This is an invited post by Dr Majeed Khader. Dr Khader is Chief Psychologist at the Singapore Police Force and Director of the Home Team Behavioural Sciences Centre, Home Team Academy. He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at NTU where he teaches criminal and forensic psychology. Please direct all your questions to majkhader@gmail.com or Khader_Majeed@spf.gov.sg. Thanks!
When I tell those I meet that I work as a police psychologist and have been trained in forensic psychology, most ask me if I am a criminal profiler!
Much as I would relish the notion of making my job sexier; this is not the whole truth!
What is forensic psychology then, if it is not just about criminal profiling as popularly made out in the media? Because the word ‘forensic’ comes from the Latin ‘forensis’, meaning ‘of the forum’; where the courts of ancient Rome were held; ‘forensic psychology’ is about the intersection between psychology and the criminal justice, civil justice and legal systems.
In Singapore, most of us work in the Singapore Police Force, The Singapore Prisons Service, the Home Team Behavioural Sciences Centre, and the Ministry of Social and Family Development. A smaller number of forensic psychologists work at the Institute of Mental Health working with forensic psychiatrists. Most forensic psychologists work in public sector settings but there is a sprinkling of forensic psychologists who work in the private sector, mainly undertaking forensic assessments for lawyers.
What is it they do?
The areas of practice in forensic and criminal psychology are:
• Police psychology – police psychologists work in three main areas: 1) applying psychology to enhance police Organisations (e.g. pre-employment screening tests for new police officers, police leadership assessment and development, assessing the organisational climate of police commands), 2) enhancing police Operations (e.g. working in hostage negotiation teams, detection of deception, developing criminal and terrorist profiles for investigation and crime prevention, morale assessment, handling victims of crimes), and finally 3) providing services for police Officers (e.g. peer counselling training, counselling programs for police and civilian staff, and life skills building). We call this the 3 O’s of police psychology. To find out more about police psychology, try this url: http://psychweb.cisat.jmu.edu/spcp. Also look up http://www.apa.org/careers/resources/profiles/hibler.aspx.
• Studies on the criminal behaviour & delinquency – these may be practitioners and academics who study criminological psychology, evaluate violence prevention programs, provide policy advice to legislators, help school officials identify troubled and dangerous youth, and conduct research on psychopathy.
• Legal and Court Room psychology – Forensic psychologists sometimes work in partnership with lawyers to develop forensic reports and sometimes they work as ‘friends of the court’ to assist the court in answering legal questions which may have a psychological or behavioural angle. Legal and courtroom psychology involves issues such as child custody evaluations, child abuse evaluations, pre-sentencing evaluations, witness preparation, evaluating a defendant's competency or sanity, research on decision making in the courts, and advice on the reliability of eyewitness testimony and confessions.
A sub field of Legal Psychology is ‘Litigation psychology’ and this involves witness preparation, trail research, courtroom decision-making, and persuasion strategy, in relation to the courts cases and trail consultancy. Check out for more information on the American Psychology and Law Society. There is also a European society. In Singapore, there is a multidisciplinary team of counsellors and psychologists who do some aspects of this work.
• Correctional and rehabilitation psychology. Most correctional/prisons psychologists undertake inmate classifications, the assessment of ‘criminogenic’ needs, rehabilitation, implementing of treatment programmes, modifying offender behaviour; responding to the changing needs of staff and prisoners; reducing stress for staff and prisoners; and they may advise parole boards and mental health tribunals. For more information, check out http://www.aa4cfp.org.
• Civil law applications. In the arena of civil law, forensic psychologists are usually involved in assisting with personal injury suits, sexual harassment cases, child custody disputes, and workers’ compensation cases.
If you would like to find out more about the field of forensic psychology look up the BPS’s Forensic Psychology website.
What type of degree do forensic psychologists need?
Historically, forensic psychologists have been trained in clinical, clinical-forensic, social, organizational psychology or criminology at postgraduate level. Ideally, however those planning to work in forensic and legal settings should be trained formally at postgraduate level in the field of forensic psychology. You would generally need a Second Upper Honours degree and a Masters in Forensic Psychology.
