Forensic psychology professionals have a vast array of skills that they use in their profession and that they can teach to others. In the courtroom, for example, forensic psychology professionals can teach attorneys how to select jury members most suitable for their cases. Forensic psychology professionals can also provide evaluations to determine if parents are psychologically fit to maintain custody of their children, as well as evaluations to determine if someone accused of a crime is mentally responsible for committing the crime or competent to stand trial. Forensic psychology professionals can work in correctional environments where they provide counseling and rehabilitation services for inmates, or they can work in clinics or private practice where they provide counseling to those on probation or parole. For each of these specializations within the field of forensic psychology, different skill sets are necessary.
In terms of assessing the police professional, forensic psychology professionals can serve as consultants or as full- or part-time members of a police department. They can teach skills either to police officers or to police administrators, depending on their occupational demands. For example, specific skills are needed for police professionals who work on patrol forces, for those who work in specialized units, and for those who work as supervisors. In each instance, the forensic psychology professional can have an impact on the effectiveness of the police professional.
To prepare for this assignment:
Review the article, "People With Learning Disabilities' Experiences of Being Interviewed by the Police." Think about the importance of psychological skills for police professionals.
Review the article, "Police Criminal Charging Decisions: An Examination of Post-Arrest Decision-Making." Consider the impact of forensic psychology professionals on the effectiveness of police professionals. Think about the important psychological skills that forensic psychology professionals can teach police professionals.
Review the "Executive Summary" section of the bulletin, "Police Officers' Decision Making and Discretion: Forming Suspicion and Making a Stop." Focus on the information related to police officers and decision making. Consider the impact that training in psychological skills has on the effectiveness of police professionals.
Review the bulletin, "Making Ethical Decisions: A Practical Model." Consider ethical decision making and police professionals, and think about how forensic psychology professionals can help police professionals develop effective psychological skills.
Select two psychological skills that are important to police professionals and that are taught by forensic psychology professionals. Consider why these skills are important to police professional effectiveness.
Think about the impact of forensic psychology professionals on how effective police professionals do their jobs.
The assignment-
Briefly describe each psychological skill that you selected, and explain why each is an important skill for the police professional.
Analyze the impact of the forensic psychology professional on the effectiveness of police professionals. Be specific and provide examples.
Support your responses with references to the Learning Resources and the research literature.