The Psychological Services Group (PSG) held a symposium about "Applying Psychology to Criminal Investigation" on November 7 and 8 to explore the application of behavioral science to criminal investigation and proceedings.

Deputy Commissioner (Management) Chiu Wai-yin, delivering an opening address at the event, thanked the PSG for organising the symposium to promote the application of behavioral science to criminal investigation. She congratulated the Group on its 35th anniversary, and welcomed guests from the academia, the Correctional Services Department, the Social Welfare Department, the Hospital Authority and other organisations to attend the event.

Also speaking at the event, Assistant Commissioner (Crime) Ho Yuen-ha shared her experience in working with psychologists to incorporate behavioral science in criminal investigation and policy making. She also expressed gratitude to the keynote speakers and expert speakers for their sharing.

The symposium invited three keynote speakers to share their insights with the participants. Professor David Canter, Emeritus Professor at the University of Liverpool, gave a talk on using a systematic scientific approach to police investigation. Dr Gregory Vecchi, former Chief of the Behavioral Science Unit of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, outlined his experience in integrating research, training and consultation for criminal investigation. Meanwhile, Dr Ephraem Tsui, former Police Clinical Psychologist, also shared his experience and vision in applying behavioral science in forensic proceedings.

In two round-table forums, Criminal Psychologist Dr Oliver Chan, Forensic Clinical Psychologist Dr Cola Lo, Forensic Psychiatrist Dr Choi Wing-kit, Senior Superintendent Li Kwai-wah and Police Clinical Psychologists Ms Ho Wing-sze, Mr Fung Ho-kin and Ms Lai Hiu-wai had a fruitful discussion about the relationship between crime and psychiatric illness, criminal profiling approaches, the risk factors for violence, and the use of psychology to assist in suspect interviews.

The symposium was concluded with a talk by Professor Canter on further application of investigative psychology and a talk by Dr Vecchi on profiling sex offenders and serial murderers.