Practical Psychology for Policing

Abstract

As contemporary policing becomes ever more complex, so knowledge of practical psychology becomes ever more important in everyday policing encounters, situations, and contexts. This book is written with those new to psychology and/or policing in mind. As such, it provides just enough psychological and policing background knowledge, to provide a suitable context for the ideas to be understood. Further reading is signposted for those wanting to know more about certain topics, theories, and concepts. This book provides examples of how psychological research has informed policing (and vice versa) and suggests how new ways of applying psychological knowledge and research can be of benefit to a range of policing contexts; for example, beat patrols, preventing crime, and using the Self-Selection Policing approach to uncover serious criminality from less serious offences. Looking forward, it is suggested how psychological knowledge, research, and policing might evolve together, to meet the changing challenges faced by contemporary policing. In encouraging critical thinking and practical application, this book is as much essential reading for those working or interested in policing, as those studying for criminology, policing, and psychology degrees and those just wanting to know more about practical psychology and policing.