Police Subspecialty and Emergency Response Teams

Although there are many popular TV shows about police, law enforcement and crime, few are more dramatic than what is seen in real-life by members of the elite emergency response teams. Today's emergency response teams (SWAT, hostage negotiations, victims' assistance) often train together and coordinate their efforts during crisis situations. In these high-stakes emergency situations, forensic psychology professionals working in the police subspecialty might provide assistance in assessing the situation and the suspects, and also may be part of the strategic decision making of the team. In order to fulfill their roles and responsibilities, they are required to complete stringent training. And while forensic psychology professionals working in the police subspecialty make valuable contributions to law enforcement, they often have to work hard to overcome stereotypes. To prepare for this Discussion: Review Chapter 2 in Introduction to Forensic Psychology and this week's DVD program, "Police Psychology." Pay particular attention to the tasks and areas of specialization within police work that would include forensic psychology professionals working in the police subspecialty. Think about specific situations in which a forensic psychology professionals working in the police subspecialty would be a valuable member to a police emergency response team. Review the article "An Interesting Career in Psychology: Police Psychology in the Federal Government" located in this week's Learning Resources. Think about the possible contributions a forensic psychology professionals working in the police subspecialty could make to different areas of law enforcement. Select a police emergency response team that interests you. Focus on the contributions a forensic psychology professionals working in the police subspecialty could make to the emergency response team you selected. Conduct an Internet search and search the Walden Library for articles that relate to the need for and/or contributions of forensic psychology professionals working in the police subspecialty to emergency response teams.