Overcoming Forensic Psychology Stereotypes In Policing

 To prepare for this Discussion:

Review the following articles and think about the challenges and stereotypes forensic psychology professionals must overcome when encouraging police professionals to use psychological resources.

“Law Enforcement Preferences for PTSD Treatment and Crisis Management Alternatives”

“Characterizing Perceived Police Violence: Implications for Public Health”

“Helping First Responders Withstand Traumatic Experiences”

“The Effectiveness of Individual Wellness Counseling on the Wellness of Law Enforcement Officers”

Review the “Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists.” Consider the guidelines that are relevant to forensic psychology professionals providing support and interventions to police professionals.

Review the book excerpt, “Confidentiality of Psychological Information and the HIPAA in Police Psychology.” Think about the ethical guidelines and issues forensic psychology professionals could face when providing support and interventions to police professionals.

Select two challenges that forensic psychology professionals face when encouraging police professionals to utilize available psychological support and interventions. Consider how you would address these challenges.

Select one ethical issue related to forensic psychology professionals providing support and interventions to police professionals. Think about the ethical guidelines that could apply to this issue.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 3 a brief description of two challenges faced by forensic psychology professionals when encouraging police professionals to utilize available psychological support and interventions. Explain how you would address these challenges. Then, analyze one ethical issue that the forensic psychology professional could encounter when providing psychological support and interventions. Be specific and cite the applicable ethical guidelines.

Learning Resources

Readings

• Book Excerpt: Rostow, C. D., & Davis, R. D. (2004). Confidentiality of psychological information and the HIPAA in police psychology. In C. D. Rostow & R. D. Davis (Eds.), Handbook for psychological fitness-for-duty evaluations in law enforcement (pp. 161177). Binghamton, NY: Haworth Press.
• Article: Adams, R. E., Boscarino, J. A., & Figley, C. R. (2006). Compassion fatigue and psychological distress among social workers: A validation study. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 76(1), 103108. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Article: American Psychology-Law Society, Division 41 of the American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Speciality guidelines for forensic psychologists. Retrieved from
• Article: Barnett, J. E., Baker, E. K., Elman, N. S., & Schoener, G. R. (2007). In pursuit of wellness: The self-care imperative. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 38(6), 603612. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Article: Barnett, J. E. (n.d.). Psychological wellness and self-care as an ethical imperative. Retrieved from
• Article: Black Becker, C., Meyer, G., Price, J. S., Graham, M. M., Arsena, A., Armstrong, D. A., & Ramon, E. (2009). Law enforcement preferences for PTSD treatment and crisis management alternatives. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 47(3), 245-253. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Article: Board of Professional Affairs’ Advisory Committee on Colleague Assistance. (n.d.). Professional health and well-being for psychologists. Retrieved from
• Article: Chard, K. M., Cooper, L., et. al. (2005). Risk factors and self care for practitioners working with trauma clients. Retrieved from
• Article: Cooper, H., Moore, L., Gruskin, S., & Krieger, N. (2004). Characterizing perceived police violence: Implications for public health. American Journal of Public Health, 94(7), 11091118. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Article: Heglund, J. (2009). Helping first responders withstand traumatic experiences. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, 78(9), 14. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Article: Saakvitne, K., et. al. (n.d.). Occupational vulnerability for psychologists. Retrieved from
• Article: Tanigoshi, H., Kontos, A. P., & Remley, T. P., Jr. (2008). The effectiveness of individual wellness counseling on the wellness of law enforcement officers. Journal of Counseling & Development, 86(1), 64-74. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.