Course Description
This course presents the psychophysiology of crisis situations, such as: crisis communication, use of force, suicide and the psychology of self-destruction, domestic violence, injuries, and other forms of interpersonal conflicts and violence. Students will develop strategies for professional assessment, intervention and follow-up in these situations.
Topical Outline
- The Problem of Crisis
- Fight, Flight, or Freeze: The Psychophysiology of Crisis
- Crisis Communication
- Use of Force
- The Tactical Response
- Suicide and the Psychology of Self-Destruction
- The Crisis of Domestic Violence
- The Victims of Crisis
- The Hostage Crisis
- Responding to Mass Panic
- The Cult Mindset and the Doomsday Crisis
- The Crisis of Mental Illness
- The Institutional Crisis
- Crisis in the Courtroom
- The Cost of Crisis: When the Helpers Need Helped
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify and explain the social and psychological aspects of crisis situations in law enforcement.
- Effectively identify and discuss major crisis situations.
- Effectively discuss and explain effective assessment and intervention strategies.
- Recognize and identify the factors involved in victimology.
- Explain orally and in writing the responsibilities of police officers in situations of crisis/conflict.
- Discuss and explain in writing major law enforcement crisis/conflict situations.
- Discuss and apply strategies to effectively assess and intervene in crisis/conflict situations.
- Demonstrate sensitivity, active listening and communication skills.