Police Personality Test

ARTICLE

You’re probably familiar with the study and dedication required to successfully cut it as a law enforcement officer. Indeed, you’re probably also familiar with the length of time it’ll take you to complete this process; which will invariably involve several years of your life. This doesn’t mean, of course, that you’ll be studying twelve hours per day; however it reflects the longevity and persistence needed to succeed in this rewarding career. Part of this process involves what’s known as the police personality test, sometimes referred to as the suitability test. In this section, we’re going to take a look at what this test is and how it’ll impact, if at all, your police application.

What is the police personality test?

The psychological screening that applicants undertake is a necessary component of your progression. In it involves the opportunity to show a prospective employer or official that you’re mentally capable to play your part as an effective police officer. However, it’s not an “insanity test” — if you fail it doesn’t mean you have a psychological difficulty, it simply infers that policing might not be the profession for you. Performing well at this interview simply means behaving as you ordinarily would in everyday life.

After all, this profession involves the use of weaponry and confidential information and it would be wholly improper to have the wrong personality types on a given team. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the broad use of tests used as part of regular screening operations:

Up to 90% of agencies use psychological tests

Approximately 60% use a polygraph

Approximately 88% use drug testing

Therefore, this police personality test will probably play a central role in your employment outlook. Knowing what to look out for is vital for your success, indeed, it’s a must in today’s fiercely competitive job market.

What are they looking for?

Well, the psychologists are looking for particular personality traits that are either conducive or not conducive to policing. The overall analysis of all traits will determine whether policing is a viable career option for you. Take a look at the following traits that the analyst will definitely be looking out for:

These particular traits have been determined as the most relevant for prospective law enforcement officers. You’ll need to train yourself, such as with the resources provided here at Police Test Study, in order to successfully pass this stage with respectable distinction.

What steps can I take to improve my performance?

There are many convenient steps you can take to radically enhance your performance in the police personality test, some of which include:

You must be honest at all times. Often the questions are organized where you’ll inevitably be caught out if you lie! Even if you don’t lie, avoid being shallow, vague or deceptive in your responses. Don’t forget that avoiding the truth is also a form of lying!

Be yourself — don’t answer the questions in the way you think is the correct answer. This will always come across as fake and unrealistic. You need to confer your real self to the analyst and not something they hope to see.

Always dress appropriately — it’s an interview after all!

These tips will go a long way toward increasing your chances of impressing the analyst. You could have the ideal candidate for policing but if they’re fake and vague, then there’s a good chance they’ll fail. This is a wasted opportunity as they were good enough to begin with — in other words, they didn’t need to play up to the questions asked of them! Bear this in mind as you take on the test. The police personality test need not be a stressful experience. Don’t forget that everyone else at that interview will also be nervous so you’re within the boundaries of a level playing field.

Use this to your advantage by being diplomatically honest with the analyst at every point and you’re sure to progress and advance onto the next stage in the employment process.

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