Psychology in Law Enforcement

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses how components of social psychology provide insight into criminal tendencies, as well as into various aspects of tactical procedures and the interrogation of suspects. The paper then details the importance of the psychology of human stress reactions in the realm of operational tactics and in terms of providing a perspective for understanding the psychological effects of stresses. Finally, the paper looks at how police administrative policies are designed to promote the long-term health and safety of officers working in a stressful environment.

Outline:
Introduction
Social Psychology in Law Enforcement Tactical Training and Criminal Investigations
Understanding Stress Reactions in Law Enforcement

From the Paper:

"Prior to the evolution of modern law enforcement, the industry emphasized little beyond the capability of brute force under color of authority to achieve its main objectives of maintaining civil order and crime prevention. By the turn of the 20th century, law enforcement had begun to develop extensive investigational methods that greatly increased the ability to solve past crimes through the use of forensic evidence.
"More recently, law enforcement started recognizing the strong link between its operational objectives and the psychological sciences. Social psychology plays an important role in understanding the criminal mind and its tendencies; and the psychology of human stress reactions is crucial, both in the realm of operational tactics and in terms of providing a perspective for understanding the psychological effects of stresses associated with law enforcement as a career choice on law enforcement agents."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Geeting, J. (2003) The Badge: Thoughts from a State Trooper. Indian Wells: McKenna.
• Kessler, R. (2002) The Bureau: The Secret History of the FBI. New York: St. Martins.
• Lindsey, D. Police Fatigue: An Accident Waiting to Happen. The FBI Law Enforcement Journal.Vol. 76 No.8 (Aug. /07)
• Lynch, M.D. Developing a Scenario-Based Training Program: Giving Officers a Tactical Advantage; The FBI Law Enforcement Journal. Vol. 74 No.10 (Oct. /05)
• Pinizzotto, A.J., Davis, E.F., Miller, E.C. The Deadly Mix: Officers, Offenders, and the Circumstances that Bring Them Together. The FBI Law Enforcement Journal.Vol. 76 No.1 (Jan. /07)

More papers on Psychology in Law Enforcement:

• Term Paper # 92206 : "Stress and Law Enforcement"
• Case Study # 93488 : "Law Enforcement and Steroids"
• Term Paper # 136856 : "Law Enforcement and Apprehending Violent Criminals"

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