Development of Police Psychology
Historical events have primarily impacted on the
psychology of the police. The events range from changes and development in laws
to influential legal cases and actual events developed by relevant
organizations (Ainsworth, 2002). Police
are responsible for public safety and due to this reason, historical need for
proactive approaches towards personal adjustment and optimizing psychological
functioning emerged to reduce stress acquired through the occupation. The first
notable event is the application of screening tests for police officers and
sheriffs. The application of the policy was initiated by the law enforcement
assistance administration (Binghamton, 2008). The application of the system was essential for
criminal investigations and hostage negotiation situations.
Prior to the formation of the psychologists in public
service division in the law enforcement agencies in 1982, the police resisted psychology.
However, a historic leadership event that engulfed in determining the problems
that affect the American policing quality was held between the police chiefs
and the APA leaders (Bartol et al,. 2013). The meeting enhanced the integration of the police
force in the academy and back to the society after traumatic injuries and
losses in battle and daily activities for the military and police officers
respectively. The impact of stress is more prevalent in the families of the
bureaux and as such, psychology provides a framework for understanding
organizational, occupational, family and personal relationship and how they
affect the performance levels of the agents (Ainsworth,
2002).
In conclusion, psychology adoption of a confidential
counselling approach ensures that the ego, needs and fears of the police are
protected. A good example is where a police officer in a counselling session
shares intimate concerns with the psychologist, fears that even the spouse have
no knowledge.
References
Ainsworth,
P. B. (2002). Psychology and policing. Devon, UK: Willan Publishing.
Binghamton,
NY: Haworth Press. Article: Taylor, P. J., Jacques, K., Giebels, E., Levine,
M., Best, R., Winter, J., &
Rossi, G. (2008). Analysing forensic processes: Taking time into account. Issues in Forensic Psychology,
8, 43–55. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Texts Ainsworth, P. B. (2002). Psychology and policing. Devon, UK: Willan Publishing.
Bartol,
C. R., & Bartol, A. M. (2013). Introduction to forensic psychology:
Research and application (Laureate
Education, Inc., custom ed.) Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Media Interactive Time Line: Developmental Lifespan
Stages of Police Officers Police
Officer Time Line—Richard Walker's Story
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