Why Invest in Preparation for Your Law Enforcement Psychological Evaluation?

Law Enforcement Psychological Preparation Talks (PEPtalks)

By Mark D. Lerner, Ph.D.

Clinical, Forensic, & Police Psychologist

Founder, Law Enforcement PEPtalk

Chairman, The National Center for Emotional Wellness

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.

Most candidates train for the physical agility test (e.g., Job Standard Test). Few prepare for the psychological evaluation.

That oversight can be expensive.

The Cost of Waiting

Appealing a disqualification or a Notice of Proposed Disqualification (NOPD) often requires:

• An experienced attorney — several thousand dollars

• An independent licensed mental health evaluation — several thousand dollars more

Even then, success is not guaranteed.

It's far better to prevent disqualification than to fight one.

What Preparation Actually Does

A psychological evaluation typically includes written testing, a clinical interview, and a review of your background. Evaluators assess emotional stability, judgment, impulse control, stress tolerance, and credibility.

Law Enforcement Psychological Preparation Talks (PEPtalks) help candidates:

• Understand the process

• Reduce anxiety and defensiveness

• Present their history clearly and consistently

• Demonstrate insight and growth, and

• Appear authentic — not rehearsed

Preparation is not about changing who you are. It's about presenting yourself thoughtfully, confidently, and in the strongest, most favorable and authentic light possible.

You would not show up physically untrained. Don't show up psychologically unprepared.

To schedule a PEPtalk, contact us at:

LawEnforcementPEPTalk.com