NSU Horizons Fall 2006

horizons 9 high-risk situations (e.g., involving violent, barricaded, or suicidal people) in a peaceful, nonviolent manner when pos- sible. CRTs also work in tandem with SWAT teams and assist in “tactical” resolutions when necessary. We train monthly, and include CPS students as role players. Specifically, they reenact the parts—including those of hostage-takers, hostages, witnesses, and neighbors—in realistic training scenarios. These particular students have a strong interest in police and forensic psychology, and learn much about police work and the crisis negotiation process through their participation. Horizons : Is it anything like what is shown on television? No. In fact, we often use, for training purposes, clips from movies like Hostage or The Negotiator to demonstrate what not to do. Also, most people think that to be a good crisis negotiator, you have to be a good talker. On the contrary, it’s crucial to be a good listener. As is the case with psychological interviewing and counseling, negotiators need to devel- op a rapport with the person on the other end of the phone (and do it rela- tively quickly). Horizons : Why psychology and police work? First of all, there are many areas of law enforcement, such as crisis negotiations and police interviews/ interrogations to which psychology has much to offer. The use of effective active listening skills is one example. Also, police psychologists are very involved in the screening of potential police recruits and routinely perform fitness for duty evaluations when needed. These are extremely impor- tant functions. Further, police officers, as well as firefighters and EMS personnel, are the first responders to all types of unusual, violent, and often traumatic events. Not surprisingly, prevalence rates of mental health issues (e.g., depression, anxiety, alcoholism, and post- traumatic stress disorder) are estimated to be two or three times higher in first responders, compared to the general population. However, psychology has made great strides in the assessment and treatment of these disorders in recent years. Bridging the gap between psychology and law enforce- ment, and developing services specifically tailored for the latter, is of great potential value in decreasing levels of mental health problems in police officers. This is a significant part of the work that my students and I have been doing over the years and will continue to do at NSU. n Amanda Patterson (B.S., class of 2004) is pursuing her M.S. in men- tal health counseling at the Center for Psychological Studies.