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FFDE is appropriate as they are used to determine if an officer imposes a threat to others or themselves (Gharibian, 2020). Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 states FFDE is “job-related and consistent with business necessity” (Gharibian, 2020). It’s important that an officer is at their best to prevent them from making mistakes or prevents them from doing their job. Fitch (2011) stated that people are willing to follow authority figures and determine what is right and wrong based of what others do. If an officer is not fit to preform their duties, the public could resent them and turn to crime or follow them and do badly. Milgram’s experiment shows that people are influenced by authority and officers often hold the power and authority over the community, if they can’t preform at their best or letting other things effect their job they would show the community it’s okay to not follow rules or to act out (Fitch, 2011).

FFDE are called when there is a suspected psychological, personality, or cognitive disorder that is preventing an officer from doing their job (Gharibian, 2020). The evaluation looks to see if there is a problem and if it can be treated (Walden University, LLC, 2023). The psychologist will determine if the officer is fit to continue their job, if they do have an issue that can be treated and return to work, or if they have a problem that can’t be treated (Walden University, LLC, 2023). These outcomes show if an officer needs treatment for a mental health issue, if they are mentally good to work, or if they should not be an officer anymore. Law enforcement code of ethics states they will serve the community, protect the innocent, and uphold the law which can only be done if they are fit for duty, both physically and mentally (Grant, 2002).