The Importance of Safety Training in Forensic Psychology Graduate Programs

Abstract

This study examined current psychology graduate students’ and early career professionals’ (ECPs) (N = 156) perceptions of safety and experiences while working with forensic populations. ECPs were defined as individuals who had completed graduate studies in a psychology masters- or doctoral-level program within the past five years. Results suggest that, although the majority of students and ECPs have experienced safety violations while working in forensic settings, they reported feeling fairly safe in such settings. Furthermore, while more safety training and higher self-proclaimed proficiency levels in the different safety training areas (e.g., assertiveness training, self-defense, safety awareness) were generally related to higher reported levels of safety in forensic settings, these respondents reported a higher incidence of safety violations. The results of this survey highlight the prevalence of safety violations among students and ECPs, as well as the need for program-sponsored safety training in graduate training programs.