Forensic Psychology Department

Forensic psychology is a little known discipline within psychology. Its object of study is the links between behaviour and the legal/judicial framework.

Forensic psychology is defined as the scientific study of criminal phenomena. It aims at applying scientific and clinical techniques to the legal (judicial) field. It is interested in deviant and violent behaviour, the study of dangerousness and its prediction, forensic expertise (i.e. psychological examination in the judicial context), the relationship between mental disorders and violence, physical, psychological and sexual abuse, etc.

What professional perspectives?

In the context of their clinical practice, forensic psychologists work in various sectors (non-exhaustive list):

With delinquent populations

• In prisons ;
• In a secure psychiatric hospital (HPS) ;
• in mobile teams;
• in specialised health teams
• in reference centres;
• in Public Youth Protection Institutions (IPPJ);

With populations with violent behaviour

• In psychiatric hospitals/institutions,

With people who are victims of violence:

• In a Police Victim Assistance Service,
• in a victim care centre.

In the context of legal proceedings, the forensic psychologist may also have an expert role (evaluative skills).

The forensic psychologist may also work in scientific research (universities, research centres or reference centres).