NCJ Number
211326
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 72 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2005 Pages: 68-86
Date Published
September 2005
Length
19 pages
Annotation
These guidelines for professional psychological practice in the law enforcement community address pre-employment psychological evaluation, evaluation of psychological fitness-for-duty, officer-involved shootings, and peer support.
Abstract
These guidelines were developed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Police Psychological Service Section. The guidelines for pre-employment psychological evaluation pertain to the development of a screening protocol, testing procedures, interview format, evaluation of test results, and follow-up. Guidelines for evaluating psychological fitness-for-duty pertain to a formal, specialized examination of an incumbent employee that stems from objective evidence that the employee may be unable to safely or effectively perform a defined job coupled with a reasonable basis for believing that the cause may be attributable to psychological factors. The guidelines pertain to threshold considerations, examiner qualifications, identifying the client, the referral process, informed consent and authorization, the evaluation process, and the report and recommendations. Guidelines for officer-involved shootings were developed to provide information and recommendations on constructive support for such officers. Recommendations are offered for an agency protocol and for post-shooting interventions by a mental health professional. Peer-support guidelines reflect the objective of cultivating in an agency a peer support group that provides emotional support for employees in times of personal or professional crises. The guidelines include recommendations for a peer support person, who would be a sworn and nonsworn employee specially trained to refer cases that require professional intervention by a mental health professional. The guidelines pertain to selection, training, administration, consultation services, and confidentiality.