Fitness-For-Duty Evaluations

A fitness-for-duty evaluation (FFDE) is just what the term suggests, an evaluation of an individual's fitness to do his or her job. In high-risk occupations, such as the police and public safety, the need for psychological suitability and fitness is generally established by statute or case law. In fact, some courts have held that agencies are required to assess an officer's fitness when significant evidence suggests a lack of fitness.

The specifics of what constitutes fitness are defined, if they are defined, in very general terms, usually by state statute. The gist is that job holders should be free of psychological factors, traits, and problems that would prevent them from performing their duties safely and effectively. The specifics of how to assess the fitness of job ...