American Board of Police and Public Safety Psychology

The candidate will be able to demonstrate competency in the following Foundational and Functional Competency areas as defined below:

FOUNDATIONAL COMPETENCIES

Professionalism: Professional values and ethics as evidenced in behavior and comportment that reflects the values and ethics of psychology, integrity, and responsibility.

Reflective Practice/Self-Assessment/Self-Care: Practice conducted with personal and professional self-awareness and reflection; with awareness of competencies and deficiencies; with appropriate self-care.

Scientific Knowledge and Methods: Understanding of research, research methodology, techniques of data collection and analysis, biological bases of behavior, cognitive-affective bases of behavior, and development across the lifespan. Respect for scientifically derived knowledge.

Relationships: Relate effectively and meaningfully with individuals, groups, and/or communities.

Individual and Cultural Diversity: Awareness, sensitivity and skills in working professionally with diverse individuals, groups and communities who represent various cultural and personal background and characteristics.

Ethical/Legal Standards: Application of ethical concepts and awareness of legal issues regarding professional activities with individuals, groups, and organizations.

Practice Standards: Knowledge of professional guidelines, authoritative treatises, consensus among published authors, etc. that inform practice in all functional domains.

Interdisciplinary Systems: Knowledge of key issues and concepts in related disciplines. Ability to identify and interact with professionals in multiple disciplines.

Knowledge of Client Milieu: Fundamental knowledge of the client’s personal, social, and occupational milieu, and how these factors interrelate and impact effectiveness of professional services.

Evidence-Based Practice: Ability to independently apply knowledge of evidence-based practice, including empirical bases of assessment, intervention, operations and consultation.

Functional Competencies:

Assessment: Defining, assessing, diagnosing, and conceptualizing client problems, capabilities, and issues associated with police and public safety personnel, groups, and/or organizations. B.
Intervention: Developing, implementing, and evaluating various interventions designed to alleviate suffering and to promote health and well-being of police and public safety personnel, groups, and/or organizations.

Operational Support: Application of psychological science and procedures in support of law enforcement activities; strategic, analytic, and expert guidance or professional assistance provided to police and public safety personnel, groups, and/or organizations for purposes of aiding them in their public safety functions.

Organizational Consultation: Analysis, consultation, and assistance provided to police and public safety supervisors, managers, groups, and/or organizations for purposes of improving group or organizational functioning.