Cognitive Theories And Theories Of Psychology - 1526 Words

INTRODUCTION There are many approaches that psychologists have developed in order to understand certain behavior. The most common approaches in psychology are psychodynamic, behavior, cognitive, humanistic, and biological approaches. The ultimate goal of each method is to help individuals change unhealthy thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. However, these different approaches use different techniques to form assumptions and explanations about abnormality. In this essay, cognitive and psychodynamic are the two approaches that will be discussed. Even though these two approaches have a few similarities, their differences are more obvious. COGNITIVE APPROACH The cognitive theory approach explains that people’s thoughts or beliefs form certain behaviors and emotions. This theory was developed in the early 1960s, and it attempts to describe the behavior of humans by studying thoughts and reasoning process (Beck 1995). The automatic thoughts that we have about ourselves can affect emotions and self-concept. Also, our global assumptions about other people and the world can be either positive and helpful or negative and destructive (Nolen-Hoeksema 2014). The two founders of this view, Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck, claimed â€Å"the dysfunctional thinking that influences negative emotions and maladaptive behavior is common to all psychological disturbances† (Beck 1995). With cognitive therapy, the therapist helps the patient identify and challenge their negative thoughts and dysfunctionalShow MoreRelatedThe Theory Of Cognitive Psychology947 Words   |  4 Pagesunderstand how information is stored and recalled was thought not so widely followed through until the concept of cognitive psychology came along. Cognitive Psychology is broadly known as the study to understand the deep complexity of processing and recalling information which can determine our behaviors and feelings. There are three main focuses which contribute to the study of cognitive psychology. The first is a memory which can be looked at as the storage of information, both immediately and storedRead MoreThe Theory Of Cognitive Psychology928 Words   |  4 Pagesprocesses, memory and communication. This new direction received the name of cognitive psychology. One of the pioneers, who established this path in psychology science, was Swiss biologist, Jean Piaget. Piaget’s discoveries and principles have made a significant contribution in expansion of cognitive psychology ideas. His research and concepts that were based on kids learning and progressing helped him to form his famous theory of four developmental stages, which later found supporters and critics amongRead MoreThe Theory Of Cognitive Psychology892 Words   |  4 PagesThe theory of Cognitive psychology looks at any individual as the source of processing the information just any computer which perceives the input in the form of information and then processing it with the help of already installed information related to it and then it is given out as an output by following the program. It is still possible to study the mental position of the mind through meditational processes involving attention, perception and memory. These are the stages in processing the informationRead MoreThe Psychology Of Cognitive Theory1069 Words   |  5 Pages The history of Cognitive behavior therapy was theorized or developed, by Dr. Aaron T Beck. To clarify, Dr. Beck theorized CBT as a form of psychotherapy, the therapists and the client working together as a team, in efforts of developing a therapeutic solution. Next, the CBT therapeutic model is conclusive to studies aiding in seeking solutions which mirror psychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, PTSD, and other personality disorders stillRead MoreThe Theory Of Cognitive Psychology Essay2350 Words   |  10 Pagesyou are constantly employing cognitive processes in order to function throughout the day. The term for the study of these cognitive processes is cognitive psychology. Rutgers University defines cognitive psychology as â€Å"the scientific study of mind and mental function, including learning, memory, attention, perception, reasoning, language, conceptual development, and decision making†. One area of these cogn itive processes is called wayfinding. It contains several cognitive processes such as knowing theRead MoreCognitive Behavioral Theory Of Psychology Essay1764 Words   |  8 PagesYosef Friedman Professor E Cohen History and System of Psychology (11280 LPSN 332) December 8, 2016 Final Cognitive Behavioral Theory: Cognitive Behavioral Theory can be divided into three parts, or â€Å"waves† of development. The first of the three is Behaviorism. In 1913 Watson launched the behavioral school of psychology, publishing an article, Psychology as the Behaviorist Views it. A few years later, in 1920 Watson and Rayner conditioned an orphan known as Little Albert to fear a white rat. In 1936Read MorePsychology : Cognitive Behavioral Theory840 Words   |  4 PagesCognitive-Behavioral Theory Presenting Concerns Catalina came to counseling seeking help in dealing with traumatic events from her past, which has led her to problems in her marriage, mistrust in others, and high levels of anxiety. She is having a difficult time letting go of the past. Catalina