Entry-Level Law Enforcement

Morris & McDaniel provides police departments with a variety of testing instruments to assist in selecting the most qualified public safety applicants.

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Whether your police department requires an entry-level comprehensive package or individual items, Morris & McDaniel offers the flexibility to purchase items together or separately.  Choose what suits your department best and optimize your assessment process easily.

Online Entry-Level
Police Test (ELP)

entry-level police candidate

Online Entry-Level Police Test (ELP)

Morris & McDaniel’s goal is to help public safety departments hire the right people and exceed your expectations while doing so. We also understand departments’ needs for more efficient, effective and flexible testing options so they can expand their recruitment efforts and provide ongoing testing opportunities. With this in mind, Morris & McDaniel is now leveraging technology to offer the same quality entry-level cognitive abilities exam backed by criterion validity in an updated, online, and potentially remotely proctored setting that is convenient and cost effective for the jurisdiction. This is a fully automated, paperless testing process. Once in the testing platform, the candidate is self-guided through the exam. Once the exam is completed, scores are produced almost immediately. See our Remote Proctoring Section for more information on remote proctoring.
 

Benefits of Online Testing

  • Administer exams in a secure testing platform
  • Instantly access scores 
  • Paperless process 
  • The department only needs a computer with internet connection to get started
  • Continuous testing solution 
  • Reliable and fair administration 
  • Reduced cost to jurisdiction

Benefits of Remote Proctoring

  • Candidate convenience
  • 24/7 testing available 
  • Increase your candidate pool
  • Certified Proctors use enhanced security
  • Expand recruitment efforts
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Entry-Level Police
Selection Program

young police woman on the job

Entry-Level Police Test (ELP)

Entry-Level Police Selection Program

Multiple-Choice Exams and Structured Oral Scenarios are available in online and remotely proctored versions.

Our Entry-Level Law Enforcement Selection Assessment Program was designed to help decision makers in the selection of entry-level police officers. Each component of this police selection assessment program assesses specific skills and abilities needed to be a successful police officer. All components have been validated to predict the success of an entry-level police officer. (Validation report available upon request)

These police entry-level exams can be purchased separately or as a package.

young police woman on the job

Part 1: Entry-Level Police Test (ELP)

Our Entry-Level Police test (ELP) is a validated test that covers several cognitive abilities including the following: Spatial Orientation; Flexibility of Closure (Observational Judgment); Serial Recall (Span Memory); Memory for Ideas; Memory for Relationships; to name a few. These abilities are job-relevant and directly related to the entry-level police officer job but require no prior police knowledge. 

  • 100 multiple-choice items
  • 30-minute pre-test + 2-hour test 
  • Available online and paper/pencil 
  • Remote proctoring available 24/7
  • Cognitive Abilities assessed: Spatial Orientation; Flexibility of Closure (Observational Judgment); Serial Recall (Span Memory); Memory for Ideas; Memory for Relationships; to name a few. These abilities are job-relevant and directly related to the entry-level police officer job but require no prior police knowledge.
  • Identifies the most qualified candidates 
  • Validation Report available upon request 
  • Supported by job analysis studies 
  • Valid, Reliable, and Legally Defensible 
  • Administer exams in a secure testing platform
  • Instantly access scores 
  • Paperless process 
  • The department only needs a computer with internet connection to get started
  • Continuous testing solution 
  • Reliable and fair administration
  • Candidate convenience
  • 24/7 testing available 
  • Increase your candidate pool
  • Certified Proctors use enhanced security
  • Expand recruitment efforts

Part 2: Candidate (Character) Profile Summary (CPS-P)

Morris & McDaniel has designed the Candidate Profile Summary (CPS), a valid, scientifically designed, self-reporting assessment tool that is very effective and will increase the ability for agencies to select the best candidates. The Candidate Profile Summary (CPS) is a measure of counterproductive work behaviors. The CPS provides organizations with specific insights of a candidate’s attributes that relate broadly to their work ethic, integrity, and service orientation. In addition, the CPS identifies, or “flags”, specific behavioral indicators of counterproductive work behaviors that can demonstrate a candidate’s propensity for theft, violence, ignoring safety precautions, violating company policy, intolerance, work stoppage, and other behaviors detrimental to coworkers or the organization. If the jurisdiction chooses to utilize this selection tool, it is generally tied into the entry-level abilities exam and administered simultaneously.

