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Psychological Evaluators
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Course Details
Course Title
IACP 2026 - Psychological Functioning in Pre-Employment and Fitness-for-Duty Evaluations: Clarifying Misconceptions and Ensuring Balanced Approaches to Mental Health Stigma
Date
10/26/2026
Provider
IACP-PPSS
Phone
703-836-6767
Email
annualconference@theIACP.org
Website
www.theIACP.org
Location
Orlando, FL
Credit Hours
0.5
Instructor(s)
Zachary Cohen
Method of Instruction
Workshop/Seminar
Approving Agency
APA
Course Syllabus
Course Description
This session examines evolving efforts to address mental health stigma within law enforcement, particularly as agencies place greater emphasis on psychological well-being and support. Increased awareness of the psychological demands of policing, along with shifting perceptions among officer candidates, has prompted agencies to reevaluate how stigma is addressed, including within pre-employment psychological evaluations and fitness-for-duty processes. The session explores common misconceptions about how psychological conditions are assessed and seeks to clarify how these evaluations can serve as tools to support, rather than hinder, stigma-reduction efforts. It also highlights potential pitfalls that arise when agencies unintentionally overcorrect in their approach, particularly in pre-employment psychological evaluations (PEPE) and fitness-for-duty evaluations (FFDE), and the possible unintended consequences for both the organization and individual officers. Additionally, the session emphasizes the importance of effective communication between evaluating psychologists and agencies, and how professional interactions can either reinforce or mitigate stigma within the law enforcement environment.
Course Objectives