Relationship between a measure of aggression and immaturity when comparing the MMPI-2 and the M-PULSE preemployment screening on law enforcement officers

The selection process for individuals who are charged with protecting citizens has evolved in response to legal rulings and the availability of empirical preemployment selection measures. While the MMPI/MMPI-2 is used most prevalently, other employment specific measures may offer more meaningful information in this process. This study examined the relationship between indicators of agression and immaturity (clinically significant MMPI-2 Ma scores) and measures of elevated liability risk for making procedural and conduct mistakes, behaving unprofessionally, or the inappropriate use of force. Most of the previous research has used personality inventories like the MMPI to screen out poor candidates based on possible psychopathology alone; however, no clear optimal profile has emerged from these pursuits.;The current study included archival data from a randomly selected group of 100 participants employed in law enforcement. The analysis did not support significant relationship between clinically significant Ma scores and dependent measures of elevated risk for making procedural mistakes, behaving unprofessionally or the inappropriate use of force.