Both criminal psychologists and forensic psychologists assist law enforcement professionals in investigating and solving crimes. While there are many similarities between these two, they play different but complementary roles.

Forensic specializes in aftermath of crime, evaluating the suspects mental health and consulting victims and their families, whereas criminal psychologists focus primarily on determining a motive and creating a profile of the evil doer.

CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGY, REQUIREMENTS AND POSITIONS:

Criminal psychology also referred to as criminological psychology is basically the study of the views, thoughts, intentions, actions and reactions of the criminal. They try to understand the motivation of the criminals and also develop psychological profile to apprehend them.

It requires a doctorate in psychology and a license to practice. The professionals would have usually completed a postdoctoral study or research or profiling. However, criminal psychologist having a criminal profiling may come from a law enforcement background instead of psychology.

They have various positions in this field. However most of them go on to work in social service or in a field related to law enforcement. Sometimes they work full time in police departments.

WHAT CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGIST DO:

Investigate the behavior and thoughts of criminals. Examine the motive of the criminals. Assets their mental situation. Help and find to prevent criminal behavior.

FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY, REQUIREMENTS AND POSITIONS:

Forensic psychology is a subfield in psychology. It involves the application of psychological knowledge and methods to both civil and criminal legal questions. They consult with law enforcement to integrate psychology into both criminal and civil legal matters.

Forensic psychologist during UG do a major in psychology or forensic psychology after which they complete internships and PG training in law enforcement. Forensic psychologist requires a PhD or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD).

There are many positions including victim advocate, corrections specialist, or probation officer. Apart from this they can also be Jury Consultant, Federal Government Employee, Police Consultant etc.

WHAT FORENSIC PYSCHOLOGIST DO:

Forensic psychologists help rehabilitate offenders through therapy, anger management and other counseling services. They also interview witnesses and victims

SIMILARITIES:

Criminal psychology and Forensic psychology are strongly connected to law enforcement. Both aims at understanding the psychology of criminals and solving crimes. Both supports investigation whether its criminal or civil.

DIFFERENCES:

There are some points of divergence between the two starting from educational requirements, career and the typical paths that they lead and the work they do.