[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 62 (Wednesday, May 18, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 18, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                 ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGY IN CRIME PREVENTION

                                 ______


                          HON. TED STRICKLAND

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 17, 1994

  Mr. STRICKLAND. Mr. Speaker, I want to alert my colleagues to the 
critical role that psychologists play in crime prevention throughout 
the Nation. Extensive research, much of it conducted by psychologists, 
has identified important factors that predict and influence criminal 
behavior. Based on this research, psychologists have developed and 
implemented comprehensive and effective prevention programs to lower 
the incidence of crime. Further, psychologists working with adjudicated 
offenders have provided valuable rehabilitative interventions for hard 
core criminals, and psychological interventions with victims to lower 
the painful, long-term consequences of violence. In every facet of 
crime prevention and intervention, psychologists have been active and 
productive agents for change.
  I urge my colleagues to consider the difficult and complex nature of 
criminal behavior. In deciding how we will deal with criminals, we must 
acknowledge what puts our young people at risk to become criminals. 
These include characteristics of families, communities, and schools 
within which potential criminals exist, as well as qualities of peers 
and the offenders themselves. Many of these characteristics can be 
changed by systemic and concerted interventions. They are sound and 
clear-cut targets for programs seeking to make our Nation a safer and 
less-fearful place to live. Psychologists' expertise in addressing 
these risk factors is a crucial component in preventing crime and 
violence and providing direct rehabilitative services to offenders and 
their victims.
  I further urge my colleagues to understand that ultimately the most 
effective solution to crime is prevention. Psychologist researchers and 
practitioners have identified effective psychological interventions to 
accomplish this. These interventions--leading to changes in behavior, 
thinking, and social skills--provide the necessary tools for solving 
our Nation's crime problem. Among these are school-based programs, such 
as problem-solving training, conflict resolution programs, social 
skills training, and interventions to improve school environments, 
discipline, and safety. Additionally, community-based interventions, 
such as parenting education and integration of services show great 
promise in effectively lowering our Nation's crime rates by dealing 
with the roots of crime. Other important contributions of psychology 
have included training police, judges, hospital staff, and correctional 
personnel to deal effectively with the psychological and behavioral 
aspects of crime; assessment of individuals and situations to promote 
nonviolent problem solutions; and training school personnel to provide 
safe, disciplined classroom environments.
  The need for real solutions to crime in our Nation is great. 
Interventions that work are critical to meeting this need, and 
psychologists are providing the leadership, skills, and 
expertise required to put these interventions in place. Psychologists' 
knowledge of mental health and public health provides the crucial 
underpinnings for prevention programs contained within this bill. Their 
expertise in attitude and behavior change furnishes important tools for 
lowering the prevalence and acceptability of guns and drugs in schools 
and communities.

  Psychology has an important role to play in the implementation of the 
programs authorized by this legislation. Examples would include 
providing specialized community and school-based knowledge and skills 
for school components of Assistance of Delinquent and At-Risk Youth, 
Safe Schools, and Family and Community Endeavor Schools. Psychologists' 
skills and knowledge in technical assistance, evaluation, and program 
development are critical to successful implementation of such programs 
as Employment and Skills Crime Prevention, Violence Against Women, 
Community Policing, and Juvenile Drug Trafficking. Psychologists' 
expertise in violence and substance abuse prevention, human 
development, and behavior change is critical for working with the 
judicial system on such programs as Alternative Methods of Punishment 
for Youthful Offenders, Police Partnerships for Children, Drug Courts, 
Gang Prevention Grants, and Violence Against Women.
  As active partners in our Nation's crime initiatives, psychologists 
are prepared to meet the challenge of effectively and efficiently 
dealing with the problem. Psychologists' training equips them to be 
primary participants in programs for preventing criminal behavior, 
serving young offenders, rehabilitating problem offenders, and healing 
the scars of victims of crime.

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