A Program for Training Probation Personnel to Conduct Psychological Evaluations

In Georgia, probation officers are being trained to undertake psychological evaluations on convicted offenders. These evaluations are completed through the administration and interpretation of psychological tests and a clinical interview. The officers attend a course consisting of three week's study, each week being separated from the next by three months in which they learn to use the skills they have been taught. They have finally to pass a comprehensive written test on psychopathology, testing, report and writing and policy procedures, and to go before a certification board. They may receive unconditional certification, which allows them to write reports under their own signature; conditional certification , or they may be rejected.