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Society for Police and Criminal Psychology


History of Awards

C. Edward Shaffer Award for Best Research Presentation

This award is given to the research presentation that best represents the spirit of Ed Shaffer, who had a solid commitment to research.

  • Nadine Deslauriers-Varin for “Confessions and Relevant Information during Investigative Interviews: A comparison of Online and Contact Sexual Crime Offenders” (2024)
  • Heather Flowe, Amelia Kohl, Marlene Meyer, Melissa F. Colloff, Tia C. Bennett, Edward Hirata, Laura M. Stevens, Harriet M. J. Smith & Tobias Staudigl for “The Interactive Lineup Advantage: A Ground-breaking Approach to Boosting Eyewitness Identification Accuracy” (2023)
  • Jessica Woodhams, Matthew Tonkin, Dalal Alrajeh, Amy Burrell, Kirstin Wagner & Margaret Hardiman for "Adding Crime Linkage Through the Development of a Decision-Support Tool for Analysts" (2022)
  • Marina Sorochinski, Matthew Barry Johnson, Rossol Garhib & Rachel Terrill for "The Weakest Link? Investigative Issues in Serial Sexual Assault that Lead to Wrongful Conviction for Single Crimes within a Series" (2021) 
  • Daniela Gutschmidt & Antonio Vera for "Stress, Organizational Culture and Coping Strategies in the Police: An Empirical Investigation" (2020)
  • Michael Aamodt, Thomas Hargrove, & Eric Witzig for “The Supplementary Homicide Reports: Unreported Homicides are not Random!” (2019)
  • Bradford Byer & Kristen Beyer for several presentations regarding polygraphy and the detection of deception. (2018)
  • Johnathan Sharp & Lana Browning for “Citizen Video Journalism and Cynicism Toward Police in the United States: Results from a Study Examining Cynicism Toward the Police” (Co-author: Mara Merlino). (2017).
  • John O'Neill (2016).
  • Alessandro Tadei.  (2015).
  • Matt Sharps. (2014).
  • Donatella Brisinda (2013).
  • Matt Sharps. (2012).
  • Kevin Williams, Robert Davis & Cary Rostow.  (2011).
  • Jeanice Cheong.  (2010).
  • Matt Sharps. (2009).
  • Riccardo Fenici & Donatella Brisindo.  (2008).
  • Criscelyn Tussey.  (2007).
  • Jim Herndon.  (1997).

Chris Hatcher New Vision Award

This award is given to the presentation that best demonstrates thinking that would advance the field of police and criminal psychology.

  • Pietro D’Ingillo & Geoffrey Deedrick for “The R.O.A.R. Field Response Model: A Roadmap to Crisis Stabilization, Field Dynamics and Decision Making” (2024)
  • Senthil B. Girimurugan, Terence Leary & Michael Aamodt for “SKPR: A Serial Killer Profiling Tool” (2023)
  • Paula M. Di Nota, Juha-Matti Huhta, Eero Ropo & Judith P. Andersen for "Deriving Expert Knowledge on Situational Awareness in Policing: A Multi-Method Study" (2022)
  • John Black for "Reframing the Challenge of Police Reform: Seeking Diversity by the Use of Visualizations and Inclusion of Conflicting Perspectives" (2021)
  • Eunice Tan & Charmaine Lee for "Conceptualizing a Working Model of Intra-Organizational Trust" (2020)
  • Terence Leary, Larry Southard, & Michael Aamodt for “An Empirical Assessment among "Dark Side" Characteristics and Serial Killers” (2019)
  • David Englert & Jon Moss for “Wellness Programs for Law Enforcement: One Size Does Not Fit All." (2018)
  • Natasha Korva for “What Not to Wear: Investigating the Effects of Uniform Colour and Accessories on Citizens’ Perceptions of Police Officers” (Co-authors Heather McGale, Brittany Blaskovits, Logan Russell-Ewanation, Simon Baldwin, & Craig Bennell). (2017).
  • Byron Greenberg & Wayne Wallace for "Police Lethal Force: Fact, Fiction, Perception and Paving the Way Forward.  (2016).
  • Gary Aumiller. (2015).
  • CA Post (accepted by Shelly Spilberg & David Corey (2014).
  • Gene Deisinger. (2013).
  • Daniel Goldfarb. (2012).
  • Gary Aumiller. (2011).
  • Wayman Mullins. (2010).
  • Robin Inwald & Majeed Khader (2 Awards, 2009).
  • Gary Aumiller, David Corey and Herb Gupton. (2008).
  • Janson Ang & Eunice Tan.  (2007).
  • Jim Herndon.  (2000).

