POST Public Safety Dispatcher Psychological Assessment Resource Document

• NCJ Number: 218537
• Author(s): John A. Weiner
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 78 pages
• Corporate Author: California Cmssn on Peace Officer Standards and Training
• Sale Source: POST Media Distribution Ctr
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This resource information assists California law enforcement agencies in using pre-employment psychological assessment procedures in selecting their dispatchers.

Abstract

Following an introduction, a chapter summarizes the job analysis findings relevant to dispatcher selection. The dispatcher job is summarized under four primary functions: call-taking, providing information, dispatching, and using resources and equipment. Distinctive features of dispatcher work are listed. This is followed by a chapter on job performance concerns. These include employee retention and job performance problems. The next chapter illustrates how the earlier described job analysis information may be incorporated into the pre-employment psychological evaluation, serving as a frame of reference for assessment. The general concept is to link the assessment to the 14 behaviorally oriented traits while considering the context in which these traits are required, i.e., performing dispatcher job functions in a wide range of situations under demanding conditions. Under this approach, the psychologist uses assessment procedures, instruments, and other available information that in his/her professional judgment address the identified essential traits. The psychologist synthesizes and evaluates the obtained assessment results relevant to each trait in relation to job information. The fifth chapter summarizes a study of empirical relationships between psychological test scale, psychologists' overall job suitability rating, and performance as a public safety dispatcher. Scores on three psychological test instruments--the Minnesota Multiphasic Inventory, the California Psychological Inventory, and the Jackson Personality Inventory--correlated with dispatcher job performance measures; four scales were particularly good predictors of dispatcher job performance. Since the profiles identified from these instruments are based on published norms, they reflect potential differences between job applicants and the general adult population (the basis for the published norms). 3 figures, 5 tables, 13 references, and appended sample assessment reports and psychological test scales included in the research