NCJ Number
180944
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 29 Issue: 3/4 Dated: 1999 Pages: 1-23
Date Published
1999
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This study examines the effects of testing results and sociodemographic factors on 420 candidates who participated in the police selection process at the Asheville (North Carolina) Police Department, 1990-96.
Abstract
A vast majority of police departments have employed a variety of psychometric and behavioral measures to select highly qualified officers. Recruits are expected to be mentally stable, socially adaptable and intellectually competent to perform a wide range of police tasks. The decision-making process of police officer selection was primarily testing oriented. Candidates who failed to achieve a satisfactory rating on any of the recruitment-related tests were less likely to be recruited by the department. Candidates’ sociodemographic factors such as race showed no effect on the recruitment decision. Racial disparity in psychometric assessment on a variety of recruitment-related measures was not statistically significant. Also, gender difference in agility performance was not statistically significant. Tables, notes, references