Police Psychology Identify the Different Domains Police

Police Psychology

Identify the different domains police psychologists work in, and discuss some of the roles psychologists might assume when working in different domains.

A police psychologist will work primarily in the assessment domain. In many instances, police officers must be properly screened and evaluated prior to duty. In other instances, officers will be evaluating during duty to proper access their ability to fully protect society. As such, psychologists have the primary function or determining the adequacy of a police officers skill set relative to predetermined metrics of success. Through periodic evaluation, the psychologist has the distinct role of assessing the skills and abilities of current and prospective police officers.

Psychologists also operate within the intervention domain. This domain is particularly important due to the nature of police officer work. Law enforcement officers are unique to many professions, as their job requires exposure to very contentious issues. Particularly troubling, is the fact that officers are exposed to these issues on a daily basis, with little to no reprieve. As such, psychologists have the vital role of providing interventions services to officers and their families. Families, in particular, must contend with the stress and nature of an officer's work. They must contend with the dangerous nature of an officer's job and its requirements. Therefore intervention services allow for families and officers to train both mentally and physical for the eventual toll that a law enforcement job entails. In addition, in the event of an unforeseen incident such a bodily harm, intervention allows for training and counseling on proper procedures and steps to take.

Psychologists, on a limited basis, may also operate in the consulting domain. In some instances, psychologists can offer organizations suggestion as to better appraise and evaluate police officers. They can also offer services to better align police officer behavior with proper incentives. This is critical as officer behavior is in large part due to incentives and culture with the organization. Therefore, by properly incentivize good behavior, while subsequently reprimanding bad behavior, can better establish a proper culture. Psychologists can provide valuable insights as to how to properly do so through their constant interaction with officers (Kitaeff, 2011).

Do you believe any of these domains and/or roles are more important than others in supporting law enforcement? Explain why or why not.

Yes, I believe that some domains are vastly more important than others. All the domains are important with respect the underlying business operations of law enforcement. However, I believe that the assessment and operational domains are critical in supporting law enforcement. First, through the assessment, candidates are properly screened, evaluated and hired. Law enforcement is critical in providing justice and protection within the community. Therefore, proper selection, training, and retention are vital in ensuring that continued success of law enforcement in deterring unwanted behavior. Without this domain, more incompetent, and otherwise ineligible candidates could enter the law enforcement field, thus undermining the overall purpose of police offers. If, for example, candidates unwilling to maintain both their physical and mental abilities enter to the police force, it would do little to deter unwanted behavior. In fact, realizing the reduced competency of the police force, unwanted behavior might actually increase.