Controversy Erupts Over Psychometric Test for Local Police Candidates in Canary Islands
Seventy-eight candidates who failed the psychometric test for local police positions in the Canary Islands have requested the suspension of the technical director overseeing the exam. They allege she may have conflicts of interest that warrant her withdrawal from the process. This group represents approximately 10% of the 783 candidates declared “unsuitable” from a total of 1,135 participants.
The candidates claim to have evidence supporting their request, suggesting that the technical director could be in breach of impartiality rules established for the selection process. The General Directorate of Studies, Training and Research in Public Safety is expected to investigate their allegations.
The grounds for exclusion from the test not only apply to panel members but also to specialist advisors. The candidates argue that if the technical director has assisted in the preparation of candidates in the previous five years or has personal relationships with applicants, she should recuse herself.
Among the evidence presented are screenshots from the technical director’s professional website, showing she offered services to candidates within the last five years — a claim she later removed from her current profile. She has also been linked to private services such as psychological interviews and anxiety management for exams, which overlaps with the duties required in the selection process.
The discontent among candidates grew after the psychometric exam on 19 August revealed that only 352 out of 1,135 candidates were deemed suitable. Initially, the examining body published results without detailed explanations, leading to demands for clarity on the scoring and evaluation process. Following this, more than 200 candidates banded together to push for greater transparency, resulting in the current call for the director’s suspension.
Both the technical director and the panel president were approached for comments, but have yet to respond. While the scrutiny continues, candidates are urging that the director be separated from any actions related to the psychometric evaluation until their concerns are resolved.
