As my professor Dr. Randy Oberhoff (Forensic Psychology 6101, 2013) said… “It's not as if there are some founding fathers of Forensic Psychology”. My choice of specialty would be in corrections oriented toward involuntary conferment of the mentally ill; this is because I have worked in this field for the last decade; Dr. Oberhoff centres his field of interest in malingering, deception, recidivism, psychopathy, and rehab for criminals. Theorists that contribute to Dr. Oberhoff area of interests are scholars such as Robert Hare (psychopathy); Rick Rogers (Malingering/deception); and Richard Rogers etc. Our evolving world, multicultrism, poverty, and the highest incarceration rate in the globe- the field forensic psychology is still considered at its early stages. (Bartol and Bartol, 2012) My two personal favourite theorists are Dr. Roger Hare, and Dr. Lorna Rhodes. There are many reasons as to why I chose these two theorists as my favorite for their efforts and contribute in to the field forensic psychology, and correctional services. It was noted by Dr. Gibbons and Dr. Katzenbach (2011)… “What happens inside jails and prisons does not stay inside jails and prisons” (Gibbons and Katzenbach, 2011, p.36). Being surrounded by negativity, fear, anxiety, rumors, hostility, and threat of physical violence have a profound effect on both the staff and offenders in a correctional facility. Dr. Gibbons and Dr. Katzenbach(2011) further state “when people lived and worked in facilities that are unsafe, unhealthy, unproductive, or inhumane, they carry the effects home with them”( Gibbons and Katzenbach, 2011,p.36). United States has one of the largest and highest incarceration rate-approximately 2.2 million individuals, with expenditure of $60 billion annually on correctional services. (Gibbons and Katzenbach, 2011)
Mash (2013) notes contribution to the field of forensic psychology ranges from diverse academic backgrounds such as… “Philosophy, systems, offender management, forensic report writing, treatment aimed at reducing recidivism, and outcome research” (Bartol, 2012, p.450). For the purpose of this paper-this writer was hard-pressed to find, and identify two theorists - that devoted their time entirely to the field of correctional services and forensic psychology. While completing my Masters-I read a book called “Total Confinement: Madness and Reason in the Maximum Security Prison” (2004) by Dr. Lorna Rhodes. Her study explores, examines, and recognizes what life is like inside confined walls of solitary units inside prisons. On the university website promoting her book- the scope of life inside isolation depicts:
“the challenges faced by prisoners and prison staff, describing what she calls “daily assertions of authority and resistance.” She tells of prison officers who struggle to do their work without “losing their souls.” She describes prisoners who express their frustration by injuring themselves or throwing bodily waste. She describes disagreements between officers and mental health professionals about the prisoners’ mental health”. (www.artsci.washington.edu, para.1)
Dr. Rhodes provided a very graphic detail as to what transpires in the prison subculture, and the horror of handling the mentally ill while in isolation. Her work inspired me to look deeper in the environment that I have been employed, since I was 22 years old. Dr. Rhodes depicted scenarios that could only be understood by people working in this toxic industry. (Rhodes, 2003)

