How to choose the right operational police behavioral health specialist (OPBHS)

A recent article (Dennis, December 2011) stressed the need to consider the factors necessary when selecting an operational police physician. It seems apparent that equal attention should be given to the selection of the Operational Police Behavioral Health Specialist or Police Psychologist (OPBHS). This is intended to round-out selection considerations for these two important and essential positions on both Special Weapons and Tactics Teams as well as on Police Hostage and Crisis Negotiations Teams. Such considerations are crucial whether these teams are operationalized together separately, or as part of the same unit. The previous outline headings, with some additions, will be utilized specifically to deal with the Operational Police Behavioral Health Specialist. Also, see Greenstone (2005). The issues to be considered for the OPBHS are: Candidate selection. (Also see Greenstone, 2005), Duties, Administrative, Clinical, Training involvement, Relationships, Liability and coverage (Dennis, 2011), Other considerations.