The lack of Forensic Psychologists in Jamaica

The work of forensic psychology is extremely essential to the criminal justice system. Whether it is used in jury selection, trial consulting or even having the forensic psychologist serve as an expert witness. The issue, however, lies in the fact that forensic psychologists are limited in some parts of the world. This blog will be focused on the availability of forensic psychologists in Jamaica.

The crime rate in Jamaica is on a steady increase. This is as a result of various issues springing from multiple aspects. One area in which there has been a long-standing issue is that of the relationship between the public and law enforcement officers. The general public believes that all law enforcement officers are corrupt and are always on the prowl to abuse citizens with the power given to them. This results in a hostile alteration between the two. 

Much can be done to avoid this encounter. It should be that law enforcement officers are screened or evaluated by forensic psychologists before being sent on the job. They should be trained on how to deal with situations that can easily spiral into an uncontrollable disaster. According to a Gleaner article published on January 3, 2017 (Gardener, 2017), there is a need for more forensic psychologists in Jamaica. Forensic psychologists are assigned to various regions throughout the island and these regions are large. The need for their services is great and the work they do requires time and care. It is then difficult for the psychologist to move as freely as they would like for point A to point B. Now if there were more psychologists this problem would be resolved and a decline would be seen in the number of altercations between citizens and officers.

Recommendations:

• Organize classes to educate officers proper ethics, virtue ethics included.
• Regularly conduct evaluations or screenings on law enforcement officers to ensues they are mentally/psychologically ready for the job
• Encourage others to find a passion for the field of forensic psychology and choose it as a career.

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