Police Psychology

COU MH630 - Police Psychology

Credits: 2

This course examines the specialty of Police Psychology and the work that psychologists do in the law enforcement world. Students will learn about personality issues in police officers, law enforcement culture, psychotherapy with police officers, police families, use of lethal force, hostage/crisis negotiations with barricaded suspects, pre-employment psychological evaluations and fitness for duty evaluations, psychological consultation in law enforcement organizations, issues related to women and minority groups in law enforcement, the legal and statutory foundations of police psychology, police training, and other topics in contemporary police psychology. Students will learn about the roles and responsibilities of psychologists in law enforcement, including assessment, intervention, consultation, operations and training. The course will include class presentations and discussions, video presentations, ridealongs and visits to police stations, and experiential exercises. Pre-requisite: CLI FP630/635.