Wilson Kimbrough Award for Scholarly Work in Psychology and Criminal Justice with an Applied Focus

This award is given to the presentation that has the best applied approach to a “real-world” problem.

  • Marina Sorochinski for “Unmasking the Digital Predator: Psychological Insights into Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence Offenders” (2024)
  • Duwayne Poorboy, Elizabeth Quinby & Laure Brimbal for “Systematic Review of Rapport in Hostage Crisis Negotiation (HCN) and Investigative Interviews” (2023)
  • Michelle Vincent for "The Haven: The Opportunity for Effective Mental Health Inpatient Treatment that is Occupationally-Specific to First Responders and Uniformed Personnel" (2022)
  • Alan Daniel & Kelly Treece for "Law Enforcement Pathways to Mental Health: Secondary Traumatic Stress, Social Support, and Social Pressure" (2021)
  • Lawrence Miller "Black and Blue: Police, Deadly Force, and Race" and Gary Aumiller for "Naked and Not Afraid" (2020)  
  • Douglas Gentz for “Using an Emotional Age Estimate Matrix in Collaboration with Crisis Negotiators for Contributing to the Indirect Assessment of Armed and Barricaded Subjects and/or Hostage Takers” (2019)
  • Tham Yining & David J. Hughes for "Antecedents and Outcomes of Job Crafting in the Singapore Police Force: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach." (2018)
  • Edna Reid for "Cyberattacks of Democratic Natinal Committee (DNC) during 2016 U.S. Presidential Election: Social and Psychological Lessons Learned” (2017)
  • Jon Cromer. (2015).
  • Ellen Kirschman & Mark Kamena. (2014).
  • Michael Aamodt. (2013).
  • Jansen Ang. (2012).
  • Robert Leark. (2011).
  • Michael Surrett & Michael Aamodt. (2010).
  • Shiva Amin. (2009).
  • Matt Sharps. (2008).
  • Alyssa Taylor. (2007).

The Wayman Mullins Award for Best Journal Article

This award is given for the best scientific article as published in the Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology during the current year.

  • Ryan M. Roberts, JoAnne Brewster, David M. Corey, James M. Fico, LaMaurice Gardner, Herbert M. Gupton, Jennifer Kelly, Jeni McCutcheon, Carla Sutton Moore, Jocelyn E. Roland & Scott Stubenrauch. (2024). Re-defining the Field of Police and Public Safety Psychology. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 39(3), 437-441.
  • Jennifer A. A. Lavoie, Natalie Alvarez & Yasmine Kandil (2022). Developing Community Co-designed Scenario-Based Training for Police Mental Health Crisis Response: A Relational Policing Approach to De-escalation, 37(3), 587-601.
  • Hamlin, I., Taylor, P.J., Cross, L. MacInnes, K., & Van der Zee, S. (2022). A Psychometric Investigation into the Structure of Deception Strategy Use. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 37(2), 229-239.
  • Fazeelat Duran Jessica Woodhams, & Darren Bishopp. (2019). An Interview Study of the Experiences of Police Officers in Regard to Psychological Contract and Wellbeing. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology 34, 184–198.
  • Jose Torres, Timothy Reling, & James Hawdon. (2018). Role conflict and the psychological impacts of the post-Ferguson period on law enforcement motivation, cynicism, and apprehensiveness. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 33(4), 358-374.
  • Jason Roach, Ashley Cartwright & Kathryn Sharratt (2017). Dealing with the Unthinkable: A Study of the Cognitive and Emotional Stress of Adult and Child Homicide Investigations on Police Investigators.  Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 32, 251-262.
  • Ann-Christian Anderson Arnton. (2016).
  • David Matsumoto. (2015).
  • Matsumoto, Hwang, Skinner & Frank. (2014).
  • Garbarino, Magnavita, et al. (2013).
  • Reschke, Roberts & Brice. (2011).
  • Meredith Krause. (2010).
  • Laurence Miller. (2007).

Davis Award for Best Psychometrics-Related Research Talk

This award is given to the presentation exhibiting best research incorporating sophisticated use of statistics and psychometrics.

