The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) this year completed a detailed report designed to cover elements related to the assessment and critical analysis of psychometric assessment needs in police recruitment. The report strongly advocates the implementation of psychometric assessments in police forces, noting that this is a current need.

The report was prepared by three ADG police officers from BSF, Uttarakhand Police and CISF and senior experts from Delhi University, ITBP and SSB.

The report highlights the importance of psychometric assessment in addressing mental health issues faced by police personnel. However, it also acknowledges that while psychological assessment at the recruitment stage is crucial, it is not the only way to reduce the prevalence of mental distress within these organisations.

Finally, the report highlights: “Experts agree that psychometric assessment of police forces is the need of the hour. Thus, psychological problems/disorders can be addressed and intervention programs can be designed and implemented for key stakeholders.”

Furthermore, the report highlights that a large number of police personnel suffer from various mental illnesses. Therefore, timely intervention is critical to managing the mental health consequences of trauma. The report highlights the importance of developing methods to effectively diagnose and treat cases of psychosis. Recent research has revealed the prevalence of mental health problems among police personnel, and the report also highlights the need for better, more accessible mental health services for police personnel.

The report reiterates: “While psychological assessment at the recruitment stage is undoubtedly critical to addressing the mental health issues of police personnel, it is not the only way to reduce the incidence of psychological distress within these organizations.” It suggests that overall reductions for organizations such as CAPF Stress strategies, workplace interventions and re-evaluation of day-to-day management are critical to mitigating issues such as suicide and cannibalism caused by mental health challenges.

How to test

Psychometric assessment methods may be complementary to the current system of recruitment processes to enhance and strengthen it. Depending on the job role, specific psychometric assessment structures may be developed and introduced during the recruitment phase, the report said.

The two major subdivisions are Psychological Assessment for CAPF recruitment and Psychological Assessment for State Police Force recruitment. “The test should be designed to include appropriate factors for each entry level. Police Constable (Other Ranks), Sub-Inspector and Police Officer (GO). The task of designing the method of assessment test may be assigned to those in the field from reputed institutes/DIPR/universities experts,” the report said.

What will happen in India?

In India, the armed forces have long been using some kind of psychometric assessment system for the selection of officers as part of an extensive process through the Service Selection Board. However, in police organizations at the central and state levels (as police leadership is recruited either by the Union Public Service Commission or by the respective Public Service Commissions of the states), the only kind of personality exercised in police agencies so far Evaluate. The recruitment process is based on interviews.

Data collected

This study collects and analyzes data from CAPFs (BSF, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, NSG). The data relates to the period 2014-2019, with data collected each year relating to the number of people classified as factor “S” – that is, suffering from various psychological disorders.