If you don't have a forensic psychology degree, this doesn't not mean you can’t work in policing or correctional settings. In some organisations, you may be considered for employment even if you didn't have a master’s degree in forensic psychology, as employers can be interested in employing psychologists with a Masters in Occupational, Clinical or Health Psychology. For example, the police employ Occupational Psychologists to undertake leadership assessments of police senior managers and personnel selection amongst other things. Prisons departments also employ clinical psychologists and counsellors and the administration of treatment programs.
What is typically covered in a forensic psychology course?
Most forensic psychology/criminal psychology degrees teach courses on criminology, legal systems, how the courts operate, criminal behavior, mental illness within the legal contexts, how to prepare reports for court purposes and how to be an expert witness. Therefore, psychology courses (e.g. clinical, occupational or education psychology) that do not cover these are lacking in coverage and cannot really be called true-blue forensic psychology courses.
What are some good courses I might consider?
I can’t recommend a specific program for all needs, and it depends on what you want (for example, whether you want a policing focus, or a correctional and rehabilitation focus, an investigation focus or a crime profiling focus). Generally, to become a forensic psychologist, you need a minimum of 4 years of first-degree education (equivalent of Second Upper Honours) plus 1 or 2 years Masters degree specialising in Forensic Psychology/Crime Psychology (make sure your degree is accredited by the professional society). A PhD or PsychD is always ideal in the long run, but since it takes such a long time to get one, I would encourage most Singaporean students to take things one step at a time.
Here are some reputable programs, but these are not exhaustive in any way and it is always good to find out more yourself.
In the USA,
• Castleton State College,
• The University of Denver,
• John Jay College of Criminal Justice (New York)
• Marymount University.
• The University of Arizona,
• The University of Nebraska,
• Sam Houston State University, and
• Simon Fraser University
• Alliant International University - California School of Forensic Studies
Many U.K. universities offer one or two-year postgraduate courses in Forensic Psychology but some of the more established ones are
• The University of Birmingham,
• University of Leicester,
• University of Portsmouth and
• University of Liverpool.
Not all of these programs have the same focus within forensic psychology with some emphasising correctional psychology, others emphasising police and investigative psychology and others emphasising forensic-clinical course work. Also, in my personal opinion, the course is only as good as the teaching and research faculty in it; so find out more about the experience and publication record, reputation of the professors teaching there, whether it offers you an internship, whether it is accredited etc.
Several universities in Australia also offer masters or doctoral level postgraduate programs in forensic psychology including:
• The University of Melbourne,
• Monash University,
• University of New South Wales, and
• University of South Australia.
In Singapore, forensic and criminal psychology courses are offered at:
• NUS (Forensic Clinical Psychology Module and Correctional Psychology Module)
• NTU (Forensic Psychology of Crime and Disasters Module)
2 main branches of FP practice experiences in Singapore.
I think that in Singapore, there are 2 main types of forensic psychology: ‘forensic-law enforcement psychology practice’ type (FLEP) and the ‘forensic-clinical practice’ type (FCP).
Those keen on FLEP should speak to those working in police psychology, narcotics psychology and with the HTBSC. The nature of their work may entail crime prevention, criminal profiling, working with police and law enforcement, hostage negotiations, morale assessment, police leadership development, psychological inventions for intelligence operations, detection of deception, victim support etc.
Those keen on FCP should approach the MSF’s CPFP, the Courts psychology branch and the IMH branch. The nature of work tends to have a more clinical slant and covers areas such as risk assessment, rehabilitation, child abuse, domestic violence, family conferences, and interventions for juvenile offenders, therapy and treatment of offenders.
In North America and Europe, there is a third branch, which is developed and that is the forensic and criminal psychology academic research. This third area is underdeveloped in Singapore and forensic/criminal psychology research is limited.
Internship opportunities in Singapore.