  • 126 behavioral-based multiple-choice items
  • Adds 1 hour and 15 minutes of exam time to entry-level abilities exam
  • Validation Report available upon request
  • Available paper-pencil or online
  • Morris & McDaniel has conducted a number of studies and, to date, we have not found statistically meaningful differences in mean scores across various racial groups (whites and African Americans).
police candidate young woman

Part 3: Structured Oral Interview(previously known as Structured Oral Process - SOP)

The Structured Oral Process is a video-based, oral assessment component that assesses job-related dimensions such as problem identification and analysis, decision making, service orientation, and oral communication skills. All candidates are presented structured situations with questions and the candidates’ responses are video recorded. Following administration, trained raters secured by Morris & McDaniel score the candidates’ performance and scores directly converted and combined with other component scores to report to the jurisdiction. Morris & McDaniel now offers this component in a remotely administered and proctored setting for added convenience and cost-effectiveness of smaller jurisdictions.

  • Remote Computer-Based Administration
  • Candidate is presented three scenarios to which they must orally respond 
  • Approximately 20-minute exercise time
  • A structured oral component increases diversity and decreases adverse impact (white paper available upon request on the benefits of oral exams for entry level testing)

Contact Morris & McDaniel to learn how we can help with your entry-level process.

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Structured Oral
Process

entry-level police candidate
Structured Oral Process

This exam can also be purchased separately.

 

Structured Oral Process

The SOP is a video-based, oral assessment component that assesses job-related dimensions such as problem identification and analysis, decision making, service orientation, and oral communication skills. All candidates are presented structured situations with questions and the candidates’ responses are video recorded. Following administration, trained raters secured by Morris & McDaniel score the candidates’ performance and scores directly converted and combined with other component scores to report to the jurisdiction. Morris & McDaniel now offers this component in a remotely administered and proctored setting for added convenience and cost-effectiveness of smaller jurisdictions. 

Exam Facts

  • Remote Computer-Based Administration
  • Candidate is presented three scenarios to which they must orally respond
  • Approximately 20-minute exercise time
  • A structured oral component increases diversity and decreases adverse impact (white paper available upon request on the benefits of oral exams for entry-level testing)
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Additional Component Options

The following add-ons are available to our entry-level process at an additional fee.  We offer the Reading Ability for Police Test, Counterproductive Work Behaviour Interviews, Physical Abilities Test (PAT), and Psychologicals.

police reading test

Reading Ability for Police Test (RAP)

As an option to our entry-level assessment process, we provide a pass/fail reading ability test to screen out all candidates who are not able to read at the level required for successful performance in the training process both in pre-job and on-the-job training. When utilized, this component is best administered first in a process to screen out those candidates that do not possess a fundamental reading level.
police officer entry-level

Counterproductive Work Behavior Interviews

Counterproductive work behavior (CWB) = employee behavior that goes against the legitimate interests of an organization. Morris & McDaniel understands that these behaviors can harm organizations or people in organizations including employees, clients, customers, and/or patients. In follow-up to the administration of our Candidate Profile Summary (CPS) test, the results are often used to develop a “Flag Report” to provide guidance for structured interview questions after the test which Morris & McDaniel will work closely with the agency to administer.

fire reading abilities test entry-level

Physical Abilities Test (PAT)

Morris & McDaniel understands the importance of assessing physical skills and abilities for police and fire service positions. Morris & McDaniel can work with the jurisdiction to develop and validate a Physical Abilities Test that assesses the physical skills and abilities necessary for the job and develop minimum qualifying benchmarks for the purpose of determining a candidate’s suitability for the job.
police remote proctoring

Psychologicals

Morris & McDaniel understands that agencies need pre-employment psychological evaluations to screen applicants. We use a team approach that requires the input and consensus of several in house professionals on each candidate interviewed. Morris & McDaniel uses sound, valid, and respected psychological instruments recognized nationwide by industry experts, along with individual face-to-face psychological interviews, to provide a comprehensive psychological evaluation.