  • Amelia Kohl and Heather Flowe for “Improving Eyewitness Identification with Virtual Reality” (2024)
  • Benjamin Hill, Nicholas Borgogna, Stephen L. Aita & Mandi Musso for “Exploring and Understanding Base Rates in Pre-Employment Psychological Evaluations of Law Enforcement” (2023)
  • Simon Baldwin, Craig Bennell, Brittany Blaskovits, Andrew Brown, Bryce Jenkins, Chris Lawrence, Heather McGale, Tori Semple & Judith P. Andersen for "A Reasonable Officer: Examining the Relationships Among Stress, Training, and Performance in a Highly Realistic Lethal Force Scenario" (2022)
  • Joel P. Wiesen for "Reenvisioning Entry Level and Promotional Selection to Improve Both Diversity and Job Performance" (2021)
  • Brian W. Dreschler, Steven W. Billings & John W. Jones. Ensuring Non-violence and Diversity Tolerance Among Protective Services Officers: Construct and Criterion-related Validation Support. (2020)
  • Marina Sorochinski, Gabrielle Salfati, Rosanne Libretti, & Sneha Gupta received the for “The Fourth Dimension: Differentiating Timeline Trajectories in Violent Serial Crimes” (2019)
  • Mark Kamena for “Statistical Analysis of Treatment in a Residential Treatment Program Using the Symptom Assessment for Emergency Responders (SAFER)." (2018)
  • Robin Inwald & Tammy McCoy-Arballo for “Screening Profiles and Vicarious Trauma of First Responders, Police, Chiefs, and Firefighters (Qualified for POST CEUs)” (Co-author: Penny Dralle). (2017)

Jim Turner Mentorship Award

This award is given to the Society member who has exhibited a high-level of mentoring students in furtherance of police and criminal psychology.

  • Nadine Deslauriers-Varin (2024)
  • Terry Leary (2023)
  • Nadine Deslauriers-Varin (2022)
  • Jana L. Price-Sharps (2021)
  • Craig Bennell (2020)
  • Jana L. Price-Sharps (2019)
  • James Herndon (2018)
  • Jim Turner was posthumously named the first winner of the Jim Turner Mentorship Award. (2017)

Eileen Gupton Best Professional Poster Award

This award is given in recognition of a high quality poster displayed by a non-student.

  • Noémie Allard Gaudreau, Nadine Deslauriers-Varin & Francis Fortin for “I Swear It’s True”: A Sociopragmatic Analysis of Deception in the Discourse of Online Sexual Offenders” (2024)
  • Terence Leary, Senthil B. Girimurugan, Heather Haney Walsh, Jerry Ellis, Ann Burgess, Victor Petreca, Madelyn Arena, Emmanuelle Legerme & Omar Oualidi for “An in Depth Review: ’A Killer by Design’-Murderers, Mindhunters, and the Quest to Decipher the Criminal Mind" by Ann Burgess and Steven Constantine” (2023)
  • Kazuki Hirama, Kaeko Yokota, Yusuke Otsuka, Kazumi Watanabe, & Ryo Yokota
    for "Crime Linkage Using Spatio-Temporal Interactive Model" (2022)
  • Tew Weicong, Charmaine Lee, and Saun Tan for Usage of a Game-Based Assessment for Young Talent Selection in Law Enforcement: Findings from a Pilot Study(2021)
  • Holly Ellingwood & Craig Bennell for "The Relationship between Perceived Police Legitimacy and Mock Juror Outcomes in a Police Use-of-Force Trial" (2020)
  • Michael A. Surrette for “The Art of the Deal: Is Personality Related to Crisis Negotiator Performance?". (2018)
  • Lori Ann Dotson for “Decreasing Institutionalization for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities with Severe and Challenging Behavior Through Criminal Justice and Community Service Partnerships”  (Co-author: Kathryn Edwards). (2017)
  • Craig Wetter.  (2016).
  • Alyssa Ferns.  (2013).

Michael Serafino Award for Best Student Poster

This award commemorates Michael F. Serafino.  Michael was born on November 19, 1968.  He died on July 21, 1992 at the age of 23 while he was a graduate student in criminal justice studies at New Mexico State University.  He was a student member of the Society of Police and Criminal Psychology who attended the conference in 1991, where he made a positive impression on Society members.  At the time of his death, Michael had been preparing a paper for presentation at the Society's 1992 conference.  In 1994 the Society inaugurated the Michael F. Serafino Best Student Poster competition in honor of Michael. His parents, Gerry and Ann Serafino, who fund the award, have been members of the Society since 1984 and remain supporters of SPCP to this day.

