Information: Police Psych Program
Most police services conduct a psychological screening as part of the hiring process.
This typically includes both a written personality assessment and an in-person psychological interview with a licensed practitioner.
This page provides a brief overview of what to expect during the psych stage.
What the Psychological Screening Includes
While each service may use different tools, the psych stage often involves:
- Written personality assessments (e.g., MMPI-3, PF16, OACP Personality Section, or service-specific inventories)
- Trait evaluation Emotional stability Conscientiousness Resilience Regulation Integrity Social functioning Decision-making patterns
- Psychological interview Conduct, communication style, emotional tone, stress response, self-insight, and consistency with written results
The goal of the psych stage is to assess your suitability for policing based on personality patterns, behaviour, and emotional regulation.
How to Prepare for the Psychological Stage
Effective preparation includes:
- Understanding the traits police services evaluate
- Learning how personality patterns appear across different tests
- Using consistent, accurate self-representation
- Practising grounded, professional conduct during the interview
- Identifying and correcting common pitfalls
- Understanding how emotional regulation is assessed
Preparation helps you approach the psych stage with clarity and confidence.