was physically abused by her aunt from the age for 10-14. The only male figure ever present in her life was her aunt’s son Roberto, who attempted to sexually abuse her when she was 14 years old. Although herRead MoreClassical Financial Theory : Cognitive Psychology And Economics952 Words   |  4 Pagesof the stock market. Classical financial theory assumes investors behave with rational expectations in order to maintain an efficient market. Yet as we know, the idiosyncrasies in human behavior vary and financial markets tend to fluctuate up and down as a result. Recently, economics has begun to adopt the insights of behavioral science as a more realistic interpretation of financial markets. Behavioral economics incorporates aspects of cognitive psychology with conventional finance in order to provideRead MoreJean Piaget s Theory Of Cognitive Psychology1187 Words   |  5 Pagesof the Cognitive Psychology movement and one of the most influential developmental psychologists of the 20th century. His work on schemas, adaptation, and his development theory are still being used today in most professional settings as a way to understand the development of the child. His work on schemas led to a new understanding of mental illness, paving the way for Cognitive-Behavioral therapies and other therapeutic methods that are based off faulty thinking. Before the Cognitive movementRead MoreThe Theory Of Psychology, Humanistic, Social Cognitive And Trait Perspective1235 Words   |  5 Pagespatterns of thinking1. In psychology, personality is utilized to sum up all the ways of an individual’s thinking, feeling and acting that based on the environment and experience. Various personality theories exist and are categ orized into four major perspectives—Psychoanalytic, Humanistic, Social Cognitive and trait perspective. These four major perspectives on personality help to describe the numerous patterns in each individual’s personality. The first major theory in psychology is Psychoanalytic perspective

Masculinity Essay - 1619 Words

Three common stereotypes associated with masculinity would be self-confidence, aggressiveness, and insensitivity. Self-confidence is a positive trait that men are associated with, however, it can also be a negative trait. Many men are self-confident which helps their self-esteem and boosts their mental image of themselves. Those men who are not self-confident may feel that the stereotype negatively impacts them they may feel like they are not â€Å"man† enough. Men and boys are often stereotyped as being aggressive, which I believe is a negative stereotype. Boys are taught from a young age that they need to be physically dominant and that they are supposed to play rough. This behavior that is taught at young age then grows with them over time†¦show more content†¦To me the word masculinity means the ability to express feelings and emotions while still being a strong role model to young men and boys. Masculinity encompasses the ability to be the stereotypical male qual ities like being tough, strong, and brave, while still being able to express emotions and having the ability to admit that admit weakness. I have developed this definition by viewing men around me and choosing the traits that I find the most admirable. I feel like I do not necessarily accept societal concepts of masculinity but at times I do find myself complying with societal concepts. I do find myself challenging gender norms, I feel like people should be able to express and be themselves no matter what society dictates. Femininity to me means being able to be independent, self- advocating, while still being kind and nurturing. I personally think that I am more feminine than what I am masculine, but I feel like I do possess qualities of both genders. I believe that I am more feminine because I am very sensitive, nurturing, and independent, however, I do feel like I am strong and brave like the stereotypical male. Another reason as to why I feel more feminine than what I do masculi ne is from the strongShow MoreRelatedEssay about Masculinity786 Words   |  4 PagesMasculinity The definition of masculinity; Is the fact of being a man or having qualities considered typical of a man. I was stuck in that sentence that what is the qualities considered typical of a man. What is the quality of man, what is considered as a typical of a man? 1. Identities According to Victor, since the 1960s the challenges of feminism made men feel uneasy and confused about their power and identity. Women insisted that men had also to be more emotionally involved in relationshipRead More Feminism and Masculinity Essay820 Words   |  4 Pagescontemporary society, hegemonic masculinity is defined by physical strength and boldness, heterosexuality, economic independence, authority over women and other men, and an interest in sexual relationships. While most men do not embody all of these qualities, society supports hegemonic masculinity within all its institutions, including the educational institute, the religious institute and other institutes which form the ideological state apparatus. Standards of masculinity vary from time to time, fromRead MoreFeminine Masculinity Essay694 Words   |  3 PagesFeminine Masculinity Given that the structure of gender qualities has been a large part of our views, in regards to a variety of issues, a number of people take exception to variances from within these rules. Keeping this in mind, we will discuss the reasons why many individuals are discouraged from crossing traditional gender traits, and closely examine parts of the article assigned for this paper. In consideration of the editorial by Newsweek (2008), the author clearly uses the following linesRead MoreEssay on Masculinity in Crisis624 Words   |  3 PagesMasculinity in Crisis What is masculinity? Look it up in the dictionary and youll be met with factual, rather than opinion based answers of: 1. The quality or condition of being masculine. 