OFFICER SELECTION

Peninsula Police Services (PPS) adheres to the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission psychological screening guidelines. Applicants undergo an interview where emotional, judgment, social sensitivity, interpersonal and cognitive characteristics are evaluated during a high stress verbal interchange. Applicant strengths in these various areas are graphed and provided to the requesting police departments. 

Characteristics such as impulse control, common sense, empathy, conflict resolution skills, ability to treat people with dignity, interpersonal communication skills, and assertiveness are a few of the areas evaluated during the stress interview.

In addition to a stress interview, an applicant completes an 8 page social history questionnaire and a psychological examination to rule out psychopathology and personality disorders. Data from the clinical interview, stress interview, social history and provided background check is then cross-validated with impressions derived from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality  Inventory - Second Edition.

Each department is provided with a written report outlining psychological functioning of the applicant along with a recommendation for rejection or acceptance for employment.  Additionally, a letter with employment recommendations and a graph of psychological characteristics is provided.

410-860-COPE