INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE USE OF FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS IN STUDYING THE MOTIVATIONAL STRUCTURE OF CRIMINALS: IMPORTANCE FOR COOPERATION BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

Abstract

Currently, no unified array of globally applicable standards for forensic psychological tests exist, in particular aimed at evaluation of criminal motivations, which determines the necessity for harmonization. International and national-scale professional organizations are making evident efforts in this domain, but still major obstacles exist due to disparities in legal systems, cultural contexts, and evaluation techniques. The research examines international standards directing forensic psychological assessment to reveal criminals’ motivation and investigates expert systems that are applied inside law enforcement organizations and court institutions. Comparative method and integrative review were employed to understand how international approaches merge with nation-states' expert practices. The authors presented evidence on the detrimental effect of ‘scattered’ standards in forensic psychological assessment demonstrated that forensic psychological examination procedures which follow international standards produce more reliable evidence and contribute to the improvement of international legal system cooperation. Ultimately, it has been demonstrated that a balance between mental health knowledge and legal integrity is necessary for the successful application of psychological testing in international justice. This balance can only be reached by openness, moral consistency, and interdisciplinary collaboration, guaranteeing that mental health knowledge positively advances justice, accountability, and human dignity. The research results contribute to further development of international protocols for expert collaboration in forensic psychological assessment, as well as improving appropriate experts’ professional training and establishing evidence-based standards for criminal justice functioning.