Challenging Bias in Forensic Psychological Assessment and Testing

Given recent powerful reminders that bias is very much alive and well in many areas of life, it is maybe surprising that this volume is the first to address this matter in forensic psychology. It does so exceptionally well and courageously with broad coverage of issues, in-depth and cutting edge analysis of theory as well as addressing practical considerations. Let's hope other professions will follow, after all not doing so can have disastrous consequences for those in our care. - Prof. Dr. med. Birgit Voellm PhD MRCPsych DiplForPsych, Medical director, hospital for forensic psychiatry, Chair, University medicine Rostock, Germany Concern about bias and discrimination in all their guises is a salient feature of public discourse. This timely and much-needed volume examines meticulously and frankly the diverse biases that can permeate forensic services and research. More importantly, it offers thoughtful and innovative suggestions for change making it essential reading for professionals and students seeking an impartial system. - John Livesley, Professor emeritus, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, UK While the influence of forensic psychology in prisons has grown in recent decades, there has been little critical analysis of its assumptions, biases and limitations from practitioners themselves. This volume is therefore a really significant contribution both to professional practice and to the wider discipline, setting out through a hugely impressive range of chapters how things are done and how they might be done better. - Ben Crewe, Professor of Penology and Criminal Justice and Deputy Director of the Prisons Research Centre. University of Cambridge, UK The editors have brought together a much-needed volume that encourages forensic practitioners to challenge and transform current practice, from reformulating theories that underpin offending behaviour, through to the assessment, diagnosis, and intervention, all within the prism of unconscious bias and cultural diversity. This volume can be seen as an awakening moment in forensic psychology practice and will be essential reading for those working in a wide variety of forensic contexts. - Prof. Leam A Craig, FPP Ltd; University of Birmingham; Birmingham City University; University of Lincoln, UK This is a timely and an original volume. Risk assessment can be dangerous if it is applied thoughtlessly. This volume not only identifies biases in the assessment of risk, but importantly, it offers solutions. It provides clear and coherent advice about providing the best possible care to users of forensic services. This is fundamental for ethical practice given the diversity of those who use such services. - David J Cooke, Clinical and Forensic Psychologist