How is emotional intelligence evaluated in the POST selection process?

Emotional intelligence is evaluated in the POST selection process primarily through situational judgment and interpersonal communication assessments. These assessments are designed to measure a candidate's ability to recognize their own emotions and those of others, manage emotional responses, develop empathy, and handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.

Situational judgment assessments present candidates with hypothetical scenarios they might encounter in a law enforcement context and ask them to choose the best response. This requires individuals to tap into their emotional intelligence to make judicious decisions under pressure. Interpersonal communication assessments evaluate how well candidates communicate and connect with others, which is crucial for effectively resolving conflicts, building rapport with community members, and working collaboratively with colleagues.

This focus on situational judgment and interpersonal communications underscores the importance of emotional intelligence in policing, where understanding and managing emotions can lead to better outcomes in community interactions, conflict resolution, and crisis management.