The aim of this book is to examine the qualities of leadership and decision-making in the police service. Based on groundbreaking research using unique, advanced methods for examining policing in complex critical incident environments, the book focuses principally on a series of police debriefs following live major critical incidents. It captures the views of the Senior Investigating Officers (SIOs) who worked on these cases and draws upon the very rich set of experiences that they have had in dealing with complex, stressful and demanding enquiries. The book provides an introduction to new methods for exploring leadership and decision-making in critical incidents. It will be an essential resource for developers of police training in leadership and decision-making, senior police officers involved in critical incident management, organisational psychologists who work within policing, and for students whose area of study covers policing, decision-making or criminal investigation.

This book examines how the police make decisions in real life situations, particularly in major enquiries. The two key themes explored are real-time decision making along with what “works” in such circumstances. It aims to set out how successful decisions are arrived at in a variety of difficult and time-constrained situations and discusses the lessons that can be learnt from this. Written by practitioners and academics, the book explores a range of topics, from the decision making process involved operational matters and in difficult-so-solve murder enquiries. It not only examines decision making but also how experienced decision makers function. It looks at the psychology of police decision making, decision making involved in cold case investigations, and discusses the need for “grip” during major investigations. The contributors are experienced and respected practitioners and academics This book will appeal particularly to those studying Policing and Criminology and also to Investigating Officers and those involved in professionalising investigative practice.

Leading authorities on negotiations present the result of years of research, application, testing and experimentation, and practical experience. Principles and applications from numerous disciplines are combined to create a conceptual framework for the hostage negotiator. Ideas and concepts are explained so that the practicing negotiator can apply the principles outlined.

Reflections of a Police Psychologist is an account of the experiences, thoughts, and observations of a seasoned police veteran. It is written for police officers and those who would like a glimpse into the world of policing from the perspective of a former police officer and current police psychologist. Dr. Digliani discusses the major challenges facing those first entering police work. He addresses police field training and identifies the ten police field training pitfalls. The PATROL program, developed to assist new officers, is outlined. It involves an orientation and phase meetings between new officers and the staff psychologist to support them throughout field training. Dr. Digliani discusses how stress management becomes life management within the concepts of life-by-design and life-by-default. Inside the parameters of life management, a list of Some Things to Remember functions as an instrument for transactional change. The issues related to traumatic stress and exposure are discussed. The insights presented originate out of years of treating officers exposed to traumatic events. The role of police peer support teams is examined. Models for a peer support team policy and operational guidelines are presented. There is also information relating to the confidentiality of peer support interactions, a topic of current controversy. Traumatic incident debriefings and their applications in policing are elucidated, along with phase and freeze-frame models of debriefing. Included is a discussion of the current efficacy research pertinent to traumatic incident debriefings. Police family issues and the Foundation Building Blocks of Functional Relationships are outlined. Various family patterns of interaction are identified, including information for families of traumatized officers. There is a discussion of coping with death and loss, a critical area for police officers. An exposition of mental illness and interacting with the mentally ill from a police perspective is presented. Toward the end of the book, the retirement transition is discussed. In retirement or separation from service, officers return to the civilian world. Some experience difficulty with this transition. Issues to consider before retirement are presented. The final chapter includes the general reflections and policing history of Dr. Digliani. These reflections include the insights that come only with years of policing experience in several police assignments, including that of staff psychologist. This is an excellent book for anyone interested in law enforcement, policing, and police psychology.

For undergraduate/graduate courses in Policing and Criminal Justice. Focusing on the topic of police stress, this text compiles chapters written by leading police researchers who examine the sources and consequences of stress, as well as effective strategies for coping with it.