NCJ Number
231947
Date Published
2010
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This chapter examines the use of second opinions in psychological evaluations of law enforcement officers.
Abstract
The majority of law enforcement agencies in the United States use the psychological evaluation as part of their pre-employment screening process. Those candidates who are found unsuitable for employment as a result of the screening are allowed to pursue an appeals process that includes a second opinion psychological evaluation. This chapter highlights the processes of pre-employment psychological screening for law enforcement candidates, and discusses in detail the process of referral for a conditional second opinion evaluation for those candidates found unsuitable for selection. The unique challenges and special considerations involved in the process for second opinions are discussed in detail. These areas include: understanding the impact of psychological unsuitability on the law enforcement candidate; obtaining informed consent from the candidate; explaining the nature of the examination; clarifying the role of the examining psychologist in the second evaluation; clarifying the limits of confidentiality; and obtaining payment prior to the start of the examination. Several cases are cited that highlight the legal issues surrounding second opinion evaluations. The International Association of Chiefs of Police has developed guidelines for use in police psychological examinations that can be useful in second opinion evaluations. These include: conducting a multi-method comprehensive assessment, reviewing previous records including the test data, conducting a thorough clinical interview and mental status over two or more sessions, obtaining third party collateral information, and administering another multi-scale personality inventory. References