20 Best Books On Criminal Psychology (2023 Update)

The psychology of criminal conduct, sixth edition, provides a psychological and evidence-informed perspective of criminal behavior that sets it apart from many criminological and mental health explanations of criminal behavior. drawing upon the general personality and cognitive social learning theory, james bonta and donald andrews provide an overview of the theoretical context and major knowledge base of the psychology of criminal conduct, discuss the eight major risk/need factors of criminal conduct, examine the prediction and classification of criminal behavior along with prevention and rehabilitation, and summarize the major issues in understanding criminal conduct. this book also offers the risk/need/responsivity (rnr) model of offender assessment and treatment that has guided developments in the subject throughout the world. in this edition, the first since andrews' death, bonta carefully maintains the book's original contributions while presenting these core concepts succinctly, clearly, and elegantly. appropriate for advanced undergraduates and graduate students as well as for scholars, researchers, and practitioners, the psychology of criminal conduct, sixth edition, further extends and refines the authors' body of work.

Written by authors with extensive experience in the field and in the classroom, introduction to forensic psychology: research and application, sixth edition demonstrates how to analyze psychological knowledge and research findings and apply these findings to the civil and criminal justice systems. focusing on research-based forensic practice and practical application, the authors use real-life examples and case law discussions to define and explore forensic psychology. you are introduced to emerging specializations within forensic psychology, including investigative psychology, family forensic psychology, and police and public safety psychology. research related to bias, diversity, and discrimination is included throughout the text to give you a multicultural perspective that is critical to the successful practice of forensic psychology.

A fascinating guide on the psychology of crime thinking of a career that indulges your csi fantasies? want to understand the psychology of crime? whether studying it for the first time or an interested spectator, forensic psychology for dummies gives you all the essentials for understanding this exciting field, complemented with fascinating case examples from around the world. inside you'll find out why people commit crime, how psychology helps in the investigative process, the ways psychologists work with criminals behind bars – and how you too can become a forensic psychologist. you'll discover what a typical day is like for a forensic psychologist, how they work with the police to build offender profiles, interview suspects or witnesses, and detect lies! covers the important role psychology plays in assessing offenders explains how psychology is applied in the courtroom explains complicated psychology concepts in easy-to-understand terms if you're a student considering taking forensic psychology or just love to learn about the science behind crime, forensic psychology for dummies is everything you need to get up-to-speed on this fascinating subject.

Richard wortley's book is scholarly and lucid, wide-ranging in content, and undogmatic in tone. most of all, it is timely. the need to bring together in an accessible form crime and criminality-relevant developments across the biological and psychological sciences had necome urgent. the need is satisfied by this book. professor ke pease, loughborough university, ukpsychological criminology should be essential reading for psychologists and all others who are interested in understanding the causes of offending. it is a very impressive, comprehensive and empirically-based review of psychological, biological, situational and other major explanations of crime. david p. farrington, professor of psychological criminology, university of cambridge, ukpsychological criminology addresses the question: what is it about individuals and their experiences that causes them to commit crime and/or to become criminal? this book provides a comprehensive coverage of psychological theories of crime and criminality, exploring theories focusing on factors present at birth (human nature, heredity); theories that focus on factors that influence the offender over the lifespan (learning, development); and theories focusing on factors present at the crime scene. it emphasises the connections among the different approaches, and demonstrates how, taken together rather than as rival explanations, they provide a more complete picture of crime and criminality than each provides individually.theories are arranged throughout the book in a temporal sequence, from distal to proximal causes of crime. the analysis spans 100,000 years, from the evolutionary roots of criminal behaviour in the ancestral environments of early humans on the african savanna, to the decision to engage in a specific criminal act.psychological criminology highlights the contributions that psychological theory can make to the broader field of criminology; it will be of interest to students, academics, researchers and practitioners in both criminology and forensic psychology.

Dealing with some of the most heinous crimes imaginable, forensic neuropsychologist and psychoanalyst dr. richard lettieri gives a behind-the-scenes look at criminal psychology through case studies from his over 30 years of experience as a court-appointed and privately retained psychologist. with cases like michael, who stabbed his mother in the back believing she was the evil force causing the sun to descend upon the earth and gobble him up, and tina, who seriously injured her boyfriend and stabbed his son to death, decoding madness is filled with gripping stories and forensic analysis. through psychological examination, it is the author's job to conclude whether these individuals are truly guilty and understand their actions are wrong, or if these individuals are not guilty by reason of insanity and instead require treatment. decoding madness offers a nuanced psychological understanding of defendants and their personal complexities beyond the usual clinical accounts. the book introduces the novel idea of the daimonic as a basic force of human nature that is the source of our constructive and destructive capacities and argues for an update to the criminal justice system's perspective on rationality and conscious thinking. featuring new findings and personal insights, dr. lettieri presents an engrossing view of the psychology of defendants accused of committing heinous crimes and the insight that they provide towards the human mind.

