Application: Roles of the Forensic Psychology Professional in Crisis Situations

A crisis situation is a decisive moment that has a turning point, which results in either a positive or negative impact. According to the Merriam Webster Online Dictionary, a crisis is “an unstable or crucial time or state of affairs in which a decisive change is impending; especially one with the distinct possibility of a highly undesirable outcome.” A person experiencing a crisis is in a state of general anxiety and usually holds onto the possibility of a positive outcome, or engages in some type of behavior to achieve a positive outcome. National and global crises impact society as a whole, as well as individuals. A large crisis can affect an individual’s sense of well-being, emotional stability, decision making, and overall functioning. Forensic psychology professionals are familiar with crisis situations and are trained to use a variety of techniques to restore equilibrium—to individuals and to the situation. They can be effective in both prevention and intervention, and they can provide valuable assistance to those who have experienced crises as well as those in the midst of them. In police work, the daily responsibilities of the police professional can be unpredictable and unsettling. The police professional may often be called upon to deal with crises that occur in the community, with individuals, couples, or groups of people. They must be ready to address any kind of crisis and manage the situation until it becomes stable. Forensic psychology professionals can assist police professionals in addressing the many crises that arise on the job through consultation or direct involvement. To prepare for this assignment:

· Review Chapter 10 in the course text, Psychology and Policing. Think about the roles forensic psychology professionals perform that have an impact on the outcome of police crisis situations.

· Review the following articles, focusing on how forensic psychology professionals, and the roles that they perform, impact the outcomes of police crisis situations.

·

. “New York Puts Focus on Antiterror Training”

. “Before the Experts Arrive: Best Practice Considerations for Early-Stage Hostage Negotiation”

. “The Role of Mental Health Consultants on Hostage Negotiation Teams”

. “Interaction Patterns in Crisis Negotiations: Persuasive Arguments and Cultural Differences”

· Select three roles a forensic psychology professional can have when working with police organizations that impact outcomes of police crisis situations.

· Think about how each role impacts outcomes of police crisis situations, and then consider specific outcomes that are affected by each role.

The assignment (1–2 pages):

· Briefly describe three forensic psychology professional roles that impact the outcomes of police crisis situations.

· Analyze each role and then explain how each role impacts outcomes of police crisis situations. Focus on the contributions that the forensic psychology professionals make in each role that influence specific outcomes of a crisis situation. Be specific.

· Support your responses with references to the Learning Resources and the research literature.

Support your Application Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list only for those resources  not  included in the Learning Resources for this course.