NCJ Number
127347
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 10 Issue: 9 Dated: (April 1986) Pages: 10-11
Date Published
1986
Length
2 pages
Annotation
A 1984-85 survey of the 50 States indicates that only 12 State corrections agencies were using psychological screening for job applicants, however, interest in such testing is apparently growing.
Abstract
Forty-nine States responded to the survey. Statutes mandate psychological screening in Iowa, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Tennessee. A policy directive mandates psychological testing in Arkansas, New Jersey, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Utah. West Virginia screens corrections personnel as required by court order. Half of the 12 States using psychological screening started the practice within the 3 years prior to the survey. Three systems started screening in the 1970's. Eleven other States are considering future use of psychological screening in employee selection. Some of the growing interest in psychological screening stems from court cases in which jurisdictions have been held liable for inappropriate employee behavior. Also, the American Correctional Association at its August 1984 convention approved a policy statement on staff recruitment and development that included job-related "emotional stability" among six qualities that corrections should screen for in its employees. A chart provides information reported by the respondents.