All Posts

Each year, qualified candidates are labeled “Psychologically Unsuitable,” Psychologically Not Qualified,” or receive a "Notice of Proposed Disqualification" (NOPD) for a law enforcement position. For some, that designation permanently compromises a law enforcement career.

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–3 (MMPI-3) is the most widely used and empirically supported objective personality assessment in law enforcement pre-employment psychological evaluations across the United States.

Police officer candidates who've been deemed "Psychologically Unsuitable" to serve as police officers frequently ask me, “Why were they so focused on finding what’s wrong with me?”

By Mark D. Lerner, Ph.D Clinical, Forensic, & Police Psychologist Founder, Law Enforcement PEPtalk Chairman,   The National Center for Emotional Wellness You will have only one chance to make a first impression during your interview. How you dress can affect whether you are deemed psychologically suitable for the position. Following is a list of what to wear: Men   •  Dark suit, preferably navy blue, black, or charcoal gray •  White or light blue dress shirt •  Conservative t

By Mark D. Lerner, Ph.D Clinical, Forensic, & Police Psychologist Founder, Law Enforcement PEPtalk Chairman,   The National Center for Emotional Wellness You served your country. After two tours of duty in Iraq, you are Honorably Discharged and begin transitioning back to civilian life. A fellow Marine encourages you to visit the VA. He informs you that there is money available to compensate you for some of the stuff you’re going through—recollections of small arms firefights

Law Enforcement Psychological Evaluation Preparation (PEPtalk)

Article 78 proceedings can impose a significant financial burden on Civil Service Commissions and their respective jurisdictions (e.g., the County or City). As a result, some law enforcement agencies may opt to invite disqualified candidates back for a second interview or supplemental evaluation in an effort to avoid costly and protracted litigation.

Per Se Notices of Proposed Psychological Disqualification (NOPD) By Mark D. Lerner, Ph.D Clinical, Forensic, & Police Psychologist Founder, Law Enforcement PEPtalk Chairman,   The National Center for Emotional Wellness Law enforcement agencies have an obligation to ensure that candidates for police officer positions are psychologically fit to withstand the pressures of service. Understandably, candidates with histories of severe psychopathology—including suicidal ideation or

Another Benefit of Forensic Psychological Evaluation by Mark D. Lerner, Ph.D. Clinical & Forensic Psychologist Chairman, The National Center for Emotional Wellness Firearm regulatory agencies, typically police departments, are increasingly vigilant in vetting applicants for firearm permits—particularly for concealed-carry permits. Based on the current zeitgeist, this makes good sense. As a result, the process of issuing concealed carry permits has become more stringent. This

By Mark D. Lerner, Ph.D Clinical, Forensic, & Police Psychologist Founder, Law Enforcement PEPtalk Chairman,   The National Center for Emotional Wellness Receiving an NOPD by the NYPD or the NYCDOC can be a disheartening experience for any candidate aspiring to join the Department. However, it is crucial to understand the importance of appealing this decision, as it can have significant long-term implications for the candidate's future prospects. ​ First, appealing an NOPD in

By Mark D. Lerner, Ph.D Clinical, Forensic, & Police Psychologist Mental Health Director, Hero Link Founder, Law Enforcement PEPtalk Chairman,   The National Center for Emotional Wellness • Arrive late • Ask too many questions • Show feelings of anger if confronted • Use profanity • Try to present yourself in an overly favorable light • Become confrontative • Become agitated • Assume the worst • Be defensive • Be guarded • Be fidgety • Sit slumped in your chair • Be afraid to

Contact Law Enforcement Psychological Evaluation Preparation Talk (PEPtalk)

By Mark D. Lerner, Ph.D Clinical, Forensic, & Police Psychologist Founder, Law Enforcement PEPtalk Chairman,   The National Center for Emotional Wellness Have you applied for the position of police officer, correction officer, probation officer, park ranger, state trooper, sheriff, firefighter, or other civil service position, and learned that you have been psychologically disqualified? If you believe that this decision is wrong or capricious, you should appeal this determin