Psychological Exams
Psychological exams focus on how candidates make decisions. The first exam is written, and the second is conducted in a sit-down interview with a psychologist.
The completion of a psychological evaluation, commonly known as the "psych" exam, is one of the final steps in the hiring process. Although often viewed with apprehension, it is not as daunting as the polygraph exam. The aim of the psych exam is not to uncover flaws in every applicant, but rather to gain insight into their unique personality traits, skills, shortcomings, fears, and overall suitability for a position that requires the ability to handle prolonged periods of high stress.
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While examiners may be on the lookout for red flags such as impulsiveness, bias, or dishonesty, they do not assess applicants based on an unattainable "perfect" score. As every individual is unique, it would be unreasonable to hold them to the same exacting standard. However, the psych exam is a valuable tool for evaluating an individual's relatability, adaptability, and self-awareness - all crucial attributes for the specialized role of a law enforcement officer.