2. Something traditionally considered to be characteristic of a male. 3. The trait of behaving in ways considered typical for men [ant: femininity. Our fathers recall running down the garden path to meet their old man returning from a days work, ruggedRead More Ernest Hemingway’s Portrayal of Masculinity Essay1169 Words   |  5 PagesErnest Hemingway’s Portrayal of Masculinity When thinking of masculinity in literature, one author has who has become synonymous with manliness comes to mind, Ernest Hemingway. Critics have spent countless hours studying his writing in order to gain insight into his world of manly delights, including his views on sex, war, and sport. His views can be seen through his characters, his themes and even his style of writing. The characters in Hemingway’s stories reveal much about how he feelsRead More Masculinity At Its Straightest Essay1870 Words   |  8 Pages The misguided perception of masculinity is the absence of anything remotely homosexual. In Michael Kimmel’s novel Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys Become Men he discusses the contradictions of masculinity and what it takes to be seen as a real men. In American, middle class white society, manhood is more than beards and sleeping around with women, it is being as far away from feminine as allowed. The most foreign idea to most would be to consider a gay man to be â€Å"manly.† This unfathomableRead MoreEssay about Masculinity in the Media1647 Words   |  7 Pages Masculinity in the Media Masculinity has changed and evolved since the beginning of human creation. Males have had to adhere to the social norms of their time to survive without undue persecution. In the beginning of the 19th century, there was a shift in the way men could attain manhood. It was no longer easy for a man to enter into manhood with straightforward expectations and rituals. The state of manhood became difficult to obtain because of its precarious nature. During the sameRead MoreMark Twain Masculinity Essay2068 Words   |  9 Pages19th century America was a time period in which the definition of masculinity grew through a man’s power and work. To be considered as â€Å"that man†, what was needed was power, wealth, and even the appearance of a man himself. It was often times violent in the battle for who was the â€Å"manlier man†, as it related to the real world of Twain’s 19th century. Masculinity was a way for these men to create dominance and get their w ay throughout duels and even bargaining. Twain’s view on 19th century AmericaRead More Hegemonic Masculinity in American Society Essay1497 Words   |  6 Pages Masculinity is described as possession of attributes considered typical of a man. Hegemonic masculinity is a form of masculine character with cultural idealism and emphasis that connects masculinity to competitiveness, toughness, and women subordination. Masculinity hegemonic is the enforcement of male dominion over a society. Masculine ideology dates back to the time of agrarian and the industrial revolution in Europe when survival compelled men to leave their homesteads to work in industriesRead MoreMasculinity: Gender and Violence Essay2138 Words   |  9 Pagesare not being pressured to act or perform a certain way. In order to reassure themselves of their masculinity, violence has become the main method in assuring themselves and those around them that they are powerful. Not only is this violence being perpe trated against others, but self-inflicted violence also exists. The violence being used is not only physical but it is emotional abuse as well. Masculinity has forced many males to perform in ways that are detrimental to their own health as well as their

Our Superstitious Minds Essay Free Essays

This paper aims to explore the theme superstition as a form of uncanny mysterious happening that have been witnessed and continue to be witnessed in everyday of our lives. The expression ‘superstition’ is sometimes taken to be a simply mean an insult, which is, therefore, not vulnerable to objective meaning and it undoubtedly can be used in this manner. However, when for instance we think through some occurrences that everyone would undoubtedly agree to call superstitious, making doves appear from nowhere, changing clothes to money, waving introvert magpies, saying ‘break a leg’, blowing on cards or dice before playing and rolling them, putting on a lucky t-shirt to a baseball match, we shall realize that in fact, they epitomize rather a close and easily clear group. We will write a custom essay sample on Our Superstitious Minds Essay or any similar topic only for you Order Now In the above case, the superstition explicitly or implicitly affirms a particular causative connection without comprehending any explanation of it workings. A candidate at