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Police Psychology: Then, Now, and Beyond

NCJ Number
162058
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 23 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1996) Pages: 70-89
Author(s)
C R Bartol
Date Published
1996
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This article summarizes the past, describes the present, and forecasts the future of police psychology.
Abstract
The past is discussed in the context of historical trends that characterize the expanding activities of police psychologists over the past 75 years. The results of a nationwide survey of 152 police psychologists form the basis for describing contemporary aspects of the field of police psychology, including demographics, functions, salaries, and perceptions of the profession. The future of the profession is discussed in terms of its dependence on political, economic, and social pressures directed at law enforcement. Specific topics covered concerning the future of police psychology include the Soroka case which involved the administration of psychological tests to candidates for security officer positions, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, small town and rural policing, changes in the composition of law enforcement, and changes in policing in general. 34 references and 1 table