Required psychological standards
Compiled text through Mar 31, 2022
Register checked through Jul 29, 2026
Later Register activity found — review the notice before relying on the compiled text.
Dates and status
- Compiling agency
- Executive Department
- Text status
- Source receipt
- Compiled text through
- Mar 31, 2022
- Register checked through
- July 29, 2026/Vol. XLVIII, Issue 30 (2026-07-29)
- Activity status
- Later Register activity found — review the notice before relying on the compiled text.
- Latest notice
- CJS-42-21-00004-A · Adopted rule · Nov 2, 2022
- Source snapshot
- Jun 6, 2026
(a)The qualified psychologist or psychiatrist shall assess each candidate on a case-by-case basis to determine whether the candidate is psychologically fit to perform the essential functions of a police officer for the local police agency seeking to employ the candidate. The existence of a potentially disqualifying condition shall not preclude the qualified psychologist or psychiatrist from determining that the candidate is able to perform the essential job functions of a police officer. Nothing herein, however, shall preclude the qualified psychologist or psychiatrist from noting the existence of any other potentially disqualifying conditions not specifically set forth in this Part, which, in the opinion of such qualified psychologist or psychiatrist, may render the candidate unable to perform the essential functions of a police officer.
(b)The psychological assessment shall screen for psychopathological disorders, personality characteristics, and substance abuse problems not compatible with a candidate to perform the essential job functions of a police officer. The assessment shall include the candidate completing at least two objective and validated psychological written tests for public safety personnel. One test shall measure psychopathology and the other shall measure normal personality traits. Written tests shall be administered, scored, and interpreted by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist according to the publisher’s recommendations and consistent with established test administration standards. The qualified psychologist or psychologist shall conduct a semi-structured, job-related interview format for each candidate after psychological tests results are reviewed.
(c)Upon conclusion of the psychological assessment, the qualified psychologist or psychiatrist shall render a report to the employing agency as to whether the candidate can perform the essential functions of a police officer as set forth in section 6000.09 of this Part, noting justification for any rating and/or recommendation made by the qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.
(d)Based upon the recommendations of the qualified psychologist or psychiatrist, the local police agency wishing to employ the candidate shall render the final decision as to whether the offer of employment shall be revoked.
(e)An employer may exempt a candidate from paragraph (a) and (b) of this section if the candidate has a valid police training certificate pursuant to section 209-q of the General Municipal Law.