Psychology in Law Enforcement Services

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Psychology in Law Enforcement Services (PSY525)

Synopsis

PSY525 Psychology in Law Enforcement Services will cover the application of psychology to the different aspects of crime and offending in law enforcement settings. Topics include the use of psychology in criminal profiling, interviewing, and detection of deception. Specific areas of crime are also addressed from interpersonal crime such as violence and drug offending to border control and transnational crime. Students will also look at the application of psychology to working with victims and crime prevention.

Level: 5
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY JULY

Topics

Introduction to psychology in law enforcement organisations settings
Psychology of crime prevention
Psychology of crime profiling
Investigative interviewing
Detection of deception
Psychology and victims of crime
Violent crimes
Sexual crimes
Substance use offences
Technology-based crimes/cyber-dependent crimes
Technology-enabled/facilitated crimes
Other psychological applications in law enforcement services

Learning Outcome

Critique the use of psychology in informing criminal profiling and various aspects of criminal investigation.
Compare the application of psychology in law enforcement to different crimes, including acts of violent extremism and terrorism.
Appraise the use of psychology in working with victims of crime.
Demonstrate skills in applying psychology to criminal profiling and investigative interviewing.
Analyse how psychology can contribute to law enforcement work in dealing with different types of crime.
Differentiate psychological skills in managing victims of crime.
Design crime prevention strategies for current challenges to law and order in Singapore.