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The roles and responsibilities for forensic psychology researchers and program evaluators typically consist of examining prison conditions and programs and evaluating whether changes in these affect rates of incarceration, recidivism, or aspects of the prison environment. State and federal correctional systems typically employ researchers or program evaluators to consult with correctional administrators. The National Institute of Justice and other federal agencies also employ forensic psychology professionals to conduct research projects to monitor and evaluate national trends in crime and correctional systems.

State and federal prisons employ clinical forensic psychology professionals whose roles and responsibilities include assessment and treatment of the inmates’ program and mental health needs. Most U.S. prison systems estimate that roughly 10% of the prison population has significant mental illness. The need for forensic psychology professionals who are qualified to assess and treat the mentally ill in the U.S. prison systems has increased over the years as case law has dictated that certain treatments, conditions, and procedures be available to those who are incarcerated. Suicide risk also tends to be very high among the incarcerated, so clinicians are needed to conduct suicide risk assessment and management. Prison administrators often enlist the aid of forensic psychologists as consultants to improve services for mentally ill inmates and assist correctional staff with custody issues. Correctional policies for the credentials of clinicians vary from one state to another or from state to federal prison, but typically, each facility has licensed doctoral-level psychologists who supervise master’s-level mental health staff who may be licensed or unlicensed counselors. More and more correctional facilities are requiring that psychologists or counselors have a background in forensic education or experience in order to be hired.

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