Contract In Doubt For Officer-Screening Company In Maryland
BALTIMORE (AP) -- The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services is reconsidering its contract with a psychological firm under investigation for allegedly cutting corners when screening police officers to determine their fitness for duty.
Agency spokesman Eric Solomon confirmed Monday that the department is "re-evaluating the renewal" of its contract with Psychology Consultants Associated, whose contract with the Baltimore Police Department was suspended last week. It's the same firm that evaluated Lt. Brian Rice after he was hospitalized over psychological concerns in 2012.
Rice is one of the officers charged in the April death of Freddie Gray, who died from injuries received in police custody. His death prompted protests and rioting.
In June, an investigation revealed the company's president was completing psychological screenings for officers in 15 minutes rather than the required 45 minutes.
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