Introduction to the Special Issue on Policing: Examining the Role of Testing and Assessment

Abstract

Prepared in response to the weight and seriousness of social concerns with regard to the state and future of policing, this special issue was developed in order to feature research that examined a wide range of personnel and assessment decisions relating to policing. The focus was broad in scope, welcoming conceptual/theoretical papers, quantitative or qualitative reviews, empirical papers, and think pieces. To address the questions and areas identified in the initial call for papers, six articles are presented covering the themes of individual differences in personnel selection group composition and macro-level influences on policing, and practical recommendations and the future of policing. It is our expectation that these manuscripts will serve as a wellspring for further discussion and consideration of the role of psychology and assessment in improving police departments.