Using Assessment Centers in Selecting Entry-Level Police Officers: Extravagance or Justified Expense?

Abstract

Effectively screening-out candidates who have potential to become “liability-prone” officers is crucial to any police agency. The critical nature of appropriate selection is readily apparent when we consider the serious ramifications that the inappropriate actions of even a single officer can have for the agency itself as well as for the community as a whole. The present paper contends that assessment centers are a viable option for selection of entry-level police officers. The literature on the use of assessment centers is reviewed, and arguments are made regarding the potential utility of employing this technique with police applicants. Recommendations are offered for implementation of an assessment center program for selection of entry-level police officers.