Psychology and Policing

• • False confessions and testimony
  • Police interviewing
  • Facial recognition
  • Eyewitnesses and error
  • Detecting deception
  • Evidence-based policing
  • Policing and stress
  • Police and psychology in partnership I
  • Police and psychology in partnership II

Equivalent subjects

You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:

• CUR-PSB540C-Psychology and Policing (No longer available)

Additional requirements

No additional requirements

Psychologists have assisted the work of the police in a number of ways and this subject of study introduces applications of psychology to police operations. Topics covered include false confessions and testimony, police interviewing, facial recognition, and eyewitnesses and error. The rise of evidence-based policing has encouraged psychologists to work closely with the police on developing practices that are grounded in empirical research, and this approach will be critically assessed. Police officers frequently experience work related stress and ways in which psychologists can assist officers in responding to stress are also examined. Students will be provided with an overview of the opportunities and limitations of police-psychology collaborations. The need for a pragmatic approach underscores this subject of study.

Please Note:  If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.

Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.

• Written Assignment (50%)
• Examination (50%)

Current study term: 27 Feb 22 to 29 May 22

Next study term: 28 Aug 22 to 27 Nov 22