an examination, who fails to express confidence because ‘it would bring a misfortune’ does not know of the ways by which, the curse would take effect. Someone strolling at night and make a wish on a shooting star cannot tell who or what might hear his or her wish and make it come true. An entrepreneur who once made a bad fortune when there were thorn flowers in the room and who now rejects to have the same in his or her house has no philosophy as to why he or she thinks the thorn flowers are unfortunate, these are just but a few examples to go by. Many people fear the word when they hear someone affiliate with it because they think that it’s a source of evil work. Indeed, if by any explanation there were evidences, the word ‘superstition’ would no longer seem particularly applicable. Introduction Superstition has had a significant influence in the lives of people probably since the beginning of the world. For centuries, human being have clung to the practices as well as, believes encompassing the uncanny phenomena. The superstitious traditions have continued ever since time immemorial even after pieces of evidence being produced by the work of science to explain what was in the past considered supernatural. Superstitious rituals dating back in the middle ages are still witnessed in practice today. However, the kind of things in superstition like hitting on wood or having a horse shoe hanged at the door did not emanate just like that. They were taken with great significance and were presupposed to have various consequences. Superstition, ad is denoted by the dictionary, thesaurus and oxford, is â€Å"excessively, credulous belief and reverence for the supernatural.† The belief was in no other time greater and excessive as in the middle age period’s where a simple blow on your face could send you to unknown destination, a simple sneeze could take someone’s life, and witches used broomsticks to fly around at night as well as conjuring spells were done by Jewish sorcerers. The mysterious circumstances in those ancient periods, were put forth by the imaginations of our descendants. In these times, before science had its roots, simple happening were described as mysterious and supernatural. For instance, a simple shadow cast, probably at midnight during moonlight would be considered as a person’s reflection of their soul. Sounds at night were considered to be from ghosts and genies and this instilled lots of fear to the generation of the time. There was the personification of natural phenomena in those days. The purpose of this paper is to discover the roots of the uncanny superstition, the beneficial use of it if any to people, the consequences and instances, why was it used and who were using it, the power of the this preternatural phenomenal, the various beliefs among others. The roots of superstition Superstition as far as we are concerned is said to have been there from the beginning of mankind. Theories have been put forward to explain this unnatural phenomenon. Firstly, it is thought that superstition comes when a person’s desire is beyond their ability in what is called the implorative desire or mind. For instance, if a person is in dire need of a car or money and he or she has no means of obtaining it but then hears of an available psychic or witch somewhere who could make it possible for them to get what they wanted without any struggles. This will eventually drive him or her to the psychic or the witch due to the strong desire and need. Secondly, a fearful mind is also said to be a root of superstition. For instance, a family that has experience consecutive death of their relatives would have some form of fear that would drive them to seek some wizard’s intervention for why has it been that there has been the same cause of death for all the relative of theirs. More stories such as this of repetitious and mysterious causes often results into some form of superstition. As human beings, each and every one of us has their own fears as well as wishes. If the two happen to exist then it eventually and likely to lead to superstition unless there is some form of holy intervention in a person. No matter how a person may appear educated, if the mind is filled with a fear and wishes that are beyond their abilities then definitely they would become superstitious. It is natural that part of humans is filled with fear and greed, therefore, on their search for satisfaction and peace people tend to be reliant on their dark side, the superstitious power. The law of Cause and Effect This is consider to be the law of truth as well as natural concept that people do rarely think about. It is human nature that human beings always want to have the consequence that are disproportionate with the source like craving for something big outside their reach. Absence of self-confidence, uncontrollable wishes, as well as, worries are all what will make people become superstitious. People ought to understand that it’s their deeds that cause all effect whether successful or not, rich or poor, either bad or good. Also they should understand no effect is coincidental, from nowhere, it takes diligence and clear mind to achieve. If we make good deeds then the end result is good if we make our deeds bad then there would be no good at the end of it all and such leads to superstitious being. The superstition explicitly or implicitly