Investigating the Role and Application of Forensic Psychology in the Grenadian Criminal Justice System

ZYRELLE WILLIAMS

Forensic Psychologist in training

This study investigates the role and application of forensic psychology in the Grenadian criminal justice system, a domain where the discipline remains formally unrecognized despite frequent encounters with mental health and substance use issues. Through semi-structured interviews with 11 key stakeholders, including legal professionals, mental health practitioners, law enforcement officers, and regional forensic experts. The research documents current practices and systemic gaps. Findings reveal that psychological input occurs informally but lacks standardization, particularly in critical areas such as competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility evaluations. Outdated legislation (e.g., the 1885 Mental Hospital Act), stigmatizing legal language, and insufficient training for police and court personnel contribute to a system that criminalizes rather than focusing more on trying to rehabilitate or treat mental illness. While diversion and rehabilitation are common for juveniles, mentally ill adults rarely benefit from alternatives to incarceration. The insanity defense evaluation is functionally absent or ineffectively applied. Stakeholders unanimously endorse urgent reforms: legislative modernization, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for police, establishment of a national forensic psychology unit, and creation of an OECS-wide expert pool. This study represents the first empirical examination of forensic psychology in Grenada and offers a contextually grounded roadmap for integrating evidence-based, human rights-aligned mental health practices into the Caribbean justice landscape. The findings affirm that forensic psychology is not merely a technical addition but a moral imperative for a justice system striving toward fairness, rehabilitation, and social healing.

Keywords: Forensic Psychology, Grenada, criminal justice, mental health, diversion, police training, legislative reform, Caribbean.