Welcome Letter from the Specialty Board President

Jocelyn E. Roland, PhD, ABPP

Welcome to the American Board of Police and Public Safety Psychology. As we head happily out of 2020 into hopefully a healthier 2021, I encourage you to review our website for important information about becoming a board certified specialist. I also would like to encourage you to join the cadre of colleagues who make their career priority serving those who serve in public service both individually and organizationally. Historically, Police and Public Safety Psychology (PPSP) is a relatively new specialty area that was first officially recognized by the APA as a proficiency in 2008, and as a specialty in 2013. Excitingly, this year our petition to remain a specialty was accepted for another seven years. The American Board of Police and Public Safety Psychology (ABPPSP) became an ABPP specialty board in 2011.
 
Since 2011, we have built a base of competent PPSP specialists, and remain committed to attracting new candidates and growing our board. We welcome inquiries and applications for candidacy from any psychologist working in law enforcement or other areas of public safety (i.e., corrections/detention, fire service, military, veteran’s services) who meet the specialty requirements for application, performing work in one or more of the four domains including assessment, intervention, consultation, and operations.
 
A very active part of our specialty board in 2020 and again in 2021 will be the American Academy of Police and Public Safety Psychology (AAPPSP). The Academy’s mission is to provide continuing education in the specialty and to develop a core curriculum for universities and professional schools wishing to establish graduate training programs and advanced degrees in the specialty. We are focused on developing continuing education in the field to assist both seasoned veterans and those in the formative years of their careers to improve their skills and knowledge base in PPSP. Achieving and maintaining competence is a focus of the AAPPSP, and as of 2020 through our provider partnership we now have 11 courses available for distance learning, making opportunities for education accessible to all. Please visit the AAPPSP page at https://abpp.org/About/Academies/AAPPSP.aspx to learn more.

One of the questions potential candidates pose is whether or not they will qualify for board certification. They also express doubts about whether they are up to the task of applying for specialty status. While the process involves considerable effort, those of us who make up the board want to encourage interested individuals and assure you this is a doable task and a worthwhile endeavor. We have an Examination Manual in our Document Library that lays out a step-by-step roadmap for application and describes the necessary requirements. We are dedicated to recognizing competence in practicing psychologists, and those who achieve certification acknowledge that while the process is challenging, it is a positive professional growth experience. We take pride in being helpful, professional, and collegial in the process of candidates seeking board certification and are committed to assisting others in reaching this goal. Last, for early career psychologists (ECPs), the Dr. Eileen M. Gupton Memorial Scholarship Fund offers a $500.00 honorarium for those who successfully complete the examination process. Please see https://abpp.org/Foundation2/ABPP-Foundation-Funds/Gupton-Fund-Grant.aspx for more information.
 
There are a number of ways we can assist you in the process, from interest through application. Consider visiting our page that allows you to hear from those who have recently been through the process: https://abpp.org/Applicant-Information/Specialty-Boards/Police-Public-Safety-Psychology/Interview-with-Specialist.aspx. Another option is to access our directory of specialists and speak with someone who has “been there, done that”. Furthermore, our mentoring program is another avenue of aid available to help you connect with a specialist on a more personal level. Mentoring further extends the supportive assistance as candidates persevere through submission of the Practice Sample. We are committed to working with applicants and candidates to assist them through the process. The National Chair of Examinations (NCE) oversees all aspects of the application and the examination process, and I would encourage you to contact the NCE, Dr. Gary Fischler at gfischler@psycheval.com to consult about your desire to apply. Our Mentoring Coordinator, Rick Wihera, PhD, ABPP, is also available to assist, and he can be reached at wihera@msn.com.
 
Our role in the field of psychology is more critical than ever in helping police and public safety agencies and their personnel function their best, from smart hiring practices to maintaining healthy public servants. The ABPPSP is committed to the mission of developing, assessing, and maintaining the competence of psychologists working in this specialized field. Through our processes of examination and continuing education we endeavor to help professionals in our specialty thrive and succeed. Thank you for your interest in the ABPPSP. Both myself and any of the specialty board officers welcome your contact and questions. Please feel free to contact me personally so that I may assist, support and encourage you. I can be reached at 209-521-8400, or jerolandphd@gmail.com.

Jocelyn E. Roland, PhD, ABPP
President, American Board of Police and Public Safety Psychology