Introduces forensic psychology to students and professionals who want to better understand psychology’s expanding influence on the study of law, crime and criminality forensic psychology is a constantly growing discipline, both in terms of student interest and as a profession for graduates. this book highlights the often sizeable gap between media myths surrounding forensic practice and reality. editors graham davies and anthony beech present an exciting and broad range of topics within the field, including detailed treatments of the causes of crime, investigative methods, the trial process, and interventions with different types of offenders and offences. forensic psychology: crime, justice, law, interventions, third edition covers every aspect of forensic psychology—from understanding criminal behaviour, to applying psychological theory to criminal investigation, analysing the legal process and the treatment of witnesses and offenders. each chapter has been thoroughly revised and updated with the latest findings. the book also includes two entirely new chapters—one on psychopathy and crime, the other on female offenders. drawing on a wealth of experience from leading researchers and practitioners, this new edition will interest and enthuse today’s generation of students.

The sunday times bestseller **out now: what lies buried. the sensational new book by kerry daynes** 'enthralling and terrifying. the dark side of the mind is a chilling glimpse into a world of miscreants, monsters and the misunderstood.' professor dame sue black, author of the sunday times bestseller all that remains 'a stunning, insightful, provocative piece of work. wonderfully written and full of honesty. a powerful excavation of the world of a forensic psychologist.' barbara machin, creator and writer of waking the dead 'kerry daynes delves into the minds of psychopaths in a fascinating memoir.' katya edwards, daily mail 'daynes offers fascinating insights into what makes criminals tick and how they might be more effectively treated. her book is funny, wise and thoroughly gripping.' jake kerridge, writer and critic 'grimly fascinating – a timely and gripping exploration of mental health issues in the criminal justice system from an author intimately acquainted with its dark heart.' harriet tyce, author of blood orange 'kerry daynes writes with knowledgeable insight on a side of people – and the criminal system that purports to treat them – that many would prefer to leave alone. the humour and psychological skills that have enabled her survival shine through.' jessica fellowes, author of the mitford murders welcome to the world of the forensic psychologist, where the people you meet are wildly unpredictable and often frightening. the job: to delve into the psyche of convicted men and women to try to understand what lies behind their often brutal actions. follow in the footsteps of kerry daynes, one of the most sought-after forensic psychologists in the business and consultant on major police investigations. kerry's job has taken her to the cells of maximum-security prisons, police interview rooms, the wards of secure hospitals and the witness box of the court room. her work has helped solve a cold case, convict the guilty and prevent a vicious attack. spending every moment of your life staring into the darker side of life comes with a price. kerry's frank memoir gives an unforgettable insight into the personal and professional dangers in store for a female psychologist working with some of the most disturbing men and women. if you enjoyed unnatural causes, when the dogs don't bark and prison doctor you'll love kerry's gripping account of her experience as a forensic psychologist.

It is a conundrum that has vexed societies throughout history: how do you deal with those that break the law? if their aim is to evade you, how do you identify them? if their aim is to lie, how do you interview them? if they don’t see their actions are wrong, how do you help them to successfully reform? criminal psychology is the discipline which tackles these challenges head on.

The criminal justice process is unavoidably human. police detectives, witnesses, suspects, and victims shape the course of investigations, while prosecutors, defense attorneys, jurors, and judges affect the outcome of adjudication. in this sweeping review of psychological research, dan simon shows how flawed investigations can produce erroneous evidence and why well-meaning juries send innocent people to prison and set the guilty free.the investigator’s task is genuinely difficult and prone to bias. this often leads investigators to draw faulty conclusions, assess suspects’ truthfulness incorrectly, and conduct coercive interrogations that can lead to false confessions. eyewitnesses’ identification of perpetrators and detailed recollections of criminal events rely on cognitive processes that are often mistaken and can easily be skewed by the investigative procedures used. in the courtroom, jurors and judges are ill-equipped to assess the accuracy of testimony, especially in the face of the heavy-handed rhetoric and strong emotions that crimes arouse.simon offers an array of feasible ways to improve the accuracy of criminal investigations and trials. while the limitations of human cognition will always be an obstacle, these reforms can enhance the criminal justice system’s ability to decide correctly whom to release and whom to punish.

