An evaluation of the written selection test: effectiveness and alternatives

Police officer selection is a key personnel function that has received substantial consideration and discussion over the years. A primary component in most police agencies’ selection procedures is the written test. The written test serves as the first and primary selection hurdle in many police departments. There is little research examining the efficacy of the written test, although it is used extensively. This article reviews the literature regarding the use of written tests and examines a particular application of a written test to a group of applicants in a police department. A number of statistical tests are computed to determine the effectiveness or content validity of the written test, as well as its impact on affirmative action.