BE PREPARED
In the same way that law enforcement candidates prepare for the physical evaluation, they should also prepare for the psychological evaluation process.
Law Enforcement Psychological Evaluation Preparation (PEPTalk)
Too many young men and women are wrongfully branded as "Psychologically Unsuitable” or “Psychologically Not Qualified” by law enforcement agencies. These determinations can compromise a candidate's ability to ever be employed in a law enforcement career. In the same way that candidates prepare for the physical evaluation (e.g., the “Job Standard Test”), they should also prepare for the psychological evaluation process.
The primary objective of a PEPtalk is to help law enforcement candidates understand the psychological evaluation process, reduce their fears, and empower them to present in a favorable and authentic light.
During this informational and educational process*, the following three areas are addressed:
1. The written psychological evaluation.
2. The oral interview/assessment, and
3. A confidential review of the candidate's history.
To schedule a PEPtalk, contact Police Officer David Dugo at Lerner Psychological Services, P.C., at (631) 385-7551 to arrange for a remote or in-person PEPtalk.
About Police Officer David Dugo
With more than three decades of dedicated public service, PO Dugo began his law enforcement career in 1991 with the NYPD, later served with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, and has proudly served with the Suffolk County Police Department for the past 22 years. He now collaborates with Lerner Psychological Services, P.C., as an independent law enforcement contractor, empowering law enforcement candidates.
* Law Enforcement PEPtalks are strictly informational and educational. Police Officer Dugo acts independently, represents no law enforcement agency, and does not practice psychology. No aspect of this program guarantees selection for any law enforcement position. By participating, candidates agree to indemnify and hold harmless PO Dugo and Lerner Psychological Services, P.C., for all agency determinations related to the selection process.
Practical Information
Featured Article
Why Invest in Preparation for Your Law Enforcement Psychological Evaluation?
Law Enforcement Psychological Preparation Talks (PEPtalks)
By Mark D. Lerner, Ph.D.
Clinical, Forensic, & Police Psychologist
Founder, Law Enforcement PEPtalk
Chairman, The National Center for Emotional Wellness
Each year, qualified candidates are labeled “Psychologically Unsuitable,” Psychologically Not Qualified,” or receive a "Notice of Proposed Disqualification" (NOPD) for a law enforcement position. For some, that designation permanently compromises a law enforcement career.
Most candidates train for the physical agility test (e.g., Job Standard Test). Few prepare for the psychological evaluation.
That oversight can be expensive.
The Cost of Waiting
Appealing a disqualification or a Notice of Proposed Disqualification (NOPD) often requires:
• An experienced attorney — several thousand dollars
• An independent licensed mental health evaluation — several thousand dollars more
Even then, success is not guaranteed.
It's far better to prevent disqualification than to fight one.
What Preparation Actually Does
A psychological evaluation typically includes written testing, a clinical interview, and a review of your background. Evaluators assess emotional stability, judgment, impulse control, stress tolerance, and credibility.
Law Enforcement Psychological Preparation Talks (PEPtalks) help candidates:
• Understand the process
• Reduce anxiety and defensiveness
• Present their history clearly and consistently
• Demonstrate insight and growth, and
• Appear authentic — not rehearsed
Preparation is not about changing who you are. It's about presenting yourself thoughtfully, confidently, and in the strongest, most favorable, and authentic light possible.
You would not show up physically untrained. Don't show up psychologically unprepared.
To schedule a PEPtalk, contact us at: