The Society for Police and Criminal Psychology is a group that encourages the study and application of police and forensic psychology to the criminal justice system. The major focal points of the group are on law enforcement, the court systems, and the corrections Members of the Society study human behavior and motivations behind what can lead some people to actions that may put them in conflict with the criminal justice system.

Because of the nature of the Society for Police and Criminal Psychology, the memberships wants to have as much input from professional forensic psychologists as possible. They are also quite interested in working with and gaining input from lawyers, police officers, corrections officers, social workers, and others who are a part of the criminal justice system in some capacity.

Becoming a Member of the Society for Police and Criminal Psychology

It’s quite easy to become a member of the Society for Police and Criminal Psychology, as they do not have any educational requirements. As long as you have in interest in criminal justice, as well as the application of psychology in the criminal justice field, you will find that you can become a member of the group. Students are able to join at a reduced membership rate.

When you join, you will receive a copy of the Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, as well as access to the Springer Journal of Crime, Law, and Social Change. You will get a 25% discount on Springer books, be listed on the website as a member, receive newsletters, and be able to attend the annual conference. The Society is also a great place to meet others who are in the field and who have an interest in forensic psychology.

The membership dues for professional membership are $50 per year. The special student rate is just $35 per year. The Society for Police and Criminal Psychology encourages forensic psychologists, as well as police officers, researchers, federal agents, and others in the field, to join.

Attend the Annual Conference

When you are a member of the Society for Police and Criminal Psychology, you may want to attend the annual conference. The conference is held in the autumn of each year at various locations. The conference features a strong focus on the behavioral sciences, as well as how those sciences relate to law enforcement. The conferences will often host lectures and presentations that can cover a host of different issues psychologists and other professionals have to deal with regularly.

With the benefits that you get from membership into the Society for Police and Criminal Psychology, and the great contacts that you will be able to meet through the organization, membership for a forensic psychologist is quite worthwhile. The cost of joining is quite low, and you should be able to get quite a bit out of the membership.

Please visit http://www.policepsychology.org/ for more information about The Society for Police and Criminal Psychology.