The Assessment Process
Logistically, the process starts with a phone call from the referring agency. An appointment is scheduled for the applicant to complete the psychological testing component as well as the clinical interview. We ask that three hours be allowed for the testing to be completed and up to an hour for the clinical interview. If more convenient, the two can be scheduled on separate days although generally applicants complete this in one appointment. We try to accommodate short notice and unexpected situations. Sometimes an applicant will be relocating to the area and in town only for a short window of time when the evaluation could take place. Because of the number of psychologists we have involved, we have been able to accommodate such requests.While it is anticipated that the clinical interview would take place face-to-face, we have had situations where agencies have allowed for TeleVideo interviews. We routinely provide TeleVideo services and utilize HIPAA compliant processes. If your agency would like to utilize this option either routinely or to solve a difficult logistical situation, we are prepared to do so. That said, we anticipate providing face-to-face interviews as part of this bid and proposed evaluative process.
It can also be the case that testing as well as the interviews can be conducted at your site. While our Lenexa and Wichita offices can be convenient and efficient, at times we will be on site for testing large numbers of people over a few day period followed by the clinical interview. Several agencies hire three or four times a year and we will be on-site to accommodate evaluations during that process as everyone is at the same place at the same time. We generally have multiple psychologists present in such situations so as to complete large numbers of interviews efficiently over one to three days.
The applicant then arrives at the appointed date and time and completes paperwork providing some demographic information as well as the consent for treatment. The applicant then completes the various psychological testing (PsyQ, MMPI-2-RF, CPI & Shipley 2). The applicant is allowed breaks for comfort. There is also a button for the applicant to press which will summon assistance should there be any difficulties or questions.
The testing is scored and made available to the psychologist who reviews and interprets the results prior to the clinical interview. At the start of the interview, the psychologist again goes over the consent document to make sure that the applicant understands this completely. Additionally, the psychologist explains that the interview will consist of a series of structured interview questions that are asked of all applicants. Then, there will be some questions related to the psychological testing that the applicant completed. Finally, the applicant will have the opportunity to tell the evaluator any other information deemed relevant that was not specifically asked about. The applicant will also have the opportunity to ask the evaluator any questions which the evaluator may or may not be able to answer. The applicant interviews are video recorded which is covered in the consent and after the psychologist has gone over the consent document with the applicant, the video recorder is turned on and that same process occurs on camera. It is explained that the recordings are kept on our servers and not given to the department but that they can be accessed if there is ever a question as to what occurred during the interview. We have never had to access a recording in the several years since we began doing this.
The applicant is not given any feedback about the process which is clearly explained in the consent document. It is noted that the evaluation is for the benefit of the agency and not the applicant. It is clarified that no doctor-patient relationship exists and that no confidentiality exists and that anything discussed could go back to the agency in either verbal or written form. Clinical interviews usually take about 40 to 45 minutes although at times they can extend to 60 minutes. As a psychologist is using a set of structured interview questions and as he/she has been guided by the results of the testing which is previously reviewed, the clinical interview is a targeted and efficient process in most all cases.
Once completed, the psychologist will provide a written report to the referring agency within the required time frame. We can tailor the process to the needs of the referring agency. For example, some agencies do not want the full written report sent to them. Rather, they want simply a letter stating whether the individual was recommended or not recommended for the position. In such cases, a full report is written and kept on file should the need for the report arise in the future. Some departments desire no interaction with the evaluator as to cases that may have special issues. Others will prefer a phone call where particular risk areas are discussed in more detail. We work with the agency’s command staff and attorneys to finalize the process. The report will provide either a recommended or not recommended decision. Ranking applicants on A-E or 1-5 scales, either in particular areas or overall, is confusing, arbitrary and not easily defended should the agency’s decision be contested.
Availability and Clinical Expertise
Our psychologists are always available for a phone call from command staff with their questions regarding a particular report.A particular area of strength for our group is making sure that both our process and decisions are legal, solidly within the standard of practice and defensible. While it is not a frequent occurrence that a fitness for duty or applicant evaluation decision is challenged, our psychologists are very capable in the forensic arena and have made good witnesses in the rare amount of times this does occur. Drs. Cappo and Detrick have been acknowledged in test manuals and in books for professionals who interpret such tests. Each has published in the area of Police and Public Safety selection regarding such tests, Dr. Dietrich most extensively so.
Our psychologists also provide services in the forensic arena and are quite comfortable not only in the courtroom but in depositional settings and in consultations or strategy sessions with department, municipal, state or federal attorneys. Whether civil or administrative, our psychologists are knowledgeable in providing the necessary expertise. We understand the special needs of law enforcement whether the department is rural, urban or suburban. We have worked with security firms, hospitals and colleges in terms of selecting police and security personnel. We’ve also worked with multiple federal three letter type agencies each of whom might have special or particular needs within the overall picture of applicant or fitness for duty evaluations. Whether the applicant is a security worker, court officer, school resource officer, dispatcher, firefighter, EMT or someone with a security clearance, we have the experience and knowledge base upon which to draw so as to provide the needed results.