New Haven Independent

Connecticut psychologist Dr. Arnold Holzman (pictured) had been invited to speak to the board at its Tuesday morning meeting about the psychological compenent of the exam administered to police officer applicants.

Holzman’s company, Behavioral Health Consultants, has been in business for over 10 years administering these tests across the state of Connecticut, and this is his second year in New Haven. Holzman (pictured) explained that the test is meant to identify candidates who may have psychological difficulties in the position of police officer.

“People who are drawn to police work are people who like exciting careers, don’t want to sit behind a desk, and like to take risks,” Holzman said. “However, when that becomes too extreme, it can be a problem.”

In response to concerns raised by commissioners Evelise Ribeiro and Brooks about whether the test discriminates across cultures, Holzman assured the board that the standardized procedure offers an equal assessment across the board.

“Tests of personality are not of what you know but more of who you are,” Holzman said. “The results are very stable in terms of what the individual is going to look like.”

In jest, Brooks asked, “Would I make a good police officer?”

“Maybe if your foot wasn’t broken!” Holzman played along.

But Brooks had not invited Holzman to the meeting merely to joke around. He made it clear that he is worried about some of the “loonies” out on the police force and curious to know how they got there. He thanked the doctor for coming and giving the board the opportunity to understand what goes on behind closed doors in writing psychological recommendations for police officers.

Chief Ortiz (pictured) offered a mixed bag in his orders of business, starting off on a bittersweet note. He thanked all the police commissioners for their thoughts and prayers during the difficult last few weeks after the death of beloved New Haven police officer Dan Picagli. In response to this and other losses at the New Haven police department, Ortiz said he is looking for a way to memorialize the men and women at the department who have died in the line of duty. He said he would begin work on it today.

On an optimistic note, Ortiz congratulated nine police officers on their promotions to the position of sergeant. He expressed thanks that this “young, talented, and energetic” group displayed such commitment to their jobs, and he said he was confident they would help to continue to keep down crime rates in New Haven.