Remote Proctoring

Is your Department looking for the flexibility of remote proctoring?  By using our online, remotely proctored entry-level exams, Departments can increase candidate participation and expand the regions from which they can hire. Morris & McDaniel has partnered with Meazure Learning (ProctorU) to offer a secure test-taking environment from the candidate’s home, with a 24/7 self-scheduling tool available. Certified proctors will monitor every virtual exam administration and use ID capture to confirm the identity of the test taker. The human proctor secures the physical testing site by performing a 360-degree camera pan around the room to ensure the test-taker can’t access unpermitted electronic devices. The proctor also secures the test-taker’s virtual environment by closing prohibited applications and disconnecting additional monitors.

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  • Candidate convenience
  • 24/7 testing available
  • Increase your candidate pool
  • Certified Proctors use enhanced security

Are you a candidate taking one of our remotely proctored exams? Click here for fire study guides and practice exams.

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To help your fire department understand what to expect when using Morris & McDaniel’s virtual testing services, we’ve partnered with Meazure Learning (ProctorU) to provide a secure and efficient online examination process. Here’s what your candidates need to know:

What is a Virtual Exam?
Our virtual exams allow candidates to take their tests online while being monitored by certified proctors. This ensures the integrity of the exam through screen sharing and a secure browser. Candidates can find more resources here.

Requirements for Taking a Virtual Exam
Candidates must:

  • Present a valid Driver’s License matching the registration name.
  • Ensure their testing equipment meets the necessary specifications, detailed [here](hyperlink to equipment requirements).

Prohibited During the Exam:

  • Only one monitor can be active; additional monitors must be disconnected.
  • The use of mobile devices, multiple monitors, headphones (unless approved), virtual machines, and Apple Bootcamp is strictly prohibited.
  • Candidates cannot use unlicensed software or test builds, and no electronic devices, including cell phones, are allowed.
  • Candidates must refrain from wearing sunglasses or hats, and consuming food or drink (except water) during the exam.
  • Smoking or the use of tobacco products is not permitted.
  • The allowance of paper, pens, or whiteboards depends on specific exam rules, which will be emailed beforehand.
  • Bathroom breaks may be restricted based on the exam’s rules.

Technical Support and Monitoring:

  • Candidates should test their computer system prior to the exam time using the link provided by Meazure Learning once their account is set up.
  • A live proctor will monitor the testing session, with all computer activity visible to the proctor and recorded for security.
  • Candidates must remain in the room during the exam unless otherwise stated, with additional screenings required by the proctor after any breaks.

What If There Are Issues on Exam Day?

  • If a candidate cannot connect at the scheduled time, they will need to reschedule. ProctorU provides troubleshooting help in the Test-Taker Library.
  • If cheating is suspected or unauthorized materials are detected, the proctor may terminate the exam.

We are committed to providing a seamless and secure testing experience for your department’s candidates.

We are dedicated to delivering excellence in service across all projects and contracts with our clients. Leveraging our expertise, qualifications, and resources, we pledge to enthusiastically address our clients' needs promptly and effectively.

Learn more about Morris & McDaniel.

117 South Saint Asaph St.
Alexandria, VA 22314

Regardless of your organization's size or mission, Morris & McDaniel stands ready to collaborate as your ally, empowering you to build a capable and motivated team poised for success.

Start a Conversation - Fill out the form below or call (703) 836-3600

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