Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology

Scope & Guideline

Innovating Practices in Police Psychology and Criminal Justice

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0882-0783
PublisherSPRINGER
Support Open AccessNo
CountryGermany
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1985 to 2024
AbbreviationJ POLICE CRIM PSYCHO / J. Police Crim. Psychol.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressONE NEW YORK PLAZA, SUITE 4600 , NEW YORK, NY 10004, UNITED STATES

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology focuses on the intersection of psychological principles and law enforcement practices. It aims to advance the understanding of psychological factors affecting police work, the mental health of law enforcement personnel, and the psychological dynamics of criminal behavior.
  1. Psychological Assessment and Mental Health in Policing:
    The journal publishes research on psychological assessments, mental health issues, and wellness programs specifically designed for law enforcement personnel, addressing how these factors impact their performance and well-being.
  2. Police Training and Professional Development:
    Research related to the training and professional development of police officers, focusing on effective training methodologies, psychological resilience, and the incorporation of mental health awareness within police training programs.
  3. Criminal Behavior and Psychological Profiles:
    The journal explores the psychological aspects of criminal behavior, including profiling, risk assessment, and the psychological impacts of crime on victims and law enforcement.
  4. Community Relations and Policing Strategies:
    Studies that examine the relationship between police forces and communities, including issues of trust, legitimacy, and community-oriented policing strategies.
  5. Crisis Intervention and Decision-Making:
    Research on decision-making processes in high-stress situations, including crisis intervention strategies and the psychological impacts of such encounters on both officers and civilians.
The Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology is currently witnessing a surge in interest in several innovative and relevant themes. The following points outline these emerging trends and their significance in the field.
  1. Mental Health and Well-Being of Police Officers:
    Increasing publications focus on the mental health challenges faced by law enforcement officers, including stress, burnout, and PTSD, emphasizing the need for effective mental health interventions and support systems.
  2. Crisis Intervention and De-escalation Techniques:
    Research is trending towards effective crisis intervention strategies, particularly in interactions with individuals experiencing mental health crises, showcasing the importance of psychological training in de-escalation.
  3. Impact of Technology on Policing:
    Emerging studies are examining how technology, including body-worn cameras and digital communication, affects police practices, accountability, and public perceptions.
  4. Community Policing Models:
    There is a growing interest in community policing models that prioritize collaboration between law enforcement and community members, highlighting the psychological aspects of trust and legitimacy.
  5. Diversity and Inclusion in Law Enforcement:
    Research is increasingly focusing on the psychological impacts of diversity and inclusion within police forces, exploring how these factors influence organizational culture and community relations.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology has seen growth in areas such as mental health and community relations, some themes have been declining in prominence. The following points identify these waning scopes.
  1. Traditional Crime Investigation Techniques:
    There has been a noticeable decline in research focused on traditional methods of crime investigation, as newer methodologies and psychological approaches are being prioritized.
  2. Basic Law Enforcement Training:
    Research specifically addressing basic law enforcement training has decreased, with more emphasis now placed on advanced psychological training and specialized intervention techniques.
  3. General Crime Statistics and Reporting:
    Studies focusing on general crime statistics and reporting trends are becoming less frequent, as the journal shifts towards more nuanced analyses of psychological factors influencing crime and policing.
  4. Historical Analysis of Policing Practices:
    There is a waning interest in historical analyses of policing practices, as contemporary issues and psychological insights take precedence in the current discourse.

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