NCJ Number
231936
Date Published
2010
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This chapter discusses the use of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) in police psychological assessment.
Abstract
The chapter examines the use of the MMPI-2 in pre-employment evaluations for law enforcement. Since the MMPI-2 is oriented towards the detection of psychopathology and it is considered a medical test, it is only appropriate for use in pre-employment screening only after all other factors have been considered. These other factors include interviews, background checks, strength and fitness tests, and reading tests. Areas of the MMPI-2 that are useful in pre-employment screening include the validity scales and the basic scales, where high scores indicate that the applicant might be a good candidate for removal from the applicant pool. In addition, elevations on some of the Supplementary Scales may be significant indicators for removal. In recent years, the MMPI-2 has been undergoing significant changes that include the RC Scales (Restructured Clinical) and their associated Restructured Form. These new areas of the MMPI-2 have the potential to be significant indicators for police pre-employment screening, but they have not been fully validated by law enforcement. Other areas where the MMPI-2 may be useful include Fitness-for-Duty Evaluations (FFDEs) and treatment planning for troubled officers. References