Fundamentals of the Pre-Employment Psychological Evaluation (PEPE) Process for Law Enforcement Candidates

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the pre-employment psychological evaluation process for peace officer candidates, covering legal frameworks, regulatory requirements, and the ten POST psychological screening dimensions. Based on the California POST Peace Officer Psychological Screening Manual, participants will learn the foundational concepts, procedures, and professional competencies required for conducting these specialized evaluations.

Program Goals

This program builds upon participants' completed doctoral training in psychology by providing specialized knowledge in forensic evaluation methodology, occupational psychology principles, and the intersection of clinical assessment with public safety employment decisions, advancing their competency in psycho-legal assessment practices.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the ten POST psychological screening dimensions used in pre-employment evaluations for law enforcement candidates
2. Describe the legal and regulatory framework governing psychological screening of peace officer candidates in California
3. Analyze the core competency areas required for psychologists conducting pre-employment psychological evaluations
4. Explain the historical development and current landscape of law enforcement psychological screening
5. Distinguish between diagnostic assessment and functional capacity evaluation in the PEPE process

Course Outline

• 1Section 1: Overview and Historical Context (45 minutes)
• 2 - Significance of psychological screening in law enforcement
• 3 - Historical development from early 20th century to present
• 4 - Current landscape and scope of peace officer positions
• 5 - Financial and legal implications of inadequate screening
• 6Section 2: Legal and Regulatory Framework (60 minutes)
• 7 - California Government Code §1031(f) requirements and scope
• 8 - POST Commission Regulation 1955 specifications
• 9 - Federal equal employment law considerations (ADA, GINA, FEHA)
• 10 - Professional standards and ethical guidelines
• 11Section 3: Qualifications and Competencies of the Screening Psychologist (30 minutes)
• 12 - Education, licensing, and experience requirements
• 13 - Eight core competency areas for psychological evaluators
• 14 - Unique role orientation and professional responsibilities
• 15 - Ongoing collaboration with hiring agencies
• 16Section 4: The Ten POST Psychological Screening Dimensions - Part 1 (45 minutes)
• 17 - Overview and purpose of the dimensions framework
• 18 - Application principles: pattern analysis and data convergence
• 19 - Dimensions 1-5: Social Competence through Impulse Control
• 20 - Behavioral indicators and assessment considerations
• 21Section 5: The Ten POST Psychological Screening Dimensions - Part 2 (45 minutes)
• 22 - Dimensions 6-10: Integrity/Ethics through Risk-Taking behaviors
• 23 - Special emphasis on integrity as foundational dimension
• 24 - Emotional regulation and stress tolerance assessment
• 25 - Decision-making, assertiveness, and substance abuse evaluation
• 26Section 6: Assessment Methods and Integration (30 minutes)
• 27 - Required components: testing, interview, background review
• 28 - Data source convergence and interpretation principles
• 29 - Report writing and suitability determination process
• 30 - Quality assurance and professional development requirements

About the Instructor

Professional Degree & Discipline:

Psy.D.

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.