Police and Behavioral Science Units

Paper Summary:

The paper relates that behavioral science units have been implemented in police departments to lessen the stress of trauma and reduce the impact of potential trauma an officer may face in the line of duty. The paper then outlines a proposed behavioral science unit for a police department, including its mental health components, the services the mental health professionals would provide to the department and the structure of the unit.

Outline:
Specific Components of the Behavioral Science Unit and Their Justification
Services the Mental Health Professionals Would Provide to the Department
Structure of the Unit
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Behavioral Science Units have been implemented in police departments across the country to lessen the stress of trauma and reduce the impact of potential trauma an officer may face in the line of duty. It has been determined that a "...systemic view needs to be taken in order to develop effective policy and intervention strategies that will reduce psychological distress and enhance morale among police officers" (Hart, Headey, & Wearing, 1995, p. 156). Implementation of such units is beneficial for the emotional and psychological well-being of officers and should be required of all law enforcement agencies. The mission of the Behavioral Science Unit will be to coordinate employee assistance services for officers and their families, for problem assessment and identification, and if necessary, to arrange referral to other facilities and/or services."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Benner, Alan W. (2000). Cop Docs. Psychology Today. Retrieved August 28, 2007, from http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/ index.php?term=pto-20001101-000032&print=1.
• Hart, P.M., and Headey, B., and Wearing, A.J. (1995). Police Stress and Well-Being: Integrating Personality, Coping and Daily Work Experiences. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 68(2), 133-156.
• Meyers, Jessica (2006). Richmond Police Lack Peer Support. Oakland Tribune [Oakland, CA], retrieved August 29, 2007, from http://www.insidebayarea.com/ oaklandtribune/ci_4610203.

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