Introducing the PRF-R for Policing: A New Era of Precertification Testing
Letizia Trovato, BA (Hons.), (MHRM), PhD(c), TNT Justice Consultants
On June 1, 2024, a new chapter began in Ontario’s approach to police recruitment with the launch of the Personality Research Form – Revised (PRF-R) for Policing. Developed by SIGMA Assessment Systems in partnership with TNT Justice Consultants and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), the PRF-R replaced the Employee Screening Questionnaire (ESQ) as a more comprehensive and tailored assessment tool. This shift marked a significant advancement for police organizations aiming to attract and select candidates who embody the qualities necessary for success in modern policing.
The Personality Research Form (PRF) is a psychological assessment tool designed to measure different aspects of personality based on Murray’s Theory of Needs. It is used primarily in research settings, as well as in clinical, educational, and organizational psychology. The PRF assesses personality traits by examining individual motivations and needs, offering insights into behavior, attitudes, and personal preferences.
To create the PRF-R for Policing, researchers from SIGMA dove deep into extensive data from scholarly journals, gathered insights through surveys and focus groups with law enforcement leaders, and examined the experiences of police applicants and students. The result is an assessment that provides an evidence-based look into the personality traits that shape a strong, resilient, and ethical police officer.
What makes the PRF-R especially unique is the collaboration that brought it to life. Over three years, the PRF-R was crafted with input from all police ranks across the province and from law enforcement organizations of various sizes, from large police services to smaller police organizations. This inclusive approach ensured the final tool reflected the priorities and expectations of each police service, helping services identify the candidates who align with their specific needs and organizational cultures.
Invaluable Insights
This collaborative design not only reflects Ontario’s commitment to effective policing, but also ensures that candidates’ natural tendencies are carefully considered. Since policing roles are complex and demand a unique blend of resilience, empathy, and integrity, the PRF-R gives services invaluable insights without categorizing candidates as a simple “pass” or “fail.” Instead, it serves as a guide, helping police services make more informed hiring decisions, so that candidates who are well-suited for the role can look forward to a fulfilling and long-term career in law enforcement.
In today’s complex world, the qualities that make an officer exceptional go beyond quick reflexes and knowledge of procedures. The PRF-R for Policing helps identify individuals likely to thrive in this demanding field, guiding police organizations to hire the best candidates for a meaningful and impactful policing career.
For further information, please contact Theodore Parassakis, Director for TNT Justice Consultants at director@tntconsulting.ca.
-30-
Letizia Trovato is Vice President of TNT Justice Consultants. She can be contacted at vicepresident@tntconsulting.ca.