affirms a particular causative connection without comprehending any explanation of it workings. A candidate at an examination, who fails to express confidence because ‘it would bring a misfortune’ does not know of the ways by which, the curse would take effect. It is worth noting that all things in life whether nice or wicked are not merely existent but comes from a cause that we made before (Kim 641-658). Therefore, there is need for good causes in all our endeavors. The law of â€Å"cause and effect† varies from the current to the future life hence is not just an ordinary discipline of study. The big emphasis is that we should proudly as well as, courageously, accept the consequences of our deeds whether they are good or bad without any form of grief, fear or worries because they are what we have sown from the beginning. If we make the cause then even the effect is our end result as well and we should learnt to be responsible of our own self. There is the aim to remain bright and thoughtful while making decision which is the cause so as we prepare for the best effects later that would be easy to accept. By understanding and making believe in the law of cause as well as, effect, we take control of our cause for the upcoming effect. We also make sure that we remain so thoughtful and smart while making our decisions. We are also encourage to keep our greed and fear thought in control as well, for us to be responsible for our deeds. Our superstitious Mind A lot of people can attest to have always had their lives threatened at some by the scare warning they were used to hear people say. Things like try as much to avoid encounters with black cats at night, don’t go under those sheds of trees or cabins at during late hours, every 13th day coinciding with Friday is a bad lack and so forth. Well, the fact is many believed this to be true and had really avoided such encounters and locked themselves in their houses just to make sure such myth are not part of their happenstances. It is said that, these beliefs could happen too those who really and truly believe them to be true and the same is not the case for those who takes them as a mere scare (Vyse 467). However, some of these myth posed a positive effect to the people because they help to shape their behaviors, this is to say, and not all of these superstitious were negative. It was a way to make the mind believe on the wrongs to be avoided and the rights to be done. Nevertheless, there are so many cultures around the world that have hold on to these beliefs to date. Are there certain things that make people to hold on to these beliefs? If yes, how do they perceive them? Are they really things they should hold on? And so forth. There are so many questions that would need answers that would be difficult to find, if we tried get into this and dig deeply. There are several and various extents of superstitions in the world we live in, that we keep hearing of. In this extent, superstitions themselves can be from the smallest actions like people in a casino using simple trick to win money, and other actions that people certainly do to make them avoid back lack and increase their chances of getting what they want, to some big forms like disappearing from sight of audiences. So whether, trying to win, or wearing a lucky scarf and getting out of sight, all these can be considered to be superstitious things because they can never be performed by a normal human being. Being mindful of what we do is a good way to avoiding unwanted consequences in future. A good human being, is one who learns from their past mistakes to make their future a better one than where they are from. The cause and effect is very helpful subject to understand and make good out of it. Three Doors to Freedom from Superstitious Minds How can we teach ourselves to be free from thought that might be superstitious? Here are better ways to make our intentions right. First we need to understand the doors to our freedom. The emptiness is the first, having no desires is the second and the last is formlessness. Anyone who grasps these situations will have the intelligence see the real truth about every aspect in human existences. These contain no arrangements because they are comprised of combination of various casual features. Based on cause all beings are called â€Å"hollowness† because of their illusory nature. If they have physical systems, then there is no blending. People ought to try and discover the actual form in the make-up. The professional have specified that it compromises of four components, air, the earth, and fire, as well as, water. Therefore, missing either of them, would degenerate the body. And when either of them is the controlling or in other words, the dominant portion, our bodies become functionless. Another issue would be how they can be in line when there is a considerable amount of conflict between them? We therefore got the obligation balance them by having the right foods. Which of the considerations is the overriding in our heads? (Patil 411). It is the beliefs that we hold that give rise to either desirable or the undesirable natures that affect how we involve ourselves in the ways that are not permissive. The three doors emphasized by the theory is the one good way that when observed would allow us to avoid all the thing that pre-occupy of heads with dirty stuffs