Those interested should write in to departments for an internship stint or temporary contract employment to see if they are suited for this field. Some of these departments offer an allowance of some sort and some charge for internship experiences! If you are really keen on getting this experience but find it hard to do so, you should offer to complete an internship without internship allowances (if you can afford this!), since internship opportunities are hard to come by and budgets are limited (however do go in with your eyes open as internships can be a lot of hard work!). The main benefit of this experience and exposure is that you will know after the internship whether FP is something you want to do for the next 20-30 years of your life! Given the challenging nature of nature in the forensic world, it is not everyone’s cup of tea.
Just another word of advice to students: ask around and talk to practitioners if you can. But a word of caution. I tend to get the occasional email with enquiries about FP, and some contain as many as 15 questions! This doesn't create a good impression, since it suggests that little thought has been put into the questions. Think carefully about what you want to ask and limit your questioning to 3-4 questions when you email busy practitioners.
Forensic psychology is a great field to be in! Drop me an email if you have enquiries but don't expect an instant reply. Being a forensic psychologist keeps me real busy!
Good luck!
Dr M.
majkhader@gmail.com
When I tell those I meet that I work as a police psychologist and have been trained in forensic psychology, most ask me if I am a criminal profiler!
Much as I would relish the notion of making my job sexier; this is not the whole truth!
What is forensic psychology then, if it is not just about criminal profiling as popularly made out in the media? Because the word ‘forensic’ comes from the Latin ‘forensis’, meaning ‘of the forum’; where the courts of ancient Rome were held; ‘forensic psychology’ is about the intersection between psychology and the criminal justice, civil justice and legal systems.
In Singapore, most of us work in the Singapore Police Force, The Singapore Prisons Service, the Home Team Behavioural Sciences Centre, and the Ministry of Social and Family Development. A smaller number of forensic psychologists work at the Institute of Mental Health working with forensic psychiatrists. Most forensic psychologists work in public sector settings but there is a sprinkling of forensic psychologists who work in the private sector, mainly undertaking forensic assessments for lawyers.
What is it they do?
The areas of practice in forensic and criminal psychology are:
• Police psychology – police psychologists work in three main areas: 1) applying psychology to enhance police Organisations (e.g. pre-employment screening tests for new police officers, police leadership assessment and development, assessing the organisational climate of police commands), 2) enhancing police Operations (e.g. working in hostage negotiation teams, detection of deception, developing criminal and terrorist profiles for investigation and crime prevention, morale assessment, handling victims of crimes), and finally 3) providing services for police Officers (e.g. peer counselling training, counselling programs for police and civilian staff, and life skills building). We call this the 3 O’s of police psychology. To find out more about police psychology, try this url: http://psychweb.cisat.jmu.edu/spcp. Also look up http://www.apa.org/careers/resources/profiles/hibler.aspx.
• Studies on the criminal behaviour & delinquency – these may be practitioners and academics who study criminological psychology, evaluate violence prevention programs, provide policy advice to legislators, help school officials identify troubled and dangerous youth, and conduct research on psychopathy.
• Legal and Court Room psychology – Forensic psychologists sometimes work in partnership with lawyers to develop forensic reports and sometimes they work as ‘friends of the court’ to assist the court in answering legal questions which may have a psychological or behavioural angle. Legal and courtroom psychology involves issues such as child custody evaluations, child abuse evaluations, pre-sentencing evaluations, witness preparation, evaluating a defendant's competency or sanity, research on decision making in the courts, and advice on the reliability of eyewitness testimony and confessions.
A sub field of Legal Psychology is ‘Litigation psychology’ and this involves witness preparation, trail research, courtroom decision-making, and persuasion strategy, in relation to the courts cases and trail consultancy. Check out for more information on the American Psychology and Law Society. There is also a European society. In Singapore, there is a multidisciplinary team of counsellors and psychologists who do some aspects of this work.
• Correctional and rehabilitation psychology. Most correctional/prisons psychologists undertake inmate classifications, the assessment of ‘criminogenic’ needs, rehabilitation, implementing of treatment programmes, modifying offender behaviour; responding to the changing needs of staff and prisoners; reducing stress for staff and prisoners; and they may advise parole boards and mental health tribunals. For more information, check out http://www.aa4cfp.org.
