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Predictive Validity of Psychological Testing in Law Enforcement Settings

NCJ Number
155781
Journal
Professional Psychology, Research and Practice Volume: 26 Issue: 1 Dated: (1995) Pages: 68-71
Author(s)
F Scogin; J Schumacher; J Gardner; W Chaplin
Date Published
1995
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study reports the relationship between scores on psychological tests and subsequent police officer performance, based on data from 69 police officers.
Abstract
The participants completed the Inwald Personality Inventory (IPI) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) while in training at the University of Alabama Law Enforcement Academy. One year later, subjective and objective data on job performance were collected. Results indicated that the subjective indicators and some of the objective indicators of performance were related to both MMPI and IPI subscales; the IPI subscales generally exhibited stronger relationships. Findings suggest that psychological functioning as measured by these personality inventories may be useful for identifying potential police officers who will display poorer work performance. Results supported the continued use of psychological screening in the selection of law enforcement personnel. Table and 13 references (Author abstract modified)