NCJ Number
231941
Date Published
2010
Length
39 pages
Annotation
This chapter examines the use of the Rorschach comprehensive system in police psychology.
Abstract
The chapter reviews the evidence suggesting that the Rorschach Comprehensive System may be a useful tool for police psychologists involved in pre-employment psychological evaluations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, and the selection of officers for promotions and special assignments, and possible use in treatment planning for officers experiencing emotional difficulties. Rorschach data were obtained on a sample of 128 police officer candidates during a psychological evaluation conducted after they were offered positions as police officers. The data revealed both positive and negative characteristics for police officer candidates. On the positive side, the officers appeared to take the test seriously, their processing during the test was of adequate quality, they were relatively unaffected by pressure from unmet need states, and they did not appear to experience significant levels of external stress. Negative aspects revealed during testing included: the officers tended to be emotionally constricted, they avoided dealing with complexity in their environment, they tended not to use emotional information in decisionmaking, and they had fewer coping resources than would be ideal for police officers. The descriptive characteristics of this sample suggest that these officers may fit some of the stereotypes of police officers that are held by the public and that the Rorschach may provide information that is useful in pre-employment assessments of police officers. Implications for future research are discussed. Tables and references