The second edition of criminological and forensic psychology is an even more theoretically rigorous, practically relevant, engaging and fun introduction to this broad and fascinating field. it covers both the conceptual basis within which psychology knowledge is applied in forensic contexts and the practical applications of psychology to the criminal civil justice systems. key features: case studies feature in every chapter and place students in the full context of a criminal case, showing them how psychological theories can be used to explain real-life crimes. in-depth exploration of the fascinating courtroom process including separate chapters on the defendant’s mind and the jury. a dedicated chapter on research methods specific to forensic psychology to help students do their research project around this topic, covering the final year and post-graduate research. a new chapter on intimate relationship aggression: domestic violence and domestic homicide online resources including chapter-by-chapter multiple choice questions, additional case studies and links to further readings

"costanzo and krauss show students how psychological science can be used to enhance the gathering of evidence, improve legal decision making, reduce crime, and promote justice. the authors integrate fascinating accounts of real trials, important cases, and other examples of the legal system in action to illustrate how research and theory can deepen our understanding of suspects, criminals, police officers, victims, lawyers, witnesses, judges, and jurors. this wide-ranging and consistently accessible text persuasively demonstrates the relevance of key research findings in social, cognitive, clinical, and developmental psychology to virtually every aspect of the legal system"–back cover.

The criminal personality presents a detailed description of criminal thinking and action patterns and convincingly argues that these patterns cannot be explained by sociologic or psychologic explanations alone.a jason aronson book

The contribution of psychological research to the prevention of miscarriages of justice and the development of effective investigative techniques is now established to a point where law enforcement agencies in numerous countries either employ psychologists as part of their staff, or work in cooperation with academic institutions. the application of psychology to investigation is particularly effective when academics and practitioners work together. this book brings together leading experts to discuss the application of psychology to criminal investigation. this book offers an overview of models of investigation from a psychological and practical view point, covering topics such as investigative decision making, the presentation of evidence, witness testimony, the detection of deception, interviewing suspects and evidence-based police training. it is essential reading for students, researchers and practitioners engaged with police practice, investigation and forensic psychology.

The sensational new book from the author of the sunday times bestseller the dark side of the mind. longlisted for the cwa gold dagger for non-fiction award. 'what lies buried is a towering achievement. kerry takes us deep into the minds of the disturbed and dangerous and challenges our very humanity. as gripping as any thriller. her dry wit and humour keeps it real.' barbara machin, screen writer and creator of waking the dead 'pacy and gripping. a brilliant, important and sensitive book.' sarah langford, barrister and bestselling author of in your defence 'what lies buried is an exceptional book . . . i could not put it down.' female first, 5 star review 'kerry's dedication (and impressive ability) to read between the lines and cast aside prejudice, going beyond the question she is so often asked in her profession: "are they mad or bad?"' daily mail kerry daynes, leading forensic psychologist, opens up the case files of some of her most perplexing clients to uncover what lies buried behind some of the most extreme and disturbing behaviour. for twenty-five years, kerry has worked on the frontline of violent crime, from working with the police on complex cases and acting as an expert witness in court, to advising the government on how to handle high-risk individuals. whether she is dealing with a young murderer who says he has heard voices telling him to kill, a teacher who daubs children in red paint, or an aspiring serial killer who faints at the sight of blood, kerry's quest is to delve beyond the classic question asked of her profession: 'are they mad or are they bad?' in her new book, kerry provides an unflinching, enlightening and provocative insight into the minds of her clients, shedding light on the root causes of their behaviour and challenging our notions about who, and what, is dangerous. if you enjoyed the dark side of the mind, unnatural causes and the prison doctor, you will be captivated by what lies buried. 'kerry is an absolutely brilliant storyteller. i found this book challenging my preconceptions about the criminal mind with the turn of each page.' david robson, author of the intelligence trap

Profiler roy hazelwood is the world's leading expert on the strangest and most dangerous of all aberrant offenders–the sexual criminal. in dark dreams he reveals the twisted motives and perverse thinking that go into the most reprehensible crimes. he also catalogs the innovative and remarkably effective techniques–techniques that he helped pioneer at the fbi's behavioral science unit–that allow law enforcement agents to construct psychological profiles of the offenders who comit them.hazelwood has helped track down some of the most violent and well known criminals in modern history; in dark dreams he takes readers into his world–a sinister world inhabited by scores of dangerous offenders for every roy hazelwood who would put them behind bars. these are sexual sadists, serial rapists, child molesters, and serial killers. the cases he describes are as shocking as they are perplexing; their resolutions are as fascinating as they are innovative:* a young woman disappears from the convenience store where she works. her body is later found in a field, strapped to a makeshift st. andrew's cross and mutilated beyond description. who committed this heinous crime? and why? * a teenager's corpse is found hanging in a storm sewer. his clothes are neatly folded by the entrance and a stopwatch lies in the grime beneath him. is he the victim of a bizarre, ritualistic murder . . . or an elaborate masturbatory fantasy gone awry? * a married couple, driving with their toddler in the back seat, pick up a female hitchhiker. they kidnap her and for seven years keep her in a box under their bed as a sexual slave. the wife had agreed to this inhuman arrangement in exchange for a second child. who was to blame? but as gruesome as the crimes are and as unsettling as the odds seem, hazelwood, writing with veteran journalsit stephen michaud, proves that the right amounts of determination and logic can bring even the most cunning and devious criminals to justice.dark dreams is a 2002 edgar award nominee for best fact crime.

