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Bill would make psych tests for cops mandatory
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MONROE - The state Assembly passed a bill Thursday that would require police candidates in Wisconsin to undergo psychological tests.Current state law doesn't require mental tests for police applicants. Testing would begin in July 2011.Lawmakers have pushed to make them mandatory since 2008, when Forest County Sheriff's Deputy Tyler Peterson gunned down six young people at a Crandon party with his SWAT assault rifle.Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelley said officers are evaluated through a test before they're hired by the Monroe Police Department. That's been the standard operating procedure for the past 10 to 15 years, he added.Potential candidates for the Monroe Police Department are given an oral exam, and if they are deemed qualified, are given a written examination.Included in the written portion of the test are 100 questions to provide a behavioral background of the candidate.