The U.S. Justice Department has accused the Corpus Christi, Texas, Police Department of discriminating against women in its hiring practices. Historically, women have not successfully passed physical ability tests at the same rate males have, and so have been hired at a rate statistically lower than males.
Police departments have utilized physical ability tests in their hiring practices for decades. It is well-known among test experts that these types of tests eliminate women from consideration at a higher rate than males. There are many effective strategies to address this issue. For example, practice tests and physical fitness programs may be able to help women achieve success. Additionally, there are other methods available that don’t rely solely on women increasing their strength.
A major problem with using physical ability tests as hiring criteria is that an applicant must be fit when hired, but in many police departments, they can deteriorate significantly once they obtain seniority. Furthermore, many police departments still utilize physical ability tests that do not relate to the job. I personally know of at least one physical ability test in which a person must bench press the equivalent of his or her body weight. Seriously?
Salaries and benefits, including pensions, for police officers are often above the national average, which could potentially be a great opportunity for females. If a woman becomes interested in pursuing this career, I would advise them to begin their Missing Information Analysis© (MiA©) of the position, a strategy invented by the LeT© Corporation.
Their MiA© should include gathering answers to the following questions:
- What are the specific tasks performed by police workers?
- What are the specific skills, knowledge and personality characteristics required?
- What is the organizational structure (e.g., is it friendly and open to women and diversity – many are!)?
- What is the promotion potential?
- What is the selection process?
- How do I prepare for that process
- Who will make the final selection decision?
Applicants who come prepared with this information, should land the job!
Dr. Cassi Fields of the LeT© Corporation and Fields Consulting Group, Inc. has been supporting police departments across the country for over 20 years. Contact her at drcassifields.com to learn more.
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