  • Élora Gauvin, Mathilde Noc, Nadine Deslauriers-Varin, Francis Fortin & Sarah Paquette for “Investigative Interviews with Online Sex Offenders: Assessing the Effect of Question Types on Information Retrieval” (2024)
  • Vasilios C. Ikonomou, Stephen L. Aita, Nicholas Borgogna, Mandi Musso, & Benjamin Hill for “Officers Who Are Terminated for Cause or Asked to Resign Differ Minimally on the MMPI-2 from Good Hires” (2023)
  • Noah Bennell, Craig Bennell, Simon Baldwin & Brittany Blaskovits for "Assessing the Influence of Context on the Public's Perception of Police Officer Appearance" (Carleton University, 2022)
  • Andréanne Bergeron, Francis Fortin, Nadine Deslauriers-Varin, Yanick Charrette & Sarah Paquette for Analysis of the Influence of Behaviors Over Time During the Collaboration Process of Police Interrogations (Université de Montréal, Université Laval, Sûreté du Québec, 2021)
  • Minzheng Hou & Lile Jia for "In Service of the Future: Temporal Perspective and the Reporting of Deviant Close-Others" (National University of Singapore, 2020) 
  • Julianne Demery, Adam Fried, & Ruchi Bhargava for “Examining Workplace Moral Behaviors and Perceived Trust in Military Couples” (Midwestern University, 2019)
  • Jessica Duncan for “Examining Police Officers' Views of Sexual Assault Victim Credibility" (Co-authors: Emma Lathan Powell, Jennifer Langhinrichsten-Rohling & James "Tres" Stefurak). (University of South Alabama, 2018)
  • Cristina Ferrara for “How Public Attitudes towards Police Influence Perceptions of the Use of Body Worn Cameras" (Co-authors: Karla Emeno, Holly Ellingwood, Elizabeth Schultheis, & Craig Bennell). (Graduate Category, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2017)
  • Amanda Powell for "Influences on Juror Sentencing Decisions" (Co-authors:Megan Parker, Kethera Fogler, & JoAnne Brewster). (Undergraduate Category, James Madison University, 2017)
  • Tansi Summerfield for "Police Decision-Making: The Impact of Choice on Use-of-Force Decisions" (University of Reginia, 2016). 
  • Jordon Taylor Jung for "A Comparison of Crisis Negotiator Mental Health Training to CIT Training Received by Patrol Officers" (Texas State University, 2016).
  • Sara Lapacka for "Selective Skills: Identifying Personality Pattern Differences Among Police Special Service Units" (Illinois School of Professional Psychology, 2015)
  • Natasha Korva for “Use of Force Myths on Trial” (Carleton University, 2014). 
  • Chet Hembroff for “Predicting First Responders Driving Performance:  Psychological Screening of Emergency Drivers” (University of Regina, 2014).
  • Rachel Jensen for “Not Everyone Is Like ‘Rain Man: The Lack of Diagnostic Training for Autism Spectrum Disorders” (Undergraduate Category, Pennsylvania State University, 2013). 
  • Simon Baldwin for “Excited Delirium Syndrome:  Understanding the Implications to Police Use of Force” (Master’s Category, Carleton University, 2013). 
  • Karla Emeno for “The Effectiveness of Actuarial Tools for Linking Residential Serial Burglaries” (Doctoral Category, Carleton University, 2013).
  • Anne Chinneck for “Barriers Preventing the Promotion and Retention of Female Police Officers.” (Carleton University, 2012).
  • Adam Gerlach for “Examining the Association Between Gender and Weapon Identification.” (Carlton University, 2011).
  • Mohita Junnarkar for “Effects of Anxiety, Retention Interval & Recall on Recognition Accuracy of Eyewitness Testimony.” (The Indian Institute of Technology in Bombay, 2010).
  • Shea Alvarez for “Facial Injury and Victim-Offender Relationship:  An Analysis of Intuitive Assumption.” (Co-Author Louis B. Schlesinger). (CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 2009).
  • Shevaun Parker for “Investigating Beliefs Related to Use-of-Force Encounters Among Jury-Eligible Members of the Public and Police Officers.” (Co-author Craig Bennell). (Carlton University, 2008).
  • Shevaun Corey who with advisor Craig Bennell of Carleton University presented "Geographic Profiling of Terrorist Attacks," (Co-author Craig Bennell). (Carlton University, 2007).
  • Adam Hess for "Visual Allocation in Simple and Complex Crime Scenes." (Co-authors Matthew Sharps and Marcel Garcia, Joy Ewart, Melissa Griffith & Sina Tuy). (California State University, Fresno, 2007).  These awards were presented by Society President Michael Surrette in Springfield, Massachusetts.
  • Adam Hess, April Alexander & Mayrin Calcano for "Eyewitness and Visual Allocation in Crime Scene Evaluation" (Co-authors Matthew Sharps, Kristin Wagner and Marcel Garcia (California State University, Fresno, 2006)
  • April Alexander & Mayrin Calcano for "A review of Neonatacide Cases in the United States" (Radford University, 2006).
  • Sarah Bloomfield, for "False memory Effect in Offender Profiling."  (Carlton University, 2005).
  • Steven Riddell & Maila Venturi. (2004).
  • Emily DeCoster for "Compulsive Traits and Police Officer Performance."  (Advisor Bill Weiss, 2003).
  • Christine Lerch for "Is physical evidence or eyewitness testimony more persuasive in the courtroom?" (Advisor Mike Aamodt). Radford University, 2002).
  • Elizabeth Turner for "Once a sex offender always a sex offender: Myth or reality?"  (Advisor: Steve Rubin). (2001).
  • Erica Weber for "Determinants of Violence in Washington State Penitentiary."  (Undergraduate Category, Whitman College, 2000).
  • Laura Daniel for "Examination of Pre/Post MMPI-2 Scores of Incarcerated Offenders Who Have Participated in a Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Program."  (Graduate Category, Castleton State College, 2000).
  • Jennifer Trager for "The Effectiveness of Psychological Profiles." (Co-author JoAnne Brewster). (James Madison University, 1999).
  • Rebecca Jackson & Brian Viola for "The Use of Implicit Memory Tests in the  Detection of Guilty Knowledge."  (Co-authors Theron E. Parsons). (University of Wisconsin in Platteville, 1998).
  • Jim Ruiz for "Regulation of Sexually-Oriented Businesses:  The Texas Experience." (Westfield State College, Westfield, Massachusetts, 1997).
  • Stacey Nelson for "Parental Attachment and Different Levels of  Juvenile Delinquency."  (Co-author Steven Rubin).  (Whitman College, 1996).
  • Gina Leong for "Using the Forced Choice Methodology in Determining Deception."  (Co-authors Drs. McClain, Jamison, and Hall with A. Runyon & J. Yum). (University of Hawaii, 1995).