• Civil law applications. In the arena of civil law, forensic psychologists are usually involved in assisting with personal injury suits, sexual harassment cases, child custody disputes, and workers’ compensation cases.
If you would like to find out more about the field of forensic psychology look up the BPS’s Forensic Psychology website.
What type of degree do forensic psychologists need?
Historically, forensic psychologists have been trained in clinical, clinical-forensic, social, organizational psychology or criminology at postgraduate level. Ideally, however those planning to work in forensic and legal settings should be trained formally at postgraduate level in the field of forensic psychology. You would generally need a Second Upper Honours degree and a Masters in Forensic Psychology.
If you don't have a forensic psychology degree, this doesn't not mean you can’t work in policing or correctional settings. In some organisations, you may be considered for employment even if you didn't have a master’s degree in forensic psychology, as employers can be interested in employing psychologists with a Masters in Occupational, Clinical or Health Psychology. For example, the police employ Occupational Psychologists to undertake leadership assessments of police senior managers and personnel selection amongst other things. Prisons departments also employ clinical psychologists and counsellors and the administration of treatment programs.
What is typically covered in a forensic psychology course?
Most forensic psychology/criminal psychology degrees teach courses on criminology, legal systems, how the courts operate, criminal behavior, mental illness within the legal contexts, how to prepare reports for court purposes and how to be an expert witness. Therefore, psychology courses (e.g. clinical, occupational or education psychology) that do not cover these are lacking in coverage and cannot really be called true-blue forensic psychology courses.
What are some good courses I might consider?
I can’t recommend a specific program for all needs, and it depends on what you want (for example, whether you want a policing focus, or a correctional and rehabilitation focus, an investigation focus or a crime profiling focus). Generally, to become a forensic psychologist, you need a minimum of 4 years of first-degree education (equivalent of Second Upper Honours) plus 1 or 2 years Masters degree specialising in Forensic Psychology/Crime Psychology (make sure your degree is accredited by the professional society). A PhD or PsychD is always ideal in the long run, but since it takes such a long time to get one, I would encourage most Singaporean students to take things one step at a time.
Here are some reputable programs, but these are not exhaustive in any way and it is always good to find out more yourself.
In the USA,
• Castleton State College,
• The University of Denver,
• John Jay College of Criminal Justice (New York)
• Marymount University.
• The University of Arizona,
• The University of Nebraska,
• Sam Houston State University, and
• Simon Fraser University
• Alliant International University - California School of Forensic Studies
Many U.K. universities offer one or two-year postgraduate courses in Forensic Psychology but some of the more established ones are
• The University of Birmingham,
• University of Leicester,
• University of Portsmouth and
• University of Liverpool.
Not all of these programs have the same focus within forensic psychology with some emphasising correctional psychology, others emphasising police and investigative psychology and others emphasising forensic-clinical course work. Also, in my personal opinion, the course is only as good as the teaching and research faculty in it; so find out more about the experience and publication record, reputation of the professors teaching there, whether it offers you an internship, whether it is accredited etc.
Several universities in Australia also offer masters or doctoral level postgraduate programs in forensic psychology including:
• The University of Melbourne,
• Monash University,
• University of New South Wales, and
• University of South Australia.
In Singapore, forensic and criminal psychology courses are offered at:
• NUS (Forensic Clinical Psychology Module and Correctional Psychology Module)
• NTU (Forensic Psychology of Crime and Disasters Module)
2 main branches of FP practice experiences in Singapore.
I think that in Singapore, there are 2 main types of forensic psychology: ‘forensic-law enforcement psychology practice’ type (FLEP) and the ‘forensic-clinical practice’ type (FCP).
Those keen on FLEP should speak to those working in police psychology, narcotics psychology and with the HTBSC. The nature of their work may entail crime prevention, criminal profiling, working with police and law enforcement, hostage negotiations, morale assessment, police leadership development, psychological inventions for intelligence operations, detection of deception, victim support etc.
