Psychological exam

[therock]

Hello all, now we know that the polygraph is used for things such as weeding out applicants that are qualified, but the department is not able to hire many individuals and it's basically a way for bureaucrats to save themselves, but the psychological exam does the same, as it did happen to me with a larger city department.  A friend of mine took the psychological exam for chicago and did not pass, but took it for a suburban agency and passed.  Anyway my psych is scheduled for tomorrow thursday and saturday is the poly, now I  did fail the psych for a larger city department and remember taking the MMPI2 and CPI.  Now from the research I gathered, that people pass these tests for one agency and fail it for another because each agency has a profile of what they want in their police officers and some fit it and some don't but imo that's BS.  Anyway does anyone have any advice to at least ensure that I don't raise any red flags other than answer yes I thought about killing myself, lol and not lying since I do know these tests do have a validity scale, but any other tips would be really appreciated.  Thanks in advance for all those who reply.

[Fred F.]

I  did fail the psych for a larger city department and remember taking the MMPI2 and CPI.  Now from the research I gathered, that people pass these tests for one agency and fail it for another because each agency has a profile of what they want in their police officers and some fit it and some don't but imo that's BS.  Anyway does anyone have any advice to at least ensure that I don't raise any red flags other than answer yes I thought about killing myself, lol and not lying since I do know these tests do have a validity scale, but any other tips would be really appreciated.  Thanks in advance for all those who reply.

Rock,

One thing to consider when taking psychological profiles is that they usually are standardized and as always subject to the whims of those who interpret them.

I too failed a psych and appealed and was sent to another "outside" police psychologist who said that he saw no reason to DQ me and sent his findings back to the original agency. The original agency did just as expected and rejected the appeal as they saw "no significant new findings to warrant readmission to the selection process. I agree with you that many PD's have their own "profiles" of the type of recruits they want. This is slightly biased, but hey , they may want only people that are 21-25 with HS educations that they can mold into their model officer. They may not want candidates who are 27-32 with a Bachelors degree because they are independent thinkers and can't be "programmed" to fit the model of that organization.

My advice to you is simple, make sure to be aware. The MMPI is repititous responses to a series of questions( its been a long time since I took one so I may be wrong) that are worded differently but are essentially the same IE; You love your mother and then Do you love your mother?

If the test is only an oral interview, just relax and don't be in a hurry to respond to the questions that you are asked. It is alright to take a moment to make your responses. Keep eye contact with your interviewer and direct your answers to him, don't look at the floor or look away when you speak.

GOOD LUCK


Fred F.  

[therock]

After all was said and done with the psych we had the interview afterwards and after we finished, I asked him how everything went and he informed me he's not supposed to tell, but you did fine, you guys don't think these individuals lie, do ya?

[Fred F.]

After all was said and done with the psych we had the interview afterwards and after we finished, I asked him how everything went and he informed me he's not supposed to tell, but you did fine, you guys don't think these individuals lie, do ya?

Rock,

Anything is possible.

Did the psychologist dwell on any certain information or just run through a series of questions and show you the door?

One thought to ponder though....If he can't tell you, why did he answer?


Good Luck

Fred F.