BALTIMORE (AP) – A psychological firm paid to evaluate troubled Baltimore police, including a lieutenant charged in the killing of Freddie Gray, is under investigation by the city and has been put on probation by the state police for cutting corners in its mental health screenings of officers.
The Maryland State Police took action against Psychology Consultants Associated in June after an investigation showed the firm’s president, psychologist Kenneth Sachs, and his employees and contractors were completing evaluations of officers’ mental stability in 15 minutes instead of the 45 minutes required by the state contract, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press.
Experts say 15 minutes is far too short to adequately conduct psychological assessments, either for police applicants or officers seeking to return to active duty.
Baltimore’s law department and inspector general are also investigating the firm’s assessments of city police officers, said Kevin Harris, a spokesman for the city.
“Both are looking into allegations that have been made against PCA, and looking at whether they are fulfilling their contractual obligations,” he said.