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D'Arienzo Psychology Blog

MMPI Testing is Important for All Armed Security Officers

MMPI Testing

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

In today’s world, security guards play a vital role in safeguarding people, properties, and organizations. While many states have specific requirements for physical fitness and background checks, psychological fitness and suitability often get overlooked. A comprehensive psychological evaluation, including the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), is essential to ensure that security personnel are mentally and emotionally equipped to handle their duties. Even in states where psychological testing isn’t mandatory, these evaluations should still be conducted. Here’s why every security guard, regardless of legal requirements, should undergo MMPI testing and other psychological assessments. Dr. Justin D’Arienzo is a national leader in armed security MMPI Testing and Psychological Evaluations and welcomes the opportunity to work with your organization. Note that these evaluations should be a two pronged approach assessing for both psychological fitness and psychological suitability. Evaluations can be tailored to your company’s specific needs. 

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Psychological Traits for Armed Guards and Law Enforcement Officers

Navy Psychologist Dr. Justin D'Arienzo

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

Key Psychological and Physical Traits Essential for Armed Guards and Law Enforcement Officers: For armed guards and law enforcement officers, certain psychological and physical traits are critical for ensuring effective performance and maintaining public safety. Proficiency in these traits is supported by recent studies in psychology and security, providing insights into the best practices for training and operation in these fields. Dr. D’Arienzo employs psychological testing such as the MMPI-3, California Psychological Inventory, and a Psychological Interview to assist agencies and companies in identifying psychologically fit and suitable armed and unarmed officers. Contact us today at 904-379-8094 or at [email protected]. Dr. D’Arienzo, a Navy Veteran, is licensed in Florida, New Mexico, and Texas has reciprocity in most states to provides these services. 

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Texas Level 3 CSO MMPI Testing and Psychological Evaluations

Navy Psychologist Dr. Justin D'Arienzo

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

In response to growing concerns about the mental fitness of security personnel, Texas has introduced a groundbreaking law mandating psychological testing for Level 3 Certified Security Officers (CSOs) as of January 1, 2024. This law was enacted by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. This innovative move aims to enhance public safety and ensure that those entrusted with guarding lives and property are psychologically equipped to handle the pressures and responsibilities of their roles. Dr. D’Arienzo, former Navy Operational Psychologist, provides both Level III CSO and Level IV PPO MMPI Testing. Learn more HERE.
The law, which takes effect immediately, requires all existing and prospective Level 3 CSOs in Texas to undergo comprehensive psychological evaluations. The objective is to identify any underlying mental health issues that could impair an officer’s judgment, decision-making, or ability to respond effectively in crisis situations. This measure not only prioritizes the well-being of the officers but also the safety of the communities they serve.

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Best Practices in Psychological Testing for Armed Security Personnel

Psychological testing security expert

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

On May 1, 2023, I had the pleasure of presenting about Best Pratices in Psychological Testing for Armed Security Personnel at Blue Cross/Blue Shield and GuideWell’s Corporate Security Leadership Conference along with several other esteemed professionals. I was fortunate to meet Rob O’Neill, the Navy SEAL who removed Osama Bin Laden. He gave a fantastic Keynote to boot. He was a tough act to follow!
I spent my time meeting corporate security officers from around the country and presented about the importance of using psychological testing and evaluations backed by scientific evidence to properly select security personnel and executive protection officers. I provided information regarding both testing-in and testing-out the right candidates for hire. I also shared my experiences conducting these evaluations with the Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Blue’s executive protection staff, Texas PPO’s, New Mexico’s Level III professionals, the Alaska State Capital, Federal and DOD armed contractors, VA Police Officers, and Florida G-License Temp holders. Additionally, I shared about my Navy Operational experiences as well conducting security clearance and psychological fitness and suitability evaluations regarding the protection of information, specialized jobs, and armed personnel.

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Florida G License Psychological Testing

Posted by: erica

Dr. D’Arienzo is now performing psychological testing and evaluations for Florida G License. Contact our office today for more information.

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The Benefits of Using an Industrial Organizational Psychologist To Assist in Hiring Employees

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

The Benefits of Using an Industrial Organizational Psychologist To Assist in Hiring Employees The Benefits of Using an Industrial Organizational Psychologist To Assist in Hiring Employees was written by future Industrial Organizational Psychologist, Brandon Araujo, for the D’Arienzo Psychological Group in July 2014. D’Arienzo Psychological Group is a Jacksonville, Florida based Clinical and Forensic Psychological Practice that is […]

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