I have included what chapter you can refer to for pertinent information. You are encouraged to conduct your web-based research in formulating your responses.

Questions:

1. Describe three factors that make police work especially stressful when compared to other occupations. Include the category that each stressor falls under (e.g., organizational, task-related) and propose two possible initiatives that could help reduce the stress associated with each in your answer. (Chapter 2)

2. Kassin contends that five myths of confessions are prevalent in the criminal justice system. Identify these myths and propose a strategy for reducing the perpetuation of each. Your strategies should be more detailed than simply increasing the education of officers and/or the public and should include details of what that education should include. (Chapter 3)

3. Identify and describe one type of specialty court. Discuss why psychologists are specifically interested in the existence or creation of such programs. Provide an example of such a program that is active here in West Virginia. Describe when, how, and why the program was developed, if and how psychologists are involved, how it can or does impact the community and the criminal justice system, and include any outcome data you can find regarding the program. What are your thoughts on this program and how do you think it could be improved? (Chapter 4)

4. Explain Sexually Violent Predator statutes and discuss three of the concerns associated with them. Do we have an SVP statute in WV? If so, what does it include? What are the official positions of the American Psychiatric Association and American Psychological Association on the practice of civil commitment for sex offenders? What do you personally see as the risks and benefits of civil commitment for sexual offenders? Finally, state whether you support or oppose civil commitment for those deemed to be sexually violent predators. (Chapter 5)

5. Describe West Virginia's current custody law (https://code.wvlegislature.gov/48-9-206/) (https://harwoodlegal.com/wv-child-custody-law/) in your words. Assume that most courts are adhering strongly to the assumption and granting 50/50 custody except in extreme cases (e.g., one parent commits a criminal act during the divorce process). Why is such a law advantageous to the courts? Describe three cases where this could be detrimental or result in further harm to the child(ren). Do you think that parenting responsibilities are divided equally in most families (as this law presumes)? Do you support this law, or would you propose an alternative? Explain why you support the current law or briefly describe what the alternative would involve. (Chapter 6)

Book used:

INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY: RESEARCH AND APPLICATION 6TH EDITION BARTOL & BARTOL SAGE ISBN: 978-1-0718-1534-2 *you will need the 6th edition