NCJ Number
85043
Date Published
1982
Length
73 pages
Annotation
This summary of police selection validity studies contains proven selection techniques and discusses relationships between these techniques and future successes or failures in police work.
Abstract
Selection techniques varied in terms of methods, criteria for success, and screening devices. Officers surveyed differed in geographical area, type of department, type of community, and demographics. Personality tests used in selecting officers include the Arrow Dot Test, Bipolar Psychological Inventory, California Psychological Inventory, Edwards Personal Preference Schedule, and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. Interest tests (such as the Cree Questionnaire, Kuder Preference Record, and Strong-Campbell Inventory) and general learning abilities tests (Intelligence Quotient, Army General Classification Test, and civil service exams) are also used. Specific predictors of future success as police officers encompass verbal, numerical, and miscellaneous abilities. Work and past military experience, family background (parental and marital), education, race, physical characteristics, and academy and probation records may all be used as predictors. Indicators of success are training completion, supervisor ratings, promotions, and commendations. The studies also predict future failures, such as quitting, getting fired, poor evaluations, absent days, public complaints, disciplinary actions, auto accidents, inappropriate weapons use, and more. About 120 references are appended.