Foundations of Second-Opinion Psychological Evaluations of Law Enforcement Candidates

Course Description

This comprehensive course provides psychologists with essential knowledge for conducting independent second-opinion psychological evaluations of peace officer candidates who received initial determinations of psychological unsuitability. The course covers legal foundations, methodological challenges, data access issues, and current California POST requirements including AB 846 bias assessment requirements.

Program Goals

This program builds upon doctoral training in psychological assessment and ethics by providing specialized knowledge in forensic pre-employment evaluation methodology, legal frameworks governing peace officer psychological screening, and the unique challenges inherent in second-opinion evaluations within law enforcement contexts.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the key differences between initial pre-employment psychological evaluations (PEPE) and second-opinion evaluations of law enforcement candidates
2. Describe the legal foundation and regulatory requirements governing second-opinion psychological evaluations under California POST standards
3. Analyze the four primary challenges inherent in second-opinion evaluations including inconsistent selection criteria, monetary influence, data accessibility, and evaluator competency
4. Evaluate the role of confirmation bias and independence issues in conducting objective second-opinion assessments
5. Apply appropriate ethical standards and best practices for managing candidate feedback and the referral process in second-opinion evaluations

Course Outline

• 1Section 1: Introduction to Second-Opinion Psychological Evaluations (20 minutes)
• 2 - Legal foundation and purpose of second-opinion evaluations
• 3 - California POST requirements and regulatory framework
• 4 - Rights of candidates and obligations of hiring authorities
• 5 - Volume and significance of second-opinion evaluations
• 6Section 2: Distinguishing Second-Opinion from Initial PEPE (25 minutes)
• 7 - Fundamental differences in evaluative questions
• 8 - Variations in information access and background investigation availability
• 9 - Candidate emotional state and presentation differences
• 10 - Enhanced comprehensiveness expectations and methodological considerations
• 11Section 3: Core Challenges in Second-Opinion Practice (35 minutes)
• 12 - Inconsistent selection criteria across agencies
• 13 - Monetary influence and role clarity issues
• 14 - Data accessibility limitations and informational asymmetry
• 15 - Evaluator competency standards and requirements
• 16 - Managing confirmation bias and maintaining independence
• 17Section 4: Candidate Feedback Considerations (15 minutes)
• 18 - APA Ethics Code standards versus PEPE exceptions
• 19 - Risks of detailed feedback to candidates
• 20 - Impact on second-opinion evaluation independence
• 21 - Confidentiality and dual relationship concerns
• 22Section 5: The Second-Opinion Referral Process (20 minutes)
• 23 - Agency obligations when candidates request second opinions
• 24 - Information requirements under POST Commission Regulation 1955(g)
• 25 - Timeline considerations and academy scheduling impacts
• 26 - Documentation and communication protocols
• 27Section 6: Best Practices and Ethical Considerations (25 minutes)
• 28 - Maintaining objectivity and professional independence
• 29 - Comprehensive assessment methodology requirements
• 30 - Record access strategies and collateral information gathering
• 31 - Report writing standards and recommendation formulation

About the Instructor

Professional Degree & Discipline:

PsyD

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

No commercial support or conflicts of interest to disclose.

Refund & Cancellation Policy

Full refund available within 7 days of purchase if course has not been started. No refund after course content has been accessed.