which shifts our rightful thinking. The way we carry our burdens in our mind, by this is to mean the things that distract us in our everyday life determines how we release them back out to other people. A mind that keeps on wishing without coordinating the body to work hard will always have superstitious thoughts to fulfill the wishes. All said and done, the next thing that can influence our thought to be evil are the people we keep around us. If we have friends who keep suggesting negative motives like stealing, fighting, causing chaos then we would always be driven to the dark side of thoughts. We therefore have to be very mindful of the close people we have because we never know there intentions towards us. Just as earlier mentioned, the big emphasis is that we should proudly as well as, courageously, accept the consequences of our deeds whether they are good or bad without any form of grief, fear or worries because they are what we have sown from the beginning. If we make the cause then even the effect is our end result as well and we should learnt to be responsible of our own self The Power of Superstition The phenomenon has been seen to cause more harm than good. Magician who have taken the upfront to using superstition are very capable of doing dangerous stuffs that are very destructive. For instance, we see them in our television performing scary of event that leave us holding our mouths. Imagine if such a person decides to go bad, what harm they would be capable of. a Superstition in Julius Caesar In some ancient days, superstition was a significant perception in the Roman times, as it was the fueling force in uncountable actions of the people at the time. To them it was considered a historical believe. The phenomenon was seen as a strengthening factor with their gods. This is well brought up by a play by Shakespeare called Julius Caesar, named after the great ruler of the Romans at the time. Superstition is used in the play repeatedly to foreshadow the death of the ruler by his friend Brutus who eventually as well, kills himself due to conscious guilt. Shakespeare expresses the awareness that many people tried to get the better of what the future held, such as ill-fated events, by being superstitious. This is exceptionally prominent in Julius Caesar, as it effects the day to day regular daily life of the Roman citizens. From ghosts to half-naked and thonged men, nearly every individual had to deal with the uncanny, a mission that many seemed to take as life changing. In Julius Caesar, superstitious motives within the characters change their choices concerning life, revenge, and death (Beckett 17). This was a time in Roman when sex was a glorification and unfertile women would sought help to be able to procreate while, the fertile ones sought more children by use of superstition. We see from the story that Caesar is approached by an old man by the name of Soothsayer who warns him of his coming death by â€Å"the ides of March,† through foretelling but Caesar ignores that by saying he is a dreamer and just as foretold, he is stubbed to death with among them being Brutus, close friend to him. Being a good friend to Caesar, Brutus was blindly lured by Cassius to plot to kill him which they did. Later on, a ghost of Caesar appears to Brutus assuring him that they would meet. Due to this form of superstition, Brutus thought he was meant to die and he took his own life as a result. All This are all instances of superstitions at the time. It also shows how significantly superstition changed the actions of the characters together with how it affected their lives (Chibnall McFarlane 252). Superstition as a Survival Mechanism As long as superstition is regarded to be involving dark magic and mysterious power it has been of benefit to others mostly in the ancient days where it was used for protection and security to guard against possible enemies. As depicted in various movies and films today, the same was the case though not as exaggerated as such. A lot of people use some ritual emulate to help them do better in what they are working on. They feel that it gives them a boost to motivate them and increase their confidences. Personal superstitious way of thinking is another mechanisms people use to think in some manner that prepares someone to get defense from displeasure, heartbreaks and disappointment. In this regard, the old traditions and cultures use superstitious powers to guard their communities from attack. Possible attackers may never locate their allies in their attempt for an attack also, the same was use by witches to escape when they become hunted down. They would either disappear or make their enemies lose track of them by somehow using their black magic on them and as a result they would be safe. However, due to human nature, some of this was used in the wrong way like making people suffer for no good reason. Also some would use their so called â€Å"super powers† to steal from other without having being notice thereby causing loss of property. Those who have been said to use the phenomenon as a means to survive have also been using it to influence factors to their benefit. If for instance, a bank is demanding payment from such people and they don’t have any cash to settle out the loans, they would use paper and make these look like real money then give it to the former who might not