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Psychology of law enforcement activity (or Police Psychology) is the application of behavioral science and mental health principles (psychological ideas) to the concerns of police officers, their families, the department, and the community. The term "police" can be a little misleading because Police Psychologists are involved in all aspects of law enforcement including local and federal government agencies. They are not limited to just police departments.

Police psychologists can work either as departmental employees or as external consultants to the police agency trying to make officers' jobs and lives more effective, productive, and rewarding. Police psychologists do not necessarily have to become police officers, but it is vital that a clear understanding of the nature of police work is acquired. To gain this understanding, some psychologists will request to accompany police officers on ride-alongs for a brief period.

Police psychologists have many roles in the police force. They conduct pre-employment screenings for police and public safety personnel where they will assess and evaluate the potential new police officer's as well as government agent’s personality, psychology, intelligence, and overall fit for work.

The police psychologist will also conduct fitness-for-duty evaluations for police officers (stating, for example, whether the police officer is able to perform tasks in law-enforcement bodies. The police psychologist will train police officers how to work in crisis situations like hostage taking. The police psychologist will teach the police officer crime prevention techniques. The police psychologist also provides clinical counseling to police officers and their families, which can include family and marital issues, divorce, loss, injury and stress. Police psychologists may assist with scheduling, educating officers to deal with emotional and anger management. Police Psychologists also provide services with critical incidents, excessive force issues, post-shooting trauma, police suicides, substance abuse counseling, leadership and management training in police and public safety administration.

A police psychologist should have excellent problem-solving skills, have excellent listening and communication skills, be observant and able to interpret people's body language as well as what they say, be able to produce clear, concise written reports, be interested in the causes and effects of criminal behaviour.

Police psychology is one of the fastest-growing areas of employment for psychology graduates. The basic qualification for anyone aiming at a career as a professional psychologist is a degree in psychology. Graduates are expected to undertake relevant practical experience before applying for police psychologist vacancies. In addition to police departments, Police psychologists may work for government agencies and even contribute to training of future officers and agents. There are a number of opportunities as consultants, and many Police Psychologists work in clinical practices as well [15].