Who We Are

Behavioral Science Services (BSS) was founded in 1968 with the hire of Dr. Martin Reiser, the first full-time psychologist in a police agency and widely considered the father of modern police psychology.

In his pioneering 1972 book The Police Department Psychologist, Dr. Reiser wrote that perhaps one day in the future “…the psychologist will be less of a rare bird in the police profession.” The evolution of BSS has ensured not only that, but the expansion of that vision to become one of the most comprehensive, multidisciplinary wellness and operational support programs in law enforcement.

“BSS has…become one of the most comprehensive, multidisciplinary wellness and operational support programs in law enforcement.”

Led by Chief Police Psychologist Dr. Edrick Dorian and comprised of administrative staff, sworn personnel who are certified alcohol drug counselors, and licensed health professionals that include police psychologists and a dietitian nutritionist, BSS provides services across four major domains: intervention, assessment, operational support, and organizational consultation.

In over 50 years of service, BSS has played an integral role in the evolution and advancement of both the LAPD and several health and well-being specialty areas related to law enforcement.

It has served as the leader in inspiring agencies around the globe to establish similar programs, and its personnel have made numerous contributions to the greater law enforcement, police psychology, police nutrition, and police substance abuse fields by way of books, articles, published interviews, and presentations at major scientific and law enforcement conferences.

What We Do

  • Psychotherapy/relationship counseling for LAPD employees

  • Support/educational groups

  • Nutritional counseling

  • Substance abuse counseling

  • Crisis support services (including 24/7 “on call”)

  • Academy, roll call, and other specialized training

  • Operational support including SWAT crisis negotiations

  • Managerial consultation/Executive coaching

  • Coordinate Peer Support and Critical Incident Response Teams

Recent BSS Staff with Chief of Police Michel Moore

BSS Past & Present: 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2018