    Aumiller People's Choice Award

    This award is given to the presentation that is most popular among audience members for being visually appealing, engaging, and creative.

    • Michael G. Aamodt & Michael A. Surrette for “I Know a Guy in Jersey: An Analysis of Spouses Who Hire Amateur Hitmen to Kill Their Wives and Husbands” (2024)
    • Brad Beyer for “The False Confession Panic: Re-evaluating the Innocence Project Data” (2023)
    • Edward Keane, Jeff Thompson, Michel St-Yves & Lisa Ruocco for "Innovations in Police Crisis Negotiations: Science and Practice in a New Era of Law Enforcement" (2022)
    • Jerry Ellis, Terence Leary, Michael Aamodt, Thomas Danzi, Ben Fenuccio, Paige Wanderlingh, & Michael Dunbar for "We Know About Serial Killers Who Strangle/Asphyxiate?" (2021)

    Brewster Lifetime Achievement Award

    This award is given to a Society member for their exceptional service to the field for a lifetime of achievement.

    JoAnne Brewster (2022).

    Special Awards

    During SPCP 2022 we also made two sponsor-supported awards for outstanding student posters:

    Emerald Best Student Poster Award (Ph.D. level)
    Brigitte Poirier for "Body-Worn Camera Footage as Legal Evidence: Evaluating the Impacts on Guilty Verdicts and Case Processing Time"

    CICC "Coup de Coeur" Poster Award (Judges' Favorite Among All Student Posters)
    Elisabeth St-Pierre, Sylvie Parent & Nadine Deslauriers-Varin for "Sexual Abuse in Sports: Exploring Coaches' Modus Operandi"


    SPCP Awards Nomination Form

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