Those keen on FCP should approach the MSF’s CPFP, the Courts psychology branch and the IMH branch. The nature of work tends to have a more clinical slant and covers areas such as risk assessment, rehabilitation, child abuse, domestic violence, family conferences, and interventions for juvenile offenders, therapy and treatment of offenders.
In North America and Europe, there is a third branch, which is developed and that is the forensic and criminal psychology academic research. This third area is underdeveloped in Singapore and forensic/criminal psychology research is limited.
Internship opportunities in Singapore.
Those interested should write in to departments for an internship stint or temporary contract employment to see if they are suited for this field. Some of these departments offer an allowance of some sort and some charge for internship experiences! If you are really keen on getting this experience but find it hard to do so, you should offer to complete an internship without internship allowances (if you can afford this!), since internship opportunities are hard to come by and budgets are limited (however do go in with your eyes open as internships can be a lot of hard work!). The main benefit of this experience and exposure is that you will know after the internship whether FP is something you want to do for the next 20-30 years of your life! Given the challenging nature of nature in the forensic world, it is not everyone’s cup of tea.
Just another word of advice to students: ask around and talk to practitioners if you can. But a word of caution. I tend to get the occasional email with enquiries about FP, and some contain as many as 15 questions! This doesn't create a good impression, since it suggests that little thought has been put into the questions. Think carefully about what you want to ask and limit your questioning to 3-4 questions when you email busy practitioners.
Forensic psychology is a great field to be in! Drop me an email if you have enquiries but don't expect an instant reply. Being a forensic psychologist keeps me real busy!
Good luck!
Dr M.
majkhader@gmail.com
It is very interesting to know about the criminals and their psychology. Sometimes it because quite interesting while facing such cases. Really! great blog....Psychology Counselling
ReplyDeleteHi, I would like to ask regarding criminal psychology, any university at Singapore provide this course? Thanks
ReplyDeleteSingapore institute of Technology B.A Criminology if I'm not wrong.
DeleteIf you are considering forensic psychology, the only course in Singapore is the Specialist Diploma in Forensic Psychology by Arium School. See: https://www.cpe.gov.sg/cos/o.x?c=/cpe/peis&func=courses&ptid=401&kw=forensic%20psych
DeleteThere is no local universities in Singapore offering Masters in Forensic Psychology. Please note that you will need a Masters degree to practise as a psychologist.
Hi, I would like to ask, if I'm intending to be a police officer, what course is recommended? Like is a psychology degree sufficient or is there a need to specialise in forensic psychology or criminology degree?
ReplyDeleteAccording tohttp://morethanjustajob.spf.sg/index.php/faq, you need the below to apply as a police officer:
DeleteSingaporean or Singapore PR
A Pass Degree in any discipline
Completion of Full-Time National Service (for male Singaporeans) and PES A or B
Normal Colour Vision
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHi, I am currently an international students in sec 4. My goal is to become a psychologist focusing more on the crime-related area. (i.e Criminal profiling and a professional who is able to work alongside with the police force in an event of crime.) My current plan is to get into a psychology course first, where I can study psychology in general and then branch into a more detailed course in the area of psychology I am interested in. I would also consider to opt for full-time NS in order to get my PR status. I would like to ask for some advice on my path and suggestions on what is a more suitable for me to achieve my goal. With many thanks.
ReplyDeleteI would refer you to have a read of this previous post: http://sgpsychstuff.blogspot.sg/2014/04/pathway-for-singapore-psych-education.html
DeleteHI,I am a international student from INDIA,can you guide me regarding admission in P.Hd from singapore in the forensic psychology field.I have already done my M.phil in forensic psychology from INDIA it self.Now i want to pursue P.hd in the same fields.
ReplyDeleteyour guidance will be very helpful for me.
regards
Hi There is no postgraduate programs in forensic psychology in Singapore.
DeleteHi, thanks for the post :) would like to ask, is a BA (hons) necessary, or is getting a normal BA and a Masters in Forensic Psychology sufficient? ie how stringent are the job requirements, especially jobs in the civil service (eg. Singapore Police, Prison Service) Thanks!
