The psychometric testing involved in the recruitment of NSW Police officers is under scrutiny after a serving senior constable was charged with the double-murder of Channel Ten presenter Jesse Baird and his boyfriend Luke Davies.
Psychometric tests measure candidates’ suitability for a role based on the required personality characteristics and aptitude.
They are a useful way for police recruiters to determine if a person is mentally fit for a role that is often stressful and involves a high degree of responsibility.
Beau Lamarre-Condon, 28, is accused of killing the two men at Baird’s Paddington apartment, in Sydney’s inner-east, last Monday before disposing of their bodies – which are yet to be found.
In the days that followed Lamarre-Condon handing himself in at Bondi police station, there has been widespread discussion on social media about what background or psychological tests he had undergone when he joined the force in 2019.
Many commentators noted that prior to joining the police, Lamarre-Condon was known as ‘celebrity chaser’ who would pursue Hollywood stars during their visits to , with some wondering if this ought to have excluded him from recruitment.
All applicants who apply to join the NSW Police must complete a seven-stage process that helps recruiters determine how suitable they are for a career in law enforcement.
The psychometric testing involved in the recruitment of NSW Police officers is under scrutiny after a serving senior constable was charged with the double-murder of Channel Ten presenter Jesse Baird (left) and his boyfriend Luke Davies (right)
This includes a psychometric assessment that assesses their psychological state.
The testing involves a comprehensive personality test which uses 51 scales to measure a person’s level of aggression, stress, self-doubt and suicidal tendencies.
Former Victoria Police homicide detective Charlie Bezzina, who worked on some of the state’s highest-profile cases, told Daily Mail applicants from both states must undergo psychological tests, which have become more rigorous in recent years.
Bezzina said the process involves ‘sitting down in front of a computer and answering about 600 questions’ before an in-person interview with a psychologist.
He claimed this computer test had since been ‘reduced to about 300 questions’ in a bid to attract more recruits in Victoria.
Beau Lamarre-Condon, 28, (pictured) is accused of killing the two men last Monday before disposing of their bodies – which are yet to be found. In the days that followed Lamarre-Condon handing himself in, there has been widespread discussion on social media about what background or psychological tests he had undergone when he joined the force in 2019
Mr Bezzina said after those initial responses are analysed, police officers are not subjected to any further psychological assessments unless they are involved in a ‘critical incident’, such as a shooting or high-speed pursuit.
Peter Moroney completed this testing when he joined the NSW Police Force almost 20 years ago.
He said part of the process is designed to detect any mental health issues.
‘It’s mandatory as part of the recruitment that they will do a psychometric test,’ Mr Moroney told Daily Mail .
‘If there are any anomalies picked up then they will be referred to a third party, like a psychiatrist, for review.’
According to Mr Moroney, nobody with any identified mental health issues makes it through the recruitment process without being assessed by someone else.
He said it is common for officers to develop mental health issues on the job; however, there are no requirements to participate in routine mental health checks.
Mr Moroney went on to explain psychological testing is often not redone until an officer applies for a more specialist position, meaning an officer can potentially go years without a proper reassessment.
Investigations into the alleged killing of Mr Baird and Mr Davies are ongoing.
Lamarre-Condon has not applied for bail and will remain in protective custody.