The International Association of Forensic Criminologists
Membership: Apply Today
MEMBERSHIP LEVELS
There are several levels of membership, and multiple areas of specialty. They are:
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- Student Section
- Criminology Section
- Investigative Section
- Forensic Section
- Behavioral Section
- Diplomate (see also "Certification")
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Those considering membership should review the criteria for each carefully, to determine which they are best qualified for at the time of their application. Anyone who does not meet the requirements for membership, but feels that they may otherwise be qualified, may petition the Board of Directors for an exemption.
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Review the areas of membership and related criteria below, then make your selection. To complete your application do the following:
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1. Download the membership application, complete, and sign.
2. Click the appropriate application / dues button below and make your payment.
3. Submit your most current resume, along with the completed application,
to: applications@iafc-abp.org. PDF files are preferable.
Note: The IAFC Board of Directors reviews each application, and reserves the right to refuse membership to any applicant for any reason.
Student Section / Apply Now
Students enrolled in any college level degree program are encouraged to apply for membership and participate.
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Student Applicants shall pay an application fee of $25.00 U.S.
Annual dues for Student Membership shall be $15.00 U.S.
Criminology Section / Apply Now
This section is designed to encourage applications from those professionals who work, teach, or study in the fields associated with criminology (e.g., criminal justice, criminology, sociology, and law). The IAFC defines criminology as the scientific study of crime, victims, criminals, and crime related behavior. Applicants must have a four year degree from an accredited college or university in a related area of study.
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Applicants shall pay an application fee of $25.00 US
Annual dues for the Criminology Section shall be $30.00 U.S.
Investigative Section / Apply Now
This section is designed to encourage applications from those professionals actively engaged in investigative casework. This may be through a federal, state, or local agency. However, it may also be through work in the private sector. The IAFC is a non-partisan organization and encourages applications from all of those who are engaged in investigations for court purposes, whether prosecution or defense oriented, and whether criminal or civil .
Applicants must possess a minimum of three (3) years experience working in an investigative capacity, focusing on at least one investigative specialty. Given the broad application of behavioral analysis and criminal profiling to violent crimes, organized crimes, public corruption, and financial crimes -- the IAFC no longer requires investigators to focus on a violent crime specialty. These areas are often very much related.
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Applicants shall pay an application fee of $25.00 US
Annual dues for the Investigative Section shall be $30.00 U.S.
Forensic Section / Apply Now
This section is designed to encourage applications from those professionals actively engaged in forensic casework. This may be through a federal, state, or local agency, as well as from the private sector. The IAFC is a non-partisan organization and encourages applications from those who are engaged in forensic examinations of evidence for law enforcement, prosecutorial counsel, defense counsel, civil attorneys, and other legal contexts and inquiries.
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Applicants shall possess a minimum of a Bachelors degree in a natural science or forensic science from a resident program at an accredited college or university.
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Applicants shall pay an application fee of $25.00 US
Annual dues for the Forensic Section shall be $30.00 U.S.
Behavioral Section / Apply Now
This section is designed to encourage applications from those professionals actively engaged in the forensic assessment of individuals for court purposes. The IAFC is a non-partisan organization and encourages applications from those who are engaged in forensic examinations of evidence for law enforcement, prosecutorial counsel, defense counsel, civil attorneys, and other legal contexts and inquiries.
Applicants shall fulfill the requirements for either psychology or psychiatry.
Psychologists shall possess a minimum of a PhD in Psychology from a resident program at an accredited college or university and at least 1000 hours of patient contact in a forensic setting; or have earned the status of Diplomate in Forensic Psychology from the American Board of Professional Psychology.
Psychiatrists shall possess a Medical Degree (MD or DO) and have completed an accredited residency in Psychiatry. Shall have completed a fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry. Or shall be Board Certified in Forensic Psychiatry, or possess at least 1000 hours of patient contact in a forensic setting.
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Applicants shall pay an application fee of $25.00 US
Annual dues for the Behavioral Section shall be $30.00 U.S.
Diplomate Status / D-ABP
In 2013, the IAFC Board voted to create The Academy of Behavioral Profiling Board of Examiners. This Board of Examiners is responsible for examining and credentialing criminal profilers within the IAFC membership. Such members are designated as Diplomates of the Academy of Behavioral Profiling (D-ABP).
D-ABP Membership status shall serve as professional acknowledgement from the IAFC and The ABP Board of Examiners that a member has achieved an advanced level of knowledge, skill, and ability in the subject and practice of criminal profiling as demonstrated by satisfaction of the requirements outlined in the IAFC Criminal Profiler Professional Certification Act of 2013.
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This includes arranging to take the ABP Board Examination. Application for Diplomate status must be done in writing. The cost of this application is $50.00.
