NCJ Number
231935
Date Published
2010
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This chapter describes the fundamental issues involved in police psychological assessment.
Abstract
The chapter examines the pros and cons for psychologists of working with law enforcement agencies. The information in this chapter is primarily for practicing police psychologists, but it can also be useful to police executives, students, and psychologists who are considering adding police psychology to their practice. The chapter begins with a discussion of the general fundamental principles of police psychology that include: respect the police culture; know the history but be open to new ideas; be aware of the governance and guidance of police psychology; be honest and expect honesty from others; and understand the essential job functions of the police. Additional issues that police psychologists need to consider are being aware of and performing the fundamentals of personality assessment; being aware of and using effective interview techniques; providing feedback to failed examinees and offering avenues for appeal; obtaining informed consent for potentially adversarial exams; and effectively and properly collecting and using the data in adversarial examinations. References