Police Psychology in Homicide Investigation

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The Role of Police Psychologist Police psychology is the application of behavioral science and mental health principles to the concerns of police officers, their families, the department, and the community. The field of police psychology has expanded dramatically. Police psychologists usually play many roles within a law enforcement agency and perform a wide range of functions. They focus their activities on one of three primary groups: (1) the functional work units within law enforcement agencies such as homicide investigations, hostage negotiation teams, patrol divisions, family services, personnel divisions, and so on; (2) police employees; and (3) applicants to the various entry-level, promotional, and specialty positions in law enforcement settings. As a police psychologist, I am part of an investigation into the homicide of a high profile community member, the mayor. The information I received from the department is that the victim was found with single gunshot wound to the head. He was last seen with another notable figure at a nearby restaurant. At this point, I do not have any information about the notable figure. According to the information provided, before becoming the mayor, the deceased was the chief of my department and was very close to many administrators and officers. Roles of Police Psychologist in an Investigation Traumatic incidents are virtually inevitable in law enforcement; however, irreparable mental trauma is not. In addition to providing and supporting investigators, the police psychologist can be a valuable asset to the department directly when the community, or even police personnel have witnessed an act of violence, a crime, or a tragedy that is very unusual, brutal or heinous that critical incident debriefing or consultation and subsequent counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs. According to Kitaeff

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