NCJ Number
104102
Date Published
1986
Length
30 pages
Annotation
The described preemployment psychological testing program used in several police and correctional agencies in the New York City area includes written tests and one-on-one psychological interviews.
Abstract
The written tests are the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory with clinical and law enforcement norms, the Inwald Personality Inventory, the Law Enforcement Personal History Questionnaire, and the Skil Scale Inventory. When candidates have completed their written test battery, the computer-scored printouts, narratives, and original test protocols are collected in each candidate's psychological folder. Before candidates are called for their psychological interviews, they take an additional written test being pilot-tested for research purposes and possible inclusion in the regular test battery. The one-on-one psychological interview with all applicants consists of approximately 40 core questions designed to verify test results. When the interview has been completed, a psychological report is prepared for the director of personnel. The report contains a preliminary rating of the candidate. Psychological tests and ratings have been validated through the monitoring of candidates' subsequent job performance. The written report and the psychological rating are reviewed for accuracy by another psychologist. The personnel department reviews the report in conjunction with other material from the candidate's background investigation and other sources. Based on all materials, a hiring decision is made. Appended sample psychological reports and other testing materials and 14 references.