Challenging Bias in Forensic Psychological Assessment and Testing: Theoretical and Practical Approaches to Working With Diverse Populations

Challenging Bias in Forensic Psychological Assessment and Testing is a groundbreaking work that addresses the biases and inequalities within the field of forensic psychology. It gives valuable insights into individual practices and wider criminal justice approaches at an international level, while providing tangible solutions to tackle the disparities.

This book constructively critiques current forensic practice and psychological assessment approaches through a variety of diverse voices from pioneering researchers around the world who offer their expertise on these challenges and assist the reader to consider their potential contribution to pushing forward the frontiers of Forensic Psychology. The authors also locate the origin of these biases in order to further dismantle them, and improve the outcomes for the forensic client base – especially specific diverse populations. They emphasise the need to be creative and evolve not just in line with the real-world changes of today, but also to prevent the issues of tomorrow before they become the next news headline.

This is a must read for professionals working in criminal justice, forensic psychology, legal psychology, and related fields. It is also a compelling resource for students and researchers of forensic psychology with particular interest in social diversity and inclusion.

Glenda C. Liell is a Forensic Psychologist with 24 years’ experience in roles across criminal justice including high security prisons, regional psychology, headquarters, and probation. She is the current Chair of the BPS Committee on Test Standards and has represented the Division of Forensic Psychology on other BPS Committees. She has also guest lectured at various universities.

Martin J. Fisher is a Forensic Psychologist and has worked in the criminal justice field for over 33 years in England and Wales. He has honorary appointments within NHS Secure Services and Academia. He is also a past Chair of the BPS Committee on Test Standards, past member of the BPS Ethics Committee, and a member of the BPS Research Board.

Lawrence F. Jones, a Consultant Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, is the head of the psychology services at Rampton high secure hospital. He is an honorary clinical associate professor at Nottingham University and is a former chair of the Division of Forensic psychology. He has authored work on trauma, case formulation, and pragmatic risk assessment.