Ready to revolutionize your approach to policing? Immerse yourself in the world of applied police psychology and pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in your personal and professional journey.
As cops, we spend a lot of time training. Not enough, for sure, but the focus of our training tends to be centered on the perishable skills: firearms, self-defense, and driving. Occasionally, we'll receive training in the so-called "soft" people skills like communication, negotiation, and de-escalation. These soft skills, though, are the heart of the job. Policing is a people profession, and the best cops are those who have a deep, varied understanding of human behavior.
Sadly, modern policing is woefully behind the times in regard to utilizing the latest developments in the science of human behavior. As a profession, we still cling to ideas that, in many cases, have been dispelled by research decades ago. Some examples:
- Teaching cadets to have a hyper-vigilant mindset will help keep them safe.
- Criminal profiling is an effective way to eliminate suspects.
- Eyewitness testimony is generally reliable.
- Psychopathy is always associated with violent behavior.
- Specific body language clues are almost always accurate.
- The six-foot reactionary gap is the ideal distance to keep officers safe.
- The best cops have a specific personality.
...and so on.
The Applied Police Psychology (APP) Project aims to bridge the gap between psychological principles and law enforcement practices. Police work is a people profession. As such, the more we understand people, the better we become. The aim of this project is to educate cops about our latest understanding of human behavior using cutting-edge research in the social and biological sciences.
The Project provides an in-depth exploration of how understanding human behavior can enhance policing strategies, improve officer well-being, and strengthen community relations. Through sharing evidence-based insights, case studies, and practical tips, the Project serves as a valuable resource for law enforcement professionals seeking personal and professional growth, as well as agencies striving for excellence.
The target audience for the APP Project consists of open-minded law enforcement personnel at all levels who are committed to innovation and personal and professional development. The Project is designed to cater to individuals who seek to enhance their skills and knowledge, contribute to building great agencies, and ultimately better serve and protect their communities.
What can you learn from the APP Project?
The APP Project is ambitious. I'm casting a wide net. My intention is to cover every aslpect of law enforcement where a knowledge of psychological principles and phenomena will lead to innovation and improvement. Here's a few improvements readers can expect:
- Enhanced Communication and Trust-Building: By applying psychological principles, law enforcement officers can effectively build trust with the communities they serve, improving overall safety and fostering positive relationships.
- Improved Officer Well-Being: Understanding the mental and emotional demands of the job can help officers develop resilience, better manage stress, and maintain overall well-being.
- More Effective Policing Strategies: Through insights into human behavior, law enforcement agencies can develop data-driven and evidence-based strategies that lead to better outcomes in crime prevention and community engagement.
- Innovation and Professional Growth: By embracing the interdisciplinary field of applied police psychology, law enforcement professionals can expand their skill sets and innovate in their roles, driving personal and agency-wide growth.
- Stronger Community Relations: Utilizing the principles of applied police psychology can help law enforcement agencies build a foundation of mutual respect and understanding with their communities, leading to safer and more cohesive neighborhoods.
The ever-changing landscape of law enforcement presents a multitude of challenges. From de-escalating tense situations to building trust within communities, we require a diverse skill set to navigate these complexities effectively. Applied Police Psychology offers solutions. This Project dives deep into the science of human behavior and its practical applications in law enforcement. By equipping you with the psychological tools you need, Applied Police Psychology empowers you to become a more effective officer and becoming an agent of positive change within yourself, your department, and the community you serve.
Who's Jason?
Fundamentally, I'm just a normal dude with a diverse background who fell into a law enforcement career later in life (I was born during the Carter administration.) Currently, I work for a law enforcement agency on Colorado's Western Slope. I'm pretty new to the profession, having gotten my start as an Animal Control Officer in 2021. Since that time, I've acquired POST certification, served on Patrol, Investigator, Field Training Officer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Public Information Officer. I've had a lot of experiences packed into a small amount of time, mostly because I've been able to leverage my knowledge of human behavior for maximum effect.
Prior to entering law enforcement, I was a high school psychology (and history) teacher. I did that gig on and off since 1999, which is where I immersed myself in all things related to the science and application of human behavior. My original academic background revolved around experimental psychology, which was supposed to lead me to being a researcher until I fell in love with teaching.
Law enforcement, by its very nature, is a conservative industry in that it's resistant to change and innovation. Sometimes that's a good thing, especially given the high stakes nature of our job. More often than not, however, we make our jobs way harder than it needs to be simply because we rely on methods of operation that were obsolete three decades ago.
I want to change that.
In short, I want to start a revolution. I want to curate a Tribe of fellow visionaries who understand how the application of psychological principles can lead to dramatic innovation and improvements in our field. If you get excited by these ideas, I need you!
The first topic I'll address is one that is universally applicable to every aspect of police work: Interviewing people. It doesn't matter if they're a victim, witness, or suspect, we talk to everybody. And HOW we talk to them matters.
The First Topic: Interview and Interrogation
Our first topic delves into the fascinating world of interview and interrogation. I LOVE interviewing people; it's my favorite part of police work in general, and working as an Investigator in particular. Extracting accurate information is crucial for investigations, yet it's often a complex dance between building rapport, protecting people's rights, and uncovering the truth. Applied psychology sheds a whole lotta light on how our memory works, how to read verbal and nonverbal cues, and how to ask questions that elicit reliable information. By understanding these psychological principles, we can conduct more effective interviews, ultimately leading to stronger cases. This is just the first step in our exploration of Applied Police Psychology. Stay tuned for future posts where we'll delve deeper into the fascinating world of human behavior and its impact on law enforcement.
By staying tuned for future blog posts, you'll gain invaluable insights into the psychological tools and strategies that can elevate your professional skills and contribute to building safer, more connected communities.
Don't forget to connect with me on the APP social media platforms listed below, where you can engage in discussions, share your experiences, and stay updated on the latest developments in the field. Together, we can revolutionize the way law enforcement approaches policing, one psychological principle at a time.
Join me in the revolution!
~Jason
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APP Social Media
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