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r <br />No one seriously ccncested that in our society today a one <br />.andard deviation difference between mean scores of blacks and <br />whites is to be expected on all cognitive skill tests, including <br />reading comprehension, written communication, logical reasoning, <br />math, IQ and knowledge tests. Nevertheless, the nationwide survey <br />conducted by the MPRS showed that of 220 responses, the written <br />examinations of 205 cities included tests of cognitive skills. Of <br />these, 157 tested for only cognitive skills in their written exams. <br />In this same survey, no test was found with equal or greater <br />validity and less adverse impact that the MPRS testing process. <br />Against this back-drcp defendants submit that the amended MPRS <br />testing process stacks up very' well. Since no available tests were <br />identified with equal validity and less adverse impact, the <br />evidence sucuests t.nat if cities are not allowed to use the amended <br />process, or are discouraged from doing so, neither the public <br />interest in securing competent police officers nor the public <br />interest in reducing adverse impact would be well served. Whatever <br />the shortcomings of the MPRS testing process, t.he record does not <br />support a conclusion t.hat there is a better alternative. <br />However, even if Court concludes that the a.mended testing <br />procedures would be lawful, there remains a serious practical <br />problem with continuing testing with the amended procedures. <br />Although the am.ended prcceaures address the most serious concerns <br />expressed by the Court i.n its Order of October 5, 1994, it falls <br />short of addressing them. all. Many aspects of the test validation <br />process and of the test's validity which were cited in the Order as <br />- j