APA Professional Practice Guidelines for Operational Psychology

Operational psychologists provide a variety of psychological services in support of national security, national defense, and public safety. Their work may include the assessment of personnel for high-risk positions, consultation to investigations and crisis negotiations, support to military or intelligence training and operations, or other types of psychological and behavioral assessments. The practice of operational psychology differs in important ways from other practice areas and has developed significantly over the past 20 years.

This history has not been without controversy related to operational psychology in the context of national security interrogation and detention operations. To address specific questions of conduct and to clarify these matters, APA commissioned an independent review that culminated in new policy approved by the APA Council of Representatives.

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