Who established standardized testing for law enforcement in the late 19th century in New York?

Who established standardized testing for law enforcement in the late 19th century in New York?

• A. Wilson, NY
• B. Roosevelt, NY
• C. Berkeley
• D. Hoover

Answer: (B)

The idea here is that police hiring was becoming merit-based through standardized testing during the reform era. Theodore Roosevelt, who served as New York City’s Police Commissioner in the mid-1890s, pushed to professionalize the force by introducing written exams and objective screening for recruits. This move reduced political influence in hiring and set a precedent for standardized testing in law enforcement in New York. The other names listed are not associated with initiating this reform in that period.

The idea here is that police hiring was becoming merit-based through standardized testing during the reform era. Theodore Roosevelt, who served as New York City’s Police Commissioner in the mid-1890s, pushed to professionalize the force by introducing written exams and objective screening for recruits. This move reduced political influence in hiring and set a precedent for standardized testing in law enforcement in New York. The other names listed are not associated with initiating this reform in that period.