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    Criminal Psychology + Investigations

    Analyze the evidence as you take on the role of a criminal investigator, and uncover the fascinating field of criminal psychology by analyzing both notorious fictional villains and real criminal cases.

    About this Workshop

    Campus: Sarah Lawrence College | Rising Grades: 8,9

    Solving high-profile crimes involves the combined effort of law enforcement, the science and medical communities, and those impacted by criminal activity. Start your field training by considering the relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. Then you’ll investigate a crime scene, observing and documenting evidence, and exploring how investigators use technology in their efforts to solve crime. Delve into the motives and psychology of criminals, developing behavioral profiles of possible suspects and considering how psychology plays a role in criminal trials. Interrogate suspects to gain useful information that will get you closer to the truth and a warrant to make an arrest. Solid evidence, sharp deduction skills, effective interview techniques, and a keen eye come together to ensure justice is served.

    Highlights

    Evidence Collection
    Collect and record evidence from a mock crime scene. Use official documentation procedures to properly prepare evidence for later stages of the investigation.

    Forensic Analysis + Suspect Interrogation
    Analyze fingerprints, blood types, hair and soil samples, and more, comparing samples against similar prints to identify a probable suspect.  Use those samples to inform your approach, as you practice real interrogation techniques.

    Psychopathy + Criminal Behavior
    Reference the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) to assess how real ailments impact criminal behavior.

    Psychological Profiling
    Use protocols developed by the FBI to profile potential suspects from a cohort of fictional villains. Then, combine these profiles with evidence to create a list of your most wanted criminals.