Criminal behaviour is like other behaviours and is learned and motivated, and that indulgence

in criminal behaviour also depends on the biological and psychological and sociological
factors of the personality. The process of psychological evaluation and assessment of
criminal behaviour does not differ from the process of evaluating other human behaviours.
Forensic Psychology is a branch of Psychology and, therefore, it is not possible to separate
the developments in forensic psychology from the developments in the broader discipline.
Many of the psychological assessment techniques, tests and measurements used for the
assessment of offenders for forensic purposes have their origins outside the field. Their
availability to forensic psychologists is contingent on developments in academic, educational
and clinical psychology. Multiple tools of assessment are – interview, behavioural
observations, tests, and other specialised instruments.
The forensic assessment differs from traditional testing in some important ways which
include purpose, and understanding of who is being served. The major difference is that in
mental health evaluation the client is the examinee whereas in forensic evaluation specific
legal questions regarding the examinee has to be addressed in order to assist in decision
making.
Criminologists typically recognise two main approaches to measuring crime: official crime
statistics and victim surveys.
Official crime statistics are those that are gathered by law enforcement agencies and are
based on offences that are reported to, or otherwise come to the attention of, the relevant law
enforcement authorities. Official crime statistics provide important information about the
prevalence of different types of offences in society. They do, however, have some well-
recognised limitations. Importantly, because they are largely based on criminal offences
either that are reported to the police or that the police find out about through other means,
they inevitably represent only a sample of the total amount of crime in society. The reason for
this is straightforward: many offences are simply not reported to the police, and thus they
cannot find their way into official crime statistics. Criminologists use the term ‘the dark
figure of crime’ to refer to those unreported and undetected offences. To make matters more
problematic, some offences are more likely to be reported to, or detected by, the police than
are others.
A second common approach for measuring crime in society is the victim survey. Victim
surveys involve obtaining information about the experience of victimisation from a
representative sample of the population over a particular time period (usually a year).
Researchers are then able to extrapolate from the information provided in victim surveys to
estimate how much crime (or, rather, victimisation) there has been in a country as a whole
over the relevant time period. Victim surveys rely on the reporting of victimisation from the
public they are subject to the natural limitations of human memory. Moreover, some people
may be reluctant to talk about their experiences of victimisation, particularly if they involve
sexual offences
Self-report studies involve obtaining information from individuals about their experience as
offenders. Self-report studies are often employed as part of longitudinal research designs that
track individuals over time and may be particularly useful in mapping changes in offence
rates over time for the same individuals (Newburn, 2013). They are also widely used for
offences like illicit drug use, which are poorly represented in both official crime statistics and
victim surveys. Inevitably, although self-report studies can provide valuable information that
may be missed in other types of research, they are limited by the sample employed and the
willingness of individuals to disclose information about illegal activities.

Other Methods / Approaches of Crime Assessment

Crime assessment involves analyzing patterns, risks, and potential threats to understand and
mitigate criminal activities. Various methods and approaches help law enforcement agencies,
criminologists, and policymakers in crime prevention, investigation, and policy-making.
Below are some of the key methods used in crime assessment.

Crime Mapping and Spatial Analysis involve the use of Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) to identify crime hotspots and analyze spatial patterns. By visualizing crime locations
and trends, law enforcement can allocate resources effectively, enhance patrol strategies, and
prevent crimes in high-risk areas. Urban planners also use this method to design safer public
spaces by considering environmental factors that may contribute to criminal activities.

Criminal Profiling focuses on understanding the behaviors, motives, and characteristics of

offenders. By analyzing past crimes and psychological patterns, experts can predict future
actions and identify potential suspects. This approach is often used in serial crime
investigations, where behavioral analysis helps link multiple crimes and narrow down suspect
lists. Profiling is commonly applied in forensic psychology and investigative processes to
assist law enforcement in apprehending offenders.

Risk Assessment Models evaluate the likelihood of an individual committing future crimes.
These models use historical data, psychological assessments, and statistical techniques to
assess criminal tendencies. They are widely used in parole decisions, probation evaluations,
and preventive measures to determine whether an offender poses a continued threat to
society. By using risk assessment, authorities can make informed decisions about sentencing,
rehabilitation, and early release programs.

Data Analysis in crime assessment involves reviewing historical crime data, trends, and
patterns using statistical models, machine learning, or predictive analytics. By analyzing large
datasets, law enforcement can forecast potential crime occurrences and implement proactive
measures to prevent them. Predictive policing, for instance, relies on data-driven insights to
anticipate criminal activities and enhance security strategies in vulnerable areas.

Victimology is the study of victims’ profiles, experiences, and vulnerabilities to understand

criminal motives and patterns. This approach helps law enforcement agencies and researchers
identify high-risk groups and develop strategies for crime prevention. Understanding victim
characteristics, such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, and location, provides valuable
insights into how and why certain individuals or groups become targets of crime.

Environmental Criminology examines how physical and social environments influence

criminal activity. Factors such as urban design, street lighting, surveillance cameras, and
neighborhood conditions can impact crime rates. By analyzing these elements, policymakers
and law enforcement can create strategies to reduce criminal opportunities, such as improving
public lighting, increasing police presence, and modifying the design of urban spaces to deter
potential offenders.
Community-Based Surveys involve gathering information directly from residents to
understand their perceptions of safety, crime trends, and unreported crimes. These surveys
help authorities identify concerns that may not be reflected in official crime reports, such as
fear of crime, social unrest, or emerging criminal activities. Engaging communities in crime
assessment fosters trust between law enforcement and the public, leading to more effective
crime prevention efforts.

Social Network Analysis tracks connections between individuals to uncover criminal

networks, organized crime groups, and gang affiliations. By mapping relationships and
communication patterns, law enforcement agencies can identify key players in criminal
organizations and disrupt illegal activities. This approach is particularly useful in tackling
drug trafficking, human smuggling, and cybercrime, where networks operate across different
regions or online platforms.

By employing these crime assessment methods, law enforcement and policymakers can make
informed decisions, enhance security strategies, and reduce crime rates effectively.
Understanding crime from multiple perspectives enables better prevention, intervention, and
justice system improvements.