PF 737 - Psychology of Law Enforcement

The field of law enforcement has it own unique culture and organizational structure. This course addresses how the dynamics within law enforcement influence decision making and can lead to and/or sustain stress, acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Students explore major areas of police psychology, such as law enforcement culture, professional concerns, the role of the psychologist, diversity, pre-employment selection, and an overview of fitness-for-duty evaluations in this specialized area. Special attention is paid to critical incidents and critical incident stress debriefing techniques used with this population.

In order to deepen their understanding of law enforcement, students participate in an experiential service learning project in the field of law enforcement. Students attend a day of tactical training with a local law enforcement agency, in which they observe tactical exercises, engage in discussions, and perhaps participate with law enforcement in the drill of the day. At the end of the semester, incorporating the knowledge and experiences from both the class room and the tactical training day, students provide a training module to the law enforcement agency. (2 credits)

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