Psychology and Crime explores the role of psychological theories and methods in understanding and managing criminal behaviour. This essential text provides an in-depth analysis of how psychological findings apply to serious crimes including arson, violent crime, and sexual offences.

The book examines the practical application of psychology within the criminal justice system, covering its application to the work of the police, courts, probation and prison services. It considers evidence-based crime reduction strategies and demonstrates how psychological insights inform contemporary approaches to criminal behaviour management.

Psychology and Crime is an introduction to the field for undergraduate and postgraduate students in psychology, criminology, sociology and related disciplines. It also provides a resource for professional training courses and is crucial reading for anyone planning a career in the criminal justice system.

Table of Contents

1 Psychology and Crime

2 Crime: The Basics

3 Psychological Theories Applied to Crime

4 The Development of Criminal Behaviour

5 Psychological Approaches to Understanding Serious Crime I: Arson

6 Psychological Approaches to Understanding Serious Crime II: Violent and Sexual Crime

7 Mental Disorder and Crime

8 Crime Investigation and Evidence

9 Psychology in the Courtroom

10 Reducing Crime: Punishment

11 Reducing Crime: Treatment

12 Crime Reduction: Prevention

13 Evidence and Practice

About the Authors

Clive R. Hollin is Emeritus Professor of Criminological Psychology at The University of Leicester, UK. His particular concern is with the study of violent behaviour as seen in his books The Psychology of Interpersonal Violence and Reducing Interpersonal Violence: A Psychological Perspective. Alongside university appointments at the universities of East London, Birmingham and Leicester, he has worked as a psychologist in prisons, the Youth Treatment Service, special hospitals, and regional secure units. In 1998 he received a Distinguished Contribution Award from The British Psychological Society.He has more recently written about applying psychology to human-animal relationships and to gardening.

Dr. Ruth M. Hatcher is Associate Professor in Forensic Psychology at the University of Leicester, UK, a Chartered Forensic Psychologist, and a Health and Care Professions Council Registered Psychologist. Ruth’s research is concerned with rehabilitation and health within secure and community contexts, with particular attention on the evaluation of criminal justice policies with respect to responsivity and engagement, and outcomes such as reconviction, wellbeing and reintegration. Her research aims to inform effective responses within the criminal justice system. Alongside her research, she teaches on undergraduate and postgraduate psychology courses and supervises PhD students conducting research within secure settings.