GLOBAL SECURITY EXCHANGE • ATLANTA • SEPTEMBER 2026
Setting the Standard for Armed Security Psychological Screening
Dr. Justin D’Arienzo was selected to present at GSX 2026, sharing practical lessons from psychological evaluations of armed security and public safety personnel.
Beyond Compliance: Psychological Stability and Suitability
Drawing on his former U.S. Navy psychology experience and his practice’s work conducting more than 6,000 armed security and public safety evaluations, Dr. D’Arienzo discussed why completing a required psychological test is not the same as evaluating suitability for an armed position.
The presentation addressed standardized psychological assessment tools, including the MMPI-3, occupational demands, assessment validity, and defensible decision-making for security organizations. His approach emphasizes both psychological stability and the specific responsibilities of armed security personnel.
D’Arienzo Psychology | Public Safety & Occupational Assessments
Armed Security Guard & Law Enforcement Psychological Evaluations
Online MMPI-3 testing, pre-employment screening, and job-related psychological evaluations for armed security, executive protection, and public safety.
D’Arienzo Psychology helps individual applicants, private security companies and law enforcement agencies navigate psychological evaluation requirements. Our psychologists combine clinical interviews, standardized assessments and independent professional judgment to address the needs of each position and jurisdiction.
Led by Dr. Justin D’Arienzo, Psy.D., MSCP, ABPP, a board-certified clinical psychologist and former U.S. Navy psychologist, our practice has conducted more than 6,000 armed-security and public-safety evaluations.
Need pre-employment screening, recurring applicant evaluations, fitness-for-duty services, or a psychological assessment program for safety-sensitive positions?
We’ll discuss your position requirements, referral workflow, reporting needs, scheduling volume and applicable professional standards.
Board-certified clinical psychology expertise, military experience, and thousands of psychological evaluations for armed security and public safety professionals.
Dr. Justin D’Arienzo presenting at IASIR 2025 in Kansas City.
IASIR ANNUAL CONFERENCE | OCTOBER 2025
Setting the Standard for Armed Security Psychological Evaluations
Drawing on more than 5,000 armed security evaluations conducted by his practice at that time, he discussed the need for more consistent, accountable, and defensible screening practices nationwide.
Experience That Goes Beyond Standard Psychological Testing
Dr. D’Arienzo is an ABPP board-certified clinical psychologist, former U.S. Navy psychologist, and founder of D’Arienzo Psychology. His work spans more than two decades of clinical, forensic, military, and occupational psychology.
Today, his practice has conducted more than 6,000 armed security and public safety psychological evaluations. His approach emphasizes the importance of understanding both an individual’s psychological functioning and the specific responsibilities of the position being evaluated.
Psychological Stability and Occupational Suitability
A central theme of Dr. D’Arienzo’s IASIR presentation was that psychological stability and occupational suitability are related but distinct considerations. Responsible screening should account for the demands of armed security work rather than relying on a single test score.
Three Principles for Better Psychological Screening
01. Validity
Selecting appropriate psychological assessment methods that address psychological stability and job-related suitability.
02. Accountability
Supporting consistent evaluation procedures, accurate documentation, independent professional judgment, and responsible reporting.
03. Affordability
Making high-quality psychological screening practical for security companies, agencies, and candidates without compromising professional standards.
Read More About the IASIR Presentation
Explore Dr. D’Arienzo’s recommendations for improving psychological screening practices across the private security industry.
We tailor each assessment to the referral question, the essential functions of the position and the rules governing that evaluation.
Armed Security Guards
Psychological testing and evaluations for armed officers and licensing-related screening.
Personal & Executive Protection
Evaluations for personal protection officers, protective-services personnel and executive protection roles.
Law Enforcement Screening
Pre-employment psychological evaluations for police, corrections and other public-safety applicants.
Fitness-for-Duty Evaluations
Referral-based evaluations addressing psychological functioning in relation to specific job duties.
MMPI-3 & Other Testing
Standardized personality assessment and interpretation as part of an appropriate evaluation.
Employer Screening Programs
Coordinated evaluations and professional reporting for organizations hiring safety-sensitive personnel.
Three Simple Steps to Complete Your Evaluation
Our office will walk you through the process so you know what to expect.
01
Confirm Your Requirements
Contact us with your state, position and agency or employer requirements. We’ll confirm whether we can perform the requested evaluation.
02
Complete Intake & Testing
Complete the confidential questionnaire and any assigned standardized testing through the secure process our office provides.
03
Meet Your Psychologist
Attend your clinical interview virtually when permitted, or in person if required. Your psychologist reviews the information and determines the appropriate findings and documentation.
Fast, professional turnaround: Many routine evaluations are processed within one business day after all required components are completed. Additional records, follow-up, or review can take longer. Required forms are completed only when supported by the evaluation findings; a favorable result is never guaranteed.
Beyond checking a box
Psychological Stability and Job-Related Suitability
A required MMPI or other psychological test is one part of an assessment, not a complete picture of a candidate. Clinical interviews, relevant background information, test validity and the actual demands of the position matter.
Our approach considers both psychological stability and job-related suitability. The purpose of the referral, actual job demands, applicable requirements and limitations of available information guide the evaluation. No single test can guarantee future behavior or eliminate workplace risk.
In this video, Dr. D’Arienzo discusses the role of psychological screening for armed-security and public-safety positions.
Online Evaluations and States Served
Dr. D’Arienzo holds psychology licenses in Florida, Texas, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and California. He also holds PSYPACT authorization for eligible interjurisdictional telepsychology services.
Not every occupational or licensing evaluation can be conducted online. We confirm the candidate’s physical location, the governing requirements and whether a virtual evaluation is appropriate before scheduling. Some law enforcement or government contracts require in-person assessment or additional testing.
Texas Level III & IV
MMPI testing for commissioned security officers and personal protection officers; applicable PSP-13 documentation.
For services in other states, contact our office for a jurisdiction-specific eligibility review. Learn more about the PSYPACT practice rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can armed security applicants complete their evaluation online?
Often, yes. The decision depends on your location, licensing authority, employer’s requirements and the assessment needed. We’ll confirm eligibility before scheduling.
Is the MMPI-3 the entire psychological evaluation?
Not necessarily. The MMPI-3 is a standardized assessment that may be used alongside a clinical interview, relevant records and other measures when appropriate for the referral.
Does Texas require a new MMPI every time I renew?
Not necessarily. Texas DPS states that an MMPI generally remains valid unless withdrawn or denied. Renewal requirements and whether a valid assessment is already on file should be confirmed with the licensing authority. See the Texas DPS MMPI guidance.
How quickly will I receive the results?
For routine completed assessments, results are often processed within one business day. Additional review, records or follow-up can extend the timeline.
Will you complete the licensing form I need?
Where applicable, the psychologist can complete the required form if the assessment findings support the attestation. A specific outcome or certification cannot be promised in advance.
Do you evaluate groups of applicants for employers?
Yes. We work with organizations to discuss appropriate applicant screening, coordination, scheduling, reporting and referrals for safety-sensitive positions.
How much does an evaluation cost?
Fees depend on the assessment, employer or agency requirements, and any additional testing. Contact our office for the current fee for your specific evaluation.
Helpful Resources for Applicants and Employers
Start with official state requirements and the appropriate service page. Forms and policies can change; verify the latest instructions with the relevant agency.
Tell us whether you are an individual applicant or representing an employer. We’ll help you identify the appropriate psychological evaluation and next steps.
Have questions about a specific position or state requirement? You can also use our existing contact form below. Please do not submit sensitive psychological or medical information in a general inquiry.