Introducing the PRF-R for Policing: A New Era of Precertification TestingBy Letizia Trovato, BA (Hons.), (MHRM), PhD(c), TNT Justice ConsultantsOn 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 the Director of Operations, Theo Parassakis at TNT Justice Consultants at director@tntconsulting.ca.
Letizia Trovato is Vice President of TNT Justice Consultants. She can be reached at vicepresident@tntconsulting.ca.
READ MORE LIKE THIS
TRENDING ARTICLES
1

What We Can Learn in Policing from Wildfires

I had trouble figuring out where to begin this year’s renewed version of the Police Leadership Program. The challenge was too many options. The leadership issues in policing today range all the way, for example, from community mental health to organizational budgeting to technical skill development.

2

The Complexity of Police Leadership

Yet leadership effectiveness is, simply put, about people understanding people. It is a skillset that can be learned, and that depends quite simply on leaders investing in themselves. With social-scientific discoveries, self-awareness, and powers of observation and communication, leaders can pull others together around a common goal. Among others, the below three skill sets help to get you there:

3

Countering Incivility, Harassment, and Discrimination in Policing

Creating a workplace environment that is inclusive, respectful, and free from harassment and discrimination is an ongoing priority for ontario police services. However, services face systemic challenges in their efforts to prevent these negative behaviours, effectively address them, and change their culture.

4

The Leadership Imperative: Leader development in Ontario

Modern policing is complex. Whether mediating a dispute or managing a crisis, it’s a job that not only requires a deep understanding of the law and society, but also the ability to lead with confidence and compassion.

5

THE FUTURE OF LEADERSHIP IN POLICING

Under the leadership of Chief Jim MacSween, the executive leadership team at York Regional Police (YRP) established a mission to re-imagine leadership development within the organization. YRP knew that standardizing leadership principles and delivering them to all ranks of the organization would enrich the development of ethical and professional leaders.

6

Connect, Lead, Inspire

As policing leaders, there are key elements to consider when it comes to developing outstanding organizations. Opening conference keynote presenter Tanya McCready of the Winterdance Dogsled Tour and author of Journey of 1000 Miles opened the conference with a timely message: time, dedication, trust, and practice are key elements to leadership, as well as ensuring that leaders know their team and where they thrive best.