ReplyDeletePlease see: https://www.police.gov.sg/join-us/civilian-officer/home-team-specialist-scheme
DeleteHi, I am currently a Secondary 2 student. I am wondering about which course I should take up and which school I should go to after my O Levels. I want to join SPF as a CID investigator in the future. Could someone guide me? Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeletePlease see: https://www.police.gov.sg/join-us/civilian-officer/home-team-specialist-scheme
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi I'm a JC2 student that just graduated and is searching for possible ways of getting into an university course regarding forensic and criminal psychology. Can i ask whats the normal path to take?
ReplyDeletePlease view: https://sgpsychstuff.blogspot.sg/2014/04/pathway-for-singapore-psych-education.html
DeleteHi there, thank you for this informative post. I am truly passionate about taking on this as a career however, I am only a Secondary Three student and I am wondering if internships would be offered if I were to try for it next year, when I am in Secondary 4. From what you have said as well what I have read up on about this job, it can be quite stressful and I am still a bit unsure as to whether this is really the course I would want to pursue, despite my passion. I believe a internship would prove useful in helping me decide but I am worried if I am considered 'too young' for it. I do hope you would be able to advise me on this matter, thank you very much!
ReplyDeleteHi Hazel
DeleteAn internship in the field is usually open for psychology undergraduates.
Hi there, I am Malaysian student who is about to finish her Degree in Psychology from HELP University. I am interested in getting a Masters in Forensic Psychology, preferably from any university in Singapore. Could anyone please help with a few suggestions, as to where I may apply to?
ReplyDeleteHi there is no university in Singapore that offers a Masters in Forensic Psychology. The recommended universities and programs are mentioned in this above post.
DeleteIs there a national board exam a psychologist has to take to work in singapore? I have 6 years experience in the jail setting in the US with my masters in psychology and doctoral candidacy, and 12 years working with the seriously mentally ill.
ReplyDeleteThere is no national board examination for psychologists in Singapore. You can find out about registration in Singapore here: https://singaporepsychologicalsociety.org/singapore-register-of-psychologists/
DeleteHi there, thank you so much for such a wonderful information. I've completed my NS in Spf. Due to the experiences I've acquired in Spf. I want to sign on in the near future. Im currently waiting to pursue diploma and will be Pursuing degree after completion of Dip. I'm thinking of pursuing a dip in relation to police studies and also to pursue a degree in criminology in future. Would you able to guide on what course should I choose in Diploma? As currently I'm pretty puzzled. Thank you so much
ReplyDeleteI am unfamiliar with the diploma related to police studies in Singapore. However if you wish to pursue a diploma in psychology, there are the diplomas available in the local polytechnics or you can look at the list here: https://sgpsychstuff.blogspot.com/2016/01/diploma-specialisation-2016.html.
DeleteDo note that the list may not be updated as it was compiled two years ago.
Hi thank you so much for your swift response. I'm thinking of pursuing a Diploma in Psychology and subsequently pursue a Degree in Criminology. I need your advice on this, would you advice someone who aspire to be a Police officer to pursue a Diploma in Psychology field?. Because i thought that pursuing Psychology will be more helpful in terms of profiling and assessing behaviours. Thank you.
DeleteHi I think there is no specific diploma you need to get into the police force as a police officer.
DeleteHi, as a student about to enter jc, I was wondering if there was any prerequisites to study criminal psychology at a university level such as subjects required and whether they are required at H1 or H2. Also, if I want to pursue to more investigative side of criminal psychology, which course would you recommend? Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi first you will need to get into a psychology degree and then specialise in a masters of forensic psychology.
DeleteThere is no pre-requisites at a JC level.
Hi, I am a year 1 student in JCU studying psychology. I would like to know where can i find internship opportunities pertaining to criminal profiling or criminal psychology. This would be of great help. Thank You. :)
ReplyDeleteYou may want to seek internship in MHA or HTBSC?
Delete