Psych firm that evaluates Baltimore Police under investigation for negligence

Newly obtained documents reveal that Psychology Consultants Associated, a firm which contracts with the Baltimore Police Department to evaluate officers suspected of being psychologically unfit for duty, is under investigation for taking shortcuts in its work.

The firm is currently on probation after the Maryland State Police discovered it was completing assessments in just 15 minutes rather than the 45 required by its contract. This practice was initially uncovered by psychologist Tali Shokek, who was offered a job at the firm and told it would take her "5-20 minutes to interview and dictate a boilerplate report" putting troubled officers back on the streets.

This news follows the turmoil in Baltimore over the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody. At least one of the officers subject to felony charges in connection with Gray's death, Lt. Brian Rice, was cleared for duty by Psychology Consultants Associated.

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