even notice. This is just to emphasize that magic and superstition go hand in hand and whatever reason it is used for then there can never be the right form of it because it has had more bad than good Conclusion In conclusion, this phenomenon called superstition is an influence that is destructive in our society, which, has twisted many people who are worried and nervous, lack of self-confidence, and have a dull thoughts as well as, evil mind. To wish for a healthy society, we can’t accept superstition. We have a duty to spread and share the good teachings about self-confidence, of self-emancipation as well as, clarification. So how can we be superstitious? Though, there are many people who will suggest their groups to seek God’s interventions when they have problems of any nature. It doesn’t matter how many problems there are, there will always be a better way to solve them all. How to cite Our Superstitious Minds Essay, Essays

Police K9 Units free essay sample

Paul Doddridge Cmdr. T. Fields Introduction to Law Enforcement 30 July 2011 New York Police K9 Units A police dog, often referred to as a K-9 dog in some areas is a dog that is trained specifically to assist police aand other law-enforcement personnel in their work. In many jurisdictions the intentional injuring or killing of a police dog is a felony subjecting the perpetrator to harsher penalties than those in the statutes embodied in local animal cruelty laws, just as an assault on a human police officer is often a more serious offense than the same assault on a non-officer. A growing number of law-enforcement organizations outfit dogs with ballistic vests and some make the dog’s sworn officers, with their own police badges and IDs. Furthermore, a police dog killed in the line of duty is often given a full police funeral. In 1975, the New York State Police created the Division Canine Unit. We will write a custom essay sample on Police K9 Units or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page These canines were purchased from the United States Army for the sum of $ 10,000. 00. The canines were put into service solely as explosives detection canines in preparation for the 1980 Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid, New York. The Baltimore Police Department was chosen as the training agency. This agency possessed one of the largest canine units in the United States and they were experimenting with a new method of training that came to known as the â€Å"Baltimore Method†. The new method of training dictated that the canines be sociable, allowed to be in and around the general public, and reside in the handlers residence. Most canines up to this point were extremely aggressive and kenneled when not in use. This method is still one of the most prevalent training methods in the United States. In 2000, the Canine Unit found a permanent home in Cooperstown, New York. The Canine Unit was provided with a state of the art training facility unmatched anywhere in the United States. The Facility is a 10,000 square foot colonial style structure set on approximately 2,000 acres of pristine countryside. The Facility can accommodate 15 students and staff and provides a Page 2 variety of training applications. The Facility additionally serves as a entral command center for the entire Canine Unit being centrally located in the State, and is open to all Police Agencies. The Training Facility has proven to be a tremendous asset to the Division of State Police and the Canine Unit. The Unit has grown from those original three explosives detection canines in 1978 to its current strength of sixty-six teams. There are currently thirty-one explosives detection canine teams, thirty-two narcotics detection cani ne teams, and three bloodhound teams. The bloodhound teams are utilized exclusively for tracking. Of the thirty-two narcotics detection teams, sixteen are additionally trained in cadaver detection. Additionally, eleven of the explosives detection canine handlers are also serving on the Bomb Disposal Unit. The training program still follows the traditional Baltimore Method. However, in contrast to the first three canines, all canines are now generously donated to the Canine Unit through Humane Societies, private citizens, and breeders from all over the northeast at no cost to the Division of State Police. These canines undergo a rigorous screening process which includes testing in: sociability, play drive, aggression, agility abilities, and state of the art medical screening. The department’s K9 teams provide a great service to the community, tracking missing persons, apprehending suspects and locating evidence. They allow patrol officers to work in a safer and more efficient manner and perform functions that human officers are simply unable to do. For example officers searching a building without the benefit of a K9 team, will take much longer to perform the search and will be exposed to greater risk. Performing a building search with a K9 team will enable to the search to be performed in much less time, increasing efficiency freeing up officers for other calls and duties, and decreasing risk to officers. The K9 teams have tracked and located missing persons, apprehended dangerous suspects, and been responsible for the removal of a significant amount of illegal drugs and weapons from the community. http://www. winklerpost. com