Validation of Entry-Level Police Officer Employment Tests

• NCJ Number: 82304
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 67 pages
• Grant Number(s): 12266-7A79
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice; Michigan Office of Criminal Justice
• Corporate Author: 7426 North Canal Road; Wollack, Waibel and Guenther, Inc
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: One in a series of reports documenting the Training Council's standards validation effort - Prepared for the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Training Council

Annotation

This report summarizes research studies performed in the development of a basic literacy examination and physical skills test battery to assess qualifications of applicants for the position of police officer in Michigan.

Abstract

The purpose of the literacy examination is to evaluate job applicants' reading comprehension and report writing skills to determine suitability for employment as a police officer. The physical skills test battery measures those physically demanding aspects of police officer job performance which are deemed essential. The report addresses the purpose of readability analysis, linkage analysis, examination development, and the report writing survey form. The physical skills test battery evaluation focuses on normative testing considerations, evidence of validity, and comparison of incumbent officers by sex. It is recommended that the reading comprehension and writing skills tests be combined into a single examination consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions. A time limit of 90 minutes is suggested. Users are encouraged to employ the examination only for purposes of initial screening. Similarly, the physical skills test battery should be used as a screening device for establishing minimal physical standards. The report provides 23 tables.