Second, theorist I chose is Robert Hare; a psychology professor at the university of British Columbia. He is a professor, a consultant, and a forensic researcher. According to his website page… “devoted most of his academic career to the investigation of psychopathy(www. nature, assessment, and implications for mental health and criminal justice”(www.hare.org, 2014). He has received several awards such as; “the CPA Donald O. Hebb Award for Distinguished Contributions to Psychology as a Science; the B. Jaye Anno Award for Excellence in Communication, presented by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care; Advancement of Psychological Science and Law, recognition for Distinguished Lifetime Achievements as a Leader in Psychology and Law, and Outstanding Contributions to Forensic Psychology”. (www.hare.org, 2013) One of my favourite work by Dr. Hare is “Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us” (1993). According to Dr. Hare … “confronts psychopathy head-on and presents the disturbing topic for what it is- a dark mystery with staggering implications for society” (Hare, 1993, para.2).
Both scholars contribute to a field that needs the attention of psychology and the justice system. A crossroad that requires theorist to research, offer methods, and approaches that can provide the basics of understanding the many different roles forensic psychologist contribute to. As per Bartol and Bartol (2012) …”significance to psychologist is the large number of mentally disorder persons in the nation’s [USA] jails and prisons” (Gibbons and Katzenbach, 2011, p.30). Dr. Hare- provides details as to how to detect malingering and recognize a person suffering from a psychosis. His devotion to the field of forensic psychology, academic writings, and awards provides ample opportunities for his audience and followers- to establish a well-grounded knowledge about “psychopath”. Dr. Hare’s Scales: Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version (PCL: SV) SCN/, Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD) check-list for clinicians working with dangerous offenders. According to Hare’s website … Psychopathy Checklist Revised (PCL-R) has become the standard assessment measure for forensic and correction population” (hare.org, 2014).

Dr. Rhodes discusses the psychological impact of isolation on offender, and their keepers (correctional officers); she notes … “psychological imbalance place upon somebody is very detrimental…because you are subjected to these types of things and you are without the elements of life” (Rhodes, 2003, p.31). Her assessment of a subculture that is far from the norms of society appears inconspicuous. Her logic, and rational of how the prisoners feel, and perceive their environment rectifies all the more dual role correctional officers must adhere to-but some choose to neglect. (Rhodes, 2003) Correctional psychology is in early stages of development. Both Dr. Rhodes, and Dr, Hare contribute knowledge that can be shared and taught – when dealing with offenders from all walks of life. The field of correctional services can be very complex. Gibbons and Katzenbach (2011) cite Roderick Hickman [California Corrections Secretary]… “Quite frankly, no one denies that violence occurs in prisons and jails in this country” (Gibbons and Katzenbach,2011,p. 36). Theorist such as Dr. Rhodes and Dr. Hare- provide knowledge that can be explored, and understood even if one chooses to disagree with their abundance of knowledge and expertise. Prison and jails have become the dumping grounds for the mentally ill individuals- who may have committed petty crimes. 24 hours of solitary confinement- with very little interactions will drive a sane persona mad. (Rhodes, 2004)

References:
American Psychological- Law Society. (2013, 10 15). Retrieved from WWW.apa.org: http://www.apa.org/about/division/div41.aspx
Bartol, C.R., & Bartol, A.M. (2012). Introduction to Forensic Psychology: Research and Application (Laur Berk. (2010). Development Through the Lifespan. VitalSource for Laureate Education.eate Ed
Gibbons, J. John and Katzenbacj, DE B. Nicholas (2011). Confronting Confinement: A Report of the Commission on Safety and Abuse in Americas Prisons. Vera Institute of Justice. Federal Sentencing Report, Vol.24 (1), pp. 36-41.
Bartol, R. Curt., Bartol, A. (2012). Introduction to Forensic Psychology. Baltimore: Sage Publication. Laureate Education
Education, L. (Director). (2009). Introduction to forensic psychology: Foundation of Forensic Psychology. Baltimore, [Motion Picture].
Hare, Robert (2014) Welcome to "Without Conscience" Robert Hare's Web Site devoted to the study of Psychopathy. Retrieved on January 01/04/2014. From http://www.hare.org/welcome/
Mash, P. Tiana (2013). Introduction to Forensic Psychology: Discussions. Unpublished materials, Walden University
Pinizzotto, A. J. (2003, Convention). An interesting career in psychology: Forensic psychologist. Psychological Science Agenda 16(4).Retrieved http://www.apa.org/careers/resources/profiles/pinizzotto.aspx
Rhodes, A. Lorna. (2004). Total Confinement: Madness and Reason in the Maximum Security Prison. Los Angeles, CA: University of California Press
Rhodes, A. Lorna. Washington University. College Of Arts & Sciences. Retrieved from http://www.artsci.washington.edu/newsletter/winterspring09/AwardsList.asp