Psychology for Law Enforcement
Introduction
Arguably, a police psychologist has a free will to decide whether to be the primary negotiator in a confrontation with a suspect or not. This is evident from the fact that Hatcher et al. (1998) hold that a police psychologist should be the flag-bearer of the negotiation team. On the contrary, Ebert (1986) believes that a police psychologist form a member of the team but not necessarily engage in negotiation with the suspect. However, an intensive analysis of these opinions would reveal that there are pros and cons in engaging a police psychologist in a negotiation with the suspect.
Given the factors pointed out by Hatcher and his fellow writers, a police psychologist should not only be a team member of but also engaged in the negotiation. This can be supported by the fact that negotiating with the suspect enables a police psychologist to carry out investigation. Additionally, the police psychologist is also able to apprehend violent suspects through management consultation, guidance and counseling and consistent selections. For instance, Brussel (1968), a criminal investigative supporter and analyzer, took part in investigations of the 1956 New York Mad Bomber and 1964 Boston Strangler. (Hatcher et al, 1998). Ebert also supports this idea by suggesting that police psychologist enables development ant continuity of Critical Incident Teams (CITs) and Crisis Negotiation Teams (CNTs). This implies that they should be involved in the negotiation process (Ebert, 1968).
Demerits of a Police Psychologist Serving as the Primary Negotiator
On the other, it is argued that engaging a police psychologist in a negotiation process causes some challenges. These include traditional distrust, which may expose the psychologist into criticism and the usual stereotyping between mental health and enforcement of law. Moreover, the psychologist may also misjudge the outcome of the investigation, especially if there is limited knowledge and inadequate techniques of handling mental health issues.
Augustin, Dyona; Fagan, and Thomas J. (2011).Roles for Mental Health Professionals in Critical Law Enforcement Incidents: An overview. Retrieved from:
http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/ser/8/3/166/
Ebert, Bruce W. (1968). The Mental Health Response Team: An Expanding Role for Psychologists. Retrieved from:
http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/pro/17/6/580/
Hatcher, C., Mohandie, K., Turner, J. &Gelles, M.G. (1998).The Role of Psychologists in Crisis/Hostage Negotiation: Behavioral Sciences and the Law, 16, 455-472. Retrieved from:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/%28SICI%291099-0798%28199823%2916:4%3C455::AID-BSL321%3E3.0.CO;2-G/pdf
