Hiring a Security Guard, Essay Example

A typical final test that is issued for individuals seeking security employment is PAI for Law Enforcement® test. Once candidates for this position have successfully completed their basic education skills tests and athletic performance testing, it is important to ensure that the mental health of these candidates are strong. Individuals who work in the security profession must often be able to make quick decisions and it is important that these choices are of an ethical nature. Furthermore, since many security workers are permitted to carry weapons, the government must ensure that the weapons will be treated securely and only used when necessary. An assessment of mental health is an important component of this process because it allows potential employers to gain a more significant understanding of the character of individuals that they are trying to employ.

According to the test’s website, the security test aims to help employers identify people who will be diligent, hard working, come across as cordial and polite, have the strength of character to handle unruly people and get them to cooperate without use of force, and are reliable and dependable about coming to work every day” (Resource Associates, n.d.). These are the requirements that law enforcement agencies require of their candidates, and the 175 item personality test and 44 item mental ability component help test each individual’s skills with these regard.

While the psychological assessment is typically taken last, it is the final test of five total recommended tests. These include a prescreening questionnaire, written exam, physical fitness and ability test, and psychological exam, although many law enforcement organizations may also include other screening components such as a drug test, medical test, background investigation, polygraph, and oral interview (Discover Policing, n.d.). It is important for all agencies to ensure that the individuals they hire for this type of position will be ready and able to adhere to all requirements and tasks that they are asked to perform. The types of responsibilities that these individuals have a very broad in nature, and therefore require basic intelligence, strength, and mental capability. Furthermore, the specific scores that individuals receive on these tests and additional training programs could potentially impact the position that they are assigned. For example, if individuals exhibit high degrees of intelligence, they are more likely to achieve leadership positions within their security organization more quickly.

These tests are also designed to screen out applicants from being employed. In particular, this can include individuals with mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, that will prevent the individual from being maximally effective in the field. Furthermore, they wish to avoid hiring individuals with a history of drug use, as it is likely that such a candidate would not be reliable on the field and could take actions to hurt others. Even though many individuals wish to enter this profession, there are very few who are deemed qualified for these positions. While this has sparked much controversy in the past, including claims that the testing is biased against females and minorities, these tests were designed in a manner that would only allow individuals who can complete the required job to enter the workforce. As a consequence, certain groups may have to work harder to meet these requirements, but the requirements themselves could not be compromised.

References

Discover Policing. (n.d.). The Hiring Process. Retrieved from        http://discoverpolicing.org/what_does_take/?fa=hiring_process

Resource Associates. (n.d.). Hiring a Security Guard is serious business: use our security guard test to find the right candidate. Retrieved from http://www.resourceassociates.com/tests/law-enforcement-tests/security-guard-test