Fundamentals of Police Psychology- Advanced Practice Certificate

Program Description/Overview

The Violence and Safety Institute of the California School of Forensic Studies is dedicated to providing PRACTICAL forensic education and training to a broad range of professionals, including law enforcement, security professionals, first responders, human resource professionals, mental health professionals, medical practitioners, and education professionals.

The Institute’s Advanced Practice Certificates cover diverse subject areas, yet share a single objective: To support participants to effectively assess and manage conflict and violence.

Students benefit from the partnerships CSFS has with various national and international agencies and organizations, including Forensic Linguistics Intelligence, the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA), and ASIS International. Some courses and certificates are also eligible for continuing education (CE) credit through the American Psychological Association. 

NOTE: Students admitted to this certificate program must be currently enrolled in or have graduated from a master’s level mental health program. This certificate is designed for mental health professionals who seek foundational knowledge and skills to work with law enforcement and public safety personnel in multiple contexts, including private practice, law enforcement agencies, and health care.

Program Learning Outcomes/Goals

1. Describe the unique role and responsibilities of working with law enforcement and public safety personnel.
2. Acquire an understanding of the unique culture of law enforcement and an associated cultural competency necessary to effectively support police and public safety officers.
3. Describe and apply evidence-based practices to support the health and wellness of law enforcement personnel, and assess specific considerations related to issues including confidentiality and safety.
4. Analyze various models of mental health-law enforcement response teams, and explore ways which this partnership effectively supports public safety.

Professional Behavior Expectations/Ethical Guidelines

Respectful Speech and Actions: As an institution of higher education, the University has the obligation to combat racism, sexism, and other forms of bias and to provide an equal educational opportunity. Professional codes of ethics and the academic code shall be the guiding principles in dealing with speech or actions that, when considered objectively, are abusive and insulting.

Professional Behavior: This program is a graduate-level professional program, and each member of the program, both students and faculty, are expected to engage in professional behavior and conduct. Students should always display empathy, self-control, friendliness, generosity, cooperation, helpfulness, and respect in all of their interactions with other students, staff, and faculty. Students will strive to exemplify professional behavior in all aspects of their participation in this program, to be on time in all engagements, to thoughtfully and diligently complete activities and assignments, and to treat all other program members with respect and dignity.

Credit Units

Total Credit Units: 9

Total Core Credit Units: 9

Total Elective Credit Units: N/A

Total Concentration Credit Units: N/A

Curriculum Plan