psychology: History and its development

Forensic psychology bridges psychology and law, helping to understand why individuals engage in criminal behavior. Popular shows like "Criminal Minds" and "The Mentalist" illustrate how forensic psychologists work. Although the field is relatively new, it traces back to 1879, when Wilhelm Wundt, the father of psychology, began his work. In 1917, psychologist William Marston discovered that systolic blood pressure could indicate lying, leading to the development of the polygraph detector.

Forensic psychology expanded after World War II, with psychologists initially serving as expert witnesses. The American Psychological Association officially recognized it as a specialization in 2001. Since then, many psychology students have pursued dual degrees in psychology and law, reflecting the growing importance in legal contexts.

What distinguishes Forensic Psychology from Mainstream Psychology?

The role of a forensic psychologist is limited in scope and frequency but crucial for determining judgements, sentences, and types of punishment. Unlike regular psychologists, whose clients seek help voluntarily, forensic psychologists often deal with resistant clients as they assist legal officers. They need education in criminal psychology, law, and criminal justice.

It's important to distinguish between criminal psychologists and forensic psychologists. Criminal psychologists focus on identifying motives and profiling the accused, while forensic psychologists do this and also provide counselling to the accused and their families.

Rehabilitation or Punishment: Condition of Prisons and Prisoners

Prisoners often face a high likelihood of re-offending after release, with statistics showing a 68% chance of rearrest within three years in the US. Punishment serves as a traditional means for offenders to repent for their crimes. However, for severe offences like rape, murder, and domestic abuse, critics debate whether lifelong imprisonment suffices, especially considering factors like mental health issues and substance abuse, which often contribute to criminal behavior. In cases involving mental health triggers or self-defence, punitive measures may not be appropriate. The harsh realities of prison life, including custodial torture and abuse, highlight the need for better mental health support and rehabilitation services within correctional facilities to ensure humane treatment and reduce recidivism rates.

Role of Forensic Psychology in the Rehabilitation of Prisoners and Offenders

Many prison authorities overlook the fact that a significant portion of criminal behavior stems from underlying mental illnesses and a lack of accessible medical treatment. What individuals couldn't afford outside of prison due to financial constraints can often be provided for free within correctional facilities. This underscores the critical role of forensic psychologists.

To understand the responsibilities of forensic psychologists: they play a crucial role in ensuring fair sentencing and prioritizing healthcare services for inmates during their incarceration. Their involvement in the judicial system can lead to more informed and just sentencing decisions, highlighting the importance of their presence in prisons.

Criminal investigation 

Forensic psychologists are integral throughout the process, from analyzing the crime scene and interviewing witnesses to assisting police in further investigations and providing insights into the offender's treatment. Early involvement ensures that any underlying mental illness contributing to the offense is identified and appropriately addressed by authorities.

Crime analysis

This is also known as intelligence analysis, which involves forensic psychologists aiding the police in analyzing and gathering pertinent evidence that connects the offender's behavior with testimonies from victims and witnesses.

Interviewing and witnessing research 

Interviewing witnesses is crucial to understanding the events and uncovering the motive behind a crime. A forensic psychologist is essential during these interviews with police officials because they can identify deception, reluctance, or potential hostility among witnesses. The approach and manner of conducting these interviews are also critical factors.

Police Psychology

Repeated exposure to harmful or traumatic crime scenes can significantly affect police officers. Continuous exposure to hostility can alter their psychological well-being and mental peace. For the past two decades, forensic psychologists have been crucial in selecting and recruiting suitable police officers for specific cases in various countries. They recognize the profound impact a psychologically fit officer can have compared to one who may not be ideal for the case.

Expert Eyewitness 

Despite the abolition of the jury trial system, the presiding officer in a typical criminal case may still require the guidance of an expert witness to make informed decisions. Forensic psychologists assist the presiding officer not with factual evidence but with opinions regarding the mental and emotional aspects of the case. This involves understanding the psychological state that led to the circumstances of the case, derived from a comprehensive study of the accused, the victim or their family, and witnesses. The sentencing decisions are often based on these inferred conclusions.

Good Lives Model 

Psychologists implement the Good Lives Model in prison, which educates inmates on societal norms and what constitutes a 'good life' according to community standards. This approach helps prepare inmates for reintegration into society upon release.

Therapeutic Jurisprudence

Forensic psychologists primarily provide therapy as part of their job. Therapeutic jurisprudence suggests that every law is a form of strict therapy with punitive aspects. This model aims to enhance inmate well-being through legal reforms that promote behavior improvement. It also ensures authorities adhere to legal guidelines to prevent violations of offenders' rights.

Human Rights Model 

The Human Rights Model applies to inmates and prison authorities, ensuring they understand actions violating inmates' human rights and what constitutes appropriate punishment. This model seeks to balance punishment and respecting prisoners' human rights. Inmates are educated on this model to foster mutual respect and minimize internal aggression.

Rehabilitation offers the best path for prisoners to reintegrate into society and regain normalcy in their lives and social standing. Rehabilitation is often seen as a secondary or last-resort option, with punishment taking precedence. However, for those imprisoned for lesser offences or who deserve sympathy, there should be opportunities to return to society. There's a growing need to establish a platform for forensic psychology where experts and psychology students can discuss advancements in the field, similar to developments in the United States. Involving forensic psychologists would clarify whether an accused is genuinely guilty and prioritize the mental well-being of prisoners.