Performance Prediction of Public Safety and Law Enforcement Personnel: A Study in Race and Gender Differences and MMPI Subscales

• NCJ Number: 125945
• Author(s): J E Talley; L D Hinz
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 98 pages
• Sale Source: Charles C. Thomas
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examines whether different predictors and norms derived from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) must be used in predicting the performance of law enforcement applicants of differing race and gender.

Abstract

Subjects were 28 public safety officers at Duke University and Medical Center. Subjects were categorized into groups by race (black or white) and by gender. Officer candidates successfully passing background checks and interviews were administered the MMPI and Otis-Lennon in-group testing sessions to complete the application process. A stepwise multiple-regression analysis was performed with each of the four race and gender groups. Results indicate that different predictors need to be developed and different forms used in reviewing law enforcement officer applicants of differing races and genders. The study also found that psychological testing can be used for more than just screening for gross psychopathology or intellectual deficiency. Prediction equations with a good probability of accurate job performance prediction can be developed. Support for the use of MMPI subscales is also presented. 11 tables, appended supplementary information, author and subject indexes, and 140 references