NCJ Number
201095
Date Published
2002
Length
193 pages
Annotation
This book provides an overview of the ways in which psychological research can be applied and utilized in the complex world of policing.
Abstract
The fields of psychology and policing are both multifaceted professions and sometimes seen as unrelated fields. However, this book will look at some of the ways psychology and policing are and should be related. The book focuses on the ways psychology can be applied profitably to policing, stressing that there are a multitude of areas where the results of psychological research have relevance for police officers. The book is divided into 10 chapters: (1) examines how the social world is perceived and considers some of the skills needed for successful social interaction; (2) examines the way individuals attribute causes for behavior and what the role prejudice and stereotyping can play in interactions; (3) examines how psychology may be able to aid in the recruitment and training of police officers; (4) examines some of the more common theories that have been developed to explain the behaviors of aggression and violence and how police officers may deal with violent incidents and individuals; (5) examines how the psychological research in the areas of perception and memory offer an explanation of the processes that might differ from that of the layperson; (6) examines how officers may recover information from witnesses and victims; (7) examines appropriate and inappropriate strategies officers may use when interviewing suspects; (8) examines the concept of stress and ways officers might encounter and deal with stressful situations; (9) examines a number of recent developments in the area of crime patterns and offender profiling and assesses the usefulness of profiling in everyday police work; and (10) examines how police officers can best handle hostage taking scenarios in which negotiation is necessary. The book argues that a great deal of policing involves human interaction and psychology is highly relevant to many of the day-to-day situations that police officers face. The potential of psychology has not been fully recognized by many within the police field. The application of psychology may contribute to more efficient and effective police work/service. References