This course provides an overview of the models and methodologies used in correctional and police/investigative settings. Students will compare and contrast psychologists’ roles and responsibilities in each subspecialty including performing assessments, intervention, consultation, operations and training. In this course, principles of correctional psychology will focus on prison and jail settings and the unique challenges of working with incarcerated populations. This course is designed to facilitate consultation within law enforcement. Specific topic areas will include: consultant versus in-house roles, pre-employment assessment, fitness-for-duty evaluation, critical incident stress debriefing, hostage negotiation, and psychological profiling.  Students will also learn about mental health concerns related to work in the law enforcement culture, psychotherapy with police officers and their families, use of lethal force, issues related to women and minority groups in law enforcement, and other topics in contemporary police psychology.  The objectives of this course are to: (1) apply psychological theory and research to correctional and law enforcement contexts; (2) become oriented to the assessment methodology and instruments employed in both settings; (3) learn the fundamental role differences between evaluative and intervention roles in both settings; (4) increase awareness of and communication skills related to working within multidisciplinary teams; (5) apply relevant ethical decision-making and (6) continued formation of forensic writing and testimonial skills.

Prerequisite courses: PSY-730