Overcoming Forensic Psychology Stereotypes in Policing - Coursework Example

Issues in forensic psychology al affiliation Issues in forensic psychology Police officers encounter a lot of stressful and traumatic incidents in their profession. Holly, Anthony & Theodore (2011) write that in comparison with the general population, law enforcement officers are more susceptible to interpersonal problems such as domestic violence and divorce. According to Heglund (2009), such experiences can cause psychological problems, for example, depression. The primary responsibility of forensic psychologists is to encourage officers to utilize available psychological support and interventions to help them cope with such situations.

One of the challenges facing forensic psychologists in this endeavor, according to Becker et.al (2009) is that most officers are not willing to tolerate the discomfort associated with the interventions. Some officers may be uncomfortable talking about some of the experiences they have been through, meaning that they would choose to avoid the treatment all together. Rostow & Davis (2004) also point out that most officers are worried about the effectiveness of the treatment process. A patient who does not believe that in the effectiveness of the intervention will most likely resist the process.

As a forensic psychologist, I would address the challenge of the unwillingness by officers to discuss personal problems by ensuring that I establish a good rapport with my client. I will explain to the client that I am there to help them communicate their problems and then we can find a solution together, thus earning their trust. In relation to the challenge concerning effectiveness of psychological inventions, I would give my client examples of people who have benefitted from the interventions, and if possible even invite one such beneficiary to share their story with my client.

Confidentiality is one of the ethical issues related to the provision of psychological interventions to stressed police officers. Rostow& Davis (2004) write that forensic psychologists should ensure that any personal information disclosed by the client either verbally or through writing is kept confidential. However, the Committee on Ethical Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists (1991) states that court orders and statutory requirements may force the psychologist to revoke the confidentiality clause.

Accordingly, forensic psychologists should make the clients aware of the limitations of the confidentiality clause at the beginning of the treatment process. ReferencesBecker, C., Meyer, G., Price, J., Graham, M., Arsena, A., Armstrong, D., Ramon, E. (2009). Law Enforcement Preferences for PTSD Treatment and Crisis Management Alternatives. Behavior Research and Therapy, 47, 245-253. Committee on Ethical Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists. (1991). Specialty Guidelines For Psychologists. Law and Human Behavior, 15(6), 655-665.

Heglund, J. (2009). Helping First Responders Withstand Traumatic Experiences. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin.Holly, T., Anthony, K., & Theodore, R. (2011).The Effectiveness of Individual Wellbeing Counseling on the Wellness of Law Enforcement Officers. Journal of Counseling and Development, 86(1).Rostow, C., & Davis, R. (2004).Confidentiality of Psychological Information and the HIPAA in Police Psychology. New York: Psychology Press.