Justin Ramsdell

Justin Ramsdell is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Associate Chair for Undergraduate Education at George Mason University. He specializes in Forensic Psychology, Law Enforcement Crisis De-Escalation, Victim Experiences, and the Psychology of Criminal Behavior. Dr. Ramsdell combines academic teaching with consulting as a forensic psychologist, advising law enforcement agencies on crisis intervention and use-of-force cases. He has worked in maximum-security mental hospitals and county jails before joining academia.

His research focuses on law enforcement interactions with individuals with severe mental illnesses, crisis intervention training for police, and trauma responses in victims. He teaches courses like PSYC 380 (Introduction to Forensic Psychology) and PSYC 382 (Psychology of Crime Victims).

Dr. Ramsdell has received teaching awards and frequently presents at national conferences on topics such as trauma-informed policing, elder abuse, and victim psychology. He collaborates with federal and local agencies, including the FBI’s Victim Services Division and the Department of Justice. His recent work includes keynote addresses on elder abuse awareness and trauma recognition in law enforcement contexts.

• Awards: University Teaching Excellence Award, Psychology Department Outstanding Faculty Award
• Media Contributions: Fox 5 News, The Jordan Harbinger Show, and Newsweek
• Professional Affiliations: Trainer for law enforcement Crisis Intervention Teams