Michael D. Penticuff, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
(512) 454-9300
1600 West 38th Street, Suite 400
Austin, Texas 78731
My Role in the TCLEOSE Process. I am not in any way employed by or otherwise associated with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE). As a licensed psychologist, though, I am authorized to perform TCLEOSE L-3 determinations. These are psychological assessments that result in the DECLARATION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH one must have for admission to some peace officer training academies (including the CAPCO academy in Austin) and for commissioning as a peace officer in Texas. During the time I have been in practice, I have performed over 100 TCLEOSE assessments.
Nature of the Process. These assessments, which are conducted in my offices, consist of about a half day of psychological testing and interviewing. As is the case with all psychological testing, feedback to you of the results is an integral part of the process.
What to Expect. Typically, I ask that you complete several separate psychological instruments, each of which is untimed, prior to the interview. Because of this fact, and because I will generally be involved with other clients while you are completing these instruments, it is not possible to predict exactly how long the process will take. A reasonable estimate is three to six hours. You will be able to work at your own pace, breaking for lunch or other purposes if you wish to do so.
Staying Comfortable. If you decide to call and arrange for me to conduct your L-3 determination, you will probably want to consider bringing food or lunch money along. It is also a good idea to bring a sweater or to dress fairly warmly because the room I use for testing can seem pretty chilly after you have sat in it for a couple of hours. This is especially true in the summer.
Saving Time. A good way to minimize the amount of time you will spend here is to download and complete the Personal History Form found on this web site. By doing this at your convenience before your appointment, you are likely to save about an hour on the day of your assessment.
Fees. The fee for this service is $150.00 whether you pass or not. If you are paying personally, it is necessary to pay in cash (not by check) at the beginning of the process. If your assessment is being paid for by a police department, I will be glad to bill them.
Confidentiality Issues. Because of the purpose of this process, it will be necessary for you to complete an authorization for me to release information to a police department, to a training academy, or to TCLEOSE itself; otherwise, there is no purpose in your undergoing the assessment. Please read the material included in the Information About My Practice regarding the possibility of legally mandated exceptions to confidentiality. It will also be necessary for you to see my HIPAA Privacy Notice before we start our work together (this is a Federal requirement).
Feedback. Although the purpose of a TCLEOSE assessment is simply to establish whether or not a candidate is psychologically and emotionally fit for commissioning as a peace officer, participation in the process nonetheless establishes the candidate as a client of a psychologist. Because of this relationship, I am legally and ethically obligated to provide feedback to candidates of their test results if they want me to do so. This is something I am happy to do and will offer without being asked. It is an integral part of the process (unless you choose not to be given feedback) and helps to explain the fact that the process may take longer than you expected.
Part-time CAPCO Academy. There is a special circumstance for those planning to attend the part-time academy offered by CAPCO. The L-3 determination, which is required for admission to the academy, is valid for only six months. Since the part-time academy lasts for seven months, it is necessary to obtain a new L-3 certification before you can be commissioned upon graduation. In most such instances, I will conduct a recertification assessment for a fee of $25.00. For a detailed explanation of my approach to this problem, see my Letter to the CAPCO Academy dated March 26, 1996.
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