Criminal behavior: a psychological approach, 9/e approaches the understanding of delinquent and criminal behavior from a psychological perspective—with particular focus on the developmental, cognitive-behavioral aspects of offending. viewing the juvenile and adult offender as being embedded and continually influenced by multiple systems, it highlights how psychological, social, economic, political and ecological factors all play a role in influencing individual behavior. streamlined in this edition, it offers a separate chapter on delinquency, updated examples and more on the link between psychology and specific crimes.

The secrets behind the criminal psychology is finally revealed and understood! and you can get to know them today! $9.97 only today! normally $16.99 serial killers and violent criminals have been in society for ages. why would anyone kill for the sake of it? why would someone that seemed so nice and so normal do such a terrible thing? what causes this kind of behavior? these and many more questions have flooded the minds of those that study criminal psychology for decades. if there was a way to know why they do what they do, it would be so much easier to counteract it. but now, with this book, you can get a glimpse inside the mind of a serial killer, and see why they are the way they are. just scroll up and click the "buy now with 1-click" button to get the book now! $9.97 limited time promotion!

The secrets behind the criminal psychology is finally revealed and understood! and you can get to know them today! $9.97 only today! normally $16.99 serial killers and violent criminals have been in society for ages. why would anyone kill for the sake of it? why would someone that seemed so nice and so normal do such a terrible thing? what causes this kind of behavior? these and many more questions have flooded the minds of those that study criminal psychology for decades. if there was a way to know why they do what they do, it would be so much easier to counteract it. but now, with this book, you can get a glimpse inside the mind of a serial killer, and see why they are the way they are. just scroll up and click the "buy now with 1-click" button to get the book now! $9.97 limited time promotion!

Whether you're a forensic psychology student, trained professional or a person interested in forensic psychology. this book is for you! do you want to know about criminal profiling? do you want to know the truth about fbi profiling? do you want to know what the two types of criminal profiling are? if the answer to these questions and more is yes. then you will love this book. as it explains criminal profiling in an engaging and easy to understand way. this is not a hyped-up book about the brilliance of profiling. this is a book about what are the two types of profiling and what the research says about them. of course, this is a lot more interesting than your textbooks from university! by the end of this forensic psychology book, you'll know: what are the types of criminal profiling? what fbi profiling is? how effective profiling is in the real world? what statistical and geographical profiling is? and much more… criminal profiling: a forensic and criminal psychology guide to fbi and statistical profiling contentintroduction part one: fbi profiling1.1- introduction to fbi profiling1.2- the process of fbi profiling, their methodology and the process of police investigations1.3- fbi profiling example1.4- what research says about profiling? 1.5- what do the police and psychologists think about profiling? part two: statistical and geographical profiling2.1- investigative psychology and statistical and geographical profiling2.2- geographical profiling2.3- the research base of profiling2.4- the homology issue and basic theory2.5- personality and profiling

Whether you're a forensic psychology student, trained professional or a person interested in forensic psychology. this book is for you! do you want to know about criminal profiling? do you want to know the truth about fbi profiling? do you want to know what the two types of criminal profiling are? if the answer to these questions and more is yes. then you will love this book. as it explains criminal profiling in an engaging and easy to understand way. this is not a hyped-up book about the brilliance of profiling. this is a book about what are the two types of profiling and what the research says about them. of course, this is a lot more interesting than your textbooks from university! by the end of this forensic psychology book, you'll know: what are the types of criminal profiling? what fbi profiling is? how effective profiling is in the real world? what statistical and geographical profiling is? and much more… criminal profiling: a forensic and criminal psychology guide to fbi and statistical profiling contentintroduction part one: fbi profiling1.1- introduction to fbi profiling1.2- the process of fbi profiling, their methodology and the process of police investigations1.3- fbi profiling example1.4- what research says about profiling? 1.5- what do the police and psychologists think about profiling? part two: statistical and geographical profiling2.1- investigative psychology and statistical and geographical profiling2.2- geographical profiling2.3- the research base of profiling2.4- the homology issue and basic theory2.5- personality and profiling