American InterContinental University Forensic Psychology Comment According to the American Psychological Association (2015), to be an expert in forensic ps

American InterContinental University Forensic Psychology Comment According to the American Psychological Association (2015), to be an expert in forensic psychology a forensic psychologist must be competent in a specific area relating to the evidence he or she present or the testimony he or she gives. Also, a forensic psychologist must meet the qualifications of an expert witness by having the psychological and legal knowledge, training, and experience to provide services. To become an expert in forensic psychology one must be aware relevant laws based on their qualifications. An expert forensic psychologist must possess the knowledge of laws that are relevant through post graduate courses (American Psychological Association, 2015). However, to be a proficient forensic psychologist one must have the expertise of a population and have the experience using this expertise in forensic contexts. For instance, a clinical forensic psychologist serves as an expert in a correctional setting or a psychiatric facility. A clinical forensic psychologist conducts an assessment on their client to determine whether or not he or she is more likely to reoffend by committing a crime.

In addition, the ethical obligations of a forensic psychologist who serves as an expert witness must maintain integrity by providing service that is accurate, truthful, and honest that is not misleading or inaccurate (American Psychological Association, 2015). Also, a forensic psychologist must be fair and impartial not bias. It is a forensic psychologist duty to seek knowledge from different perspectives that includes relevant data on studies that can be beneficial for representing their client. Nevertheless, a forensic psychologist must maintain confidentiality relating to his or her client. A forensic psychologist must protect his or her client’s information and protect them from harm and danger American Psychological Association, 2015). Some of the ethical pitfalls of making a mistake as a forensic psychologist expert are competency, and confidentiality. A forensic psychologist must remain competent while representing their client. However, competency can be an ethical pitfall if a forensic psychologist is bias without taking into consideration the complexity and the nature of the service for their client (Yadav,2017). Another ethical pitfall is confidentiality, not protecting the client’s information could potentially harm them. Therefore, it is imperative for a forensic psychologist to not disclose a client’s information unless they have the consent to do so (Yadav,2017). Lastly, to maintain and renew your expertise is to enhance your knowledge relating to the study of Forensic Psychology and stay update with relevant or current laws. Also, renew your license to continue to practice in the field of forensic psychology.

Reference

American Psychological Association. (2015). APA’s resource for individual development plans (IDP). Retrieved from http://www.apa.org

/education/grad/individual-development-plan.aspx

Yadav P. K. (2017). Ethical issues across different fields of forensic science. Egyptian journal of forensic sciences, 7(1), 10. https://doi.org/10.1186

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