The Effects of Legal Judgments on Psychological Evaluations in the Brazilian Federal Police

Abstract

Psychological evaluations are an important phase in the recruitment and selection process for new members of police forces. Psychological tests consist of the application of scientific procedures for assessing psychological standards, analysing behaviour, personality, and competencies of candidates for police positions. Brazilian legislation and jurisprudence have limited the use of psychological assessments during recruitment for public office as the higher courts consider the use of group dynamics, role play, and interviews to be illegal due to the subjective opinions demonstrated during assessment. This article analyses the effects of judgements in the recruitment and selection process for the Brazilian Federal Police and the implications of these decisions in the management of people in the organization who are responsible for managing the mental health of federal police distributed around the country. Key issues are raised in relation to mental health problems and absenteeism.