NCJ Number
114082
Date Published
1987
Length
105 pages
Annotation
Futures research methodologies were used to examine the role of psychological profiling and screening procedures in the selection of police personnel by the year 2001.
Abstract
Information was gathered using a literature review, the nominal group technique, a future's wheel, scenarios, the strategic assumption and surfacing technique, negotiation strategies, critical mass analysis, and commitment analysis. The analysis showed that police agencies are increasingly using psychological assessment procedures for police applicants. However, agreement does not exist regarding the appropriateness and feasibility of psychological profiling. The analysis concludes that psychological profiling is effective and efficient as a selection method, because it both screens out psychopaths and permits the identification of the characteristics most conducive to a successful career in law enforcement. The use of objective and measurable indicators of performance and potential will greatly reduce the turnover in law enforcement personnel and will reduce both operating costs and emotional problems. Figures, footnotes, and 28 references.