Presents a comprehensive overview of an increasingly in-demand psychological specialty. Designed to be strong in research and case studies yet relatively compact, books in the Essentials of Psychology and Health series provide a comprehensive introduction to a subfield in one of the disciplines. In this book, Jacqueline Helfgott, professor and director at the Settle University Department of Criminal Justice, is joined by doctoral candidate Beck M. Strah to present an understanding of criminal psychology. The text first addresses history, perspectives, and theories of the field, and then explains practices, procedures, outcomes, core obstacles, and controversies. Case studies illustrate criminal psychology in practice. Classic as well as new and emerging research is included. A final section focuses on advances on the horizon and future needs for the field. The back matter includes a glossary of criminal psychology terms, resource list, and bibliography. Sidebars spotlight facts specific to chapter topicsCase studies illustrate conceptsA glossary presents key terms in the fieldA resource list provides descriptions and contact information for related organizations and agencies