Evaluating the Predictive & Structural Validity

Project Summary For 2003-IJ-CX-1003

The purpose of this study is to adress methodlogical and conceptual issues regarding the phycholgical screening of police officers for civil liabiltiies. Specifically, the study will investigate the predictive and structural validity of an actuarial method for detecting traits that are associated with neglect and volatile behavior among police officers. Investigators will evaluate an actuarial approach for screening officers by obtaining actuarial archives of police officers who completed assessments at the Matrix Corporation which has contracts with over 200 law enforcement organizations. This study is the first formal standardization of the only known actuarial method for selecting law enforcement personel. If properly validated, this study can greatly elevate standards of police phychology screening, effectively reduce civil liabilities, and improve the overall integrity of private, city, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Ca/ncf