PUNE: Why do some people turn to crime? Why do some neighbourhoods, cultures produce more criminals than others? Why do some people become criminals and others growing up in similar circumstances do not? These are some of the questions that a criminal psychologist tries to answer.According to Juhi Deshmukh , assistant professor, department of psychology at the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), criminal psychology is the need of the hour. The kind of lives people lead result in dissatisfaction, anger and remorse among youngsters. “Criminal acts doesn’t only entail extreme form of behaviour but also involves small crimes as well,” she said.Anil Sawarkar, head of the department of psychology at Fergusson College agreed with her. “A person becomes a criminal because of so many things that happen in childhood. This involves changes in behaviour, resulting in expression of anger which they can’t manage. Anger is the most dangerous emotion we can talk about. Students need to be taught how to manage the heat of that anger arousal,” he said.He added that though the college doesn’t have a course on criminal psychology, the components are being taught in clinical psychology. “Most students prefer going in for clinical psychology, where you can study components of criminal personalities. In clinical psychology, students can get an idea of different kinds of personality and anti-social personality disorders,” he said.Deshmukh said there are times when adolescents or young adults slip into the wrong without even realising the gravity of the situation. This could even be through something like eve-teasing. “We have a component on criminal psychology. The master’s course is a composite course and deals with everything. Clinical psychology discusses all the pathological issues and criminal psychology is one of the major components there. The good part is that we tell them about anti-social behaviour or criminal behaviour. But along with it, they can also understand there can be other pathologies,” she said.According to her, a person trained in criminal psychology can work in courtrooms, jails, rehabilitation centres, counselling hardcore criminals and juvenile delinquents.Alpana Vaidya, head of the department of psychology at Symbiosis School of Arts and Commerce, said, “Criminal psychology is an applied course. It helps us to understand criminal minds and criminal behaviour. We have to apply the knowledge of psychology to understand criminal minds. It is not just psychology, but how to make use of law. Being a humanities subject, we have to make use of the law as well. It is based on assignments in the form of case studies.”For Carol Vincent Dias (22), who completed her postgraduation in clinical psychology from SPPU, continuous bouts of depression made her realise the need for psychologists. “Many of us are depressed, so was I. It is emotionally disturbing to witness a lot of fights as it affects future behaviour. Instead of focusing on adults, if one gives good guidance to a child, it is a better option. More than just physical health, mental and emotional health is important. Instilling good behaviour helps a child grow into a well-balanced adult,” she said.

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