The Practice of Correctional Psychology

Abstract

This chapter provides a brief overview of the competencies required for practicing correctional psychology—the application of psychological assessment, intervention, and management of offenders in jails, prisons, and other correctional settings. The current zeitgeist of psychology specialization is juxtaposed with the generalist practice skills required of contemporary correctional psychologists. These psychologists continue to need broad and general foundational knowledge about the offenders they will provide services to. The necessary common elements of this foundational knowledge is presented and used to delineate the format for each subsequent chapter. Emphasis is placed on how knowledge is applied in the correctional settings where offenders receive treatment interventions and other types of psychological services. With the topography of chapters outlined, readers are reminded of the need to supplement learning about the practice of correctional psychology from a textbook with review and understanding of policies, procedures, and experiences in supervision, and mentoring to furthering correctional psychology practice.