Just looking for some help!

[CONAN]

I am a 26 year old male looking for a career in law enforcement and I have applied with a PD before and never got past the lie detector portion of the process.  That was 4 years ago and I am a little older now but I'm wondering what things might hold me back being so young or what pitfalls I can try to avoid during any of the interview processes?  My local PD here in Knox, TN is hiring and I was told that if you are between the ages of 21-35 and not a minority your chances of getting in are slim?  That does'nt seem right but it makes me a little apprehensive about how I will fair during all the different interviews and tests.  Any suggestions?

[George Maschke]

Regarding the lie detector (polygraph) portion of the hiring process, you need to know that it is a complete and utter fraud. Polygraph "testing" has no scientific basis, and many truthful applicants are falsely accused of deception and disqualified on the basis of this pseudoscience.

I suggest that you download and read AntiPolygraph.org's free book, The Lie Behind the Lie Detector. Chapter 3 exposes the trickery on which the "test" depends, and Chapter 4 explains how to protect yourself against a false positive outcome.

[Charlie]

Conan--There are a lot of other people out there like you. If you've applied to  a PD before and did NOT get hired the first time through, that is not unusual. It is commonplace for someone to apply more than once before they are finally hired.

My humble opinion about your other thoughts:

* Was it the poly that got yourself eliminated? I don't know. The other person before me suggests reading a free book about the poly. Whether or not it will make a difference, I honestly don't know. I am not a polygraph examiner and have never had any training on that stuff. It's not my area of expertise. ;D

* Your age at the time may have been a factor (22-years old). Some LE agencies generally prefer applicants slightly older in age. BUT, what one LE agency wants compared to another just depends upon other factors. Probably one of the biggest factors is: HOW MANY applicants are applying for HOW MANY positions? Obviously, if there are few positions versas hundreds of applicants, it IS competitive. ;D

* Generally, depending upon what interview process you're specifically referring to, just be honest and up front. I would suggest that you perhaps pick yourself up a copy an ARCO book or CLIFF's book in the self-help section at the library or bookstore. The authors of these books publish a variety of self-help guides for several LAW ENFORCEMENT jobs, FIRE FIGHTERS, etc. They're usually found near books like the SAT or ACT prep guides, stuff like that. Usually the books also give some pointers about the interview process, how to dress appropriately, etc. as well.

* The reality is that most LE or public service agencies are actively pushing to hire minority officers. I think it is vitally important to include all segments of the community within any LE agencies but at the same time, I'd hope that EVERYONE who is hired is being put through the SAME process regardless of one's gender, race, orientation, etc. However, based on a variety of sources I've drawn information from, it is apparent that a lot of departments will likely show more preference towards minority applicants. Is this a form of an unfair practice to all concerned? I am not about to debate this issue and open a whole new can of worms. My hope is that when someone, ANYONE, applies to an agency somewhere, there is a level playing field. People are hopefully judged by their character, education, and overall qualifications. But, in the real world, this is not always the case depending upon WHO you apply to for a position. That IS reality.

* Suggestions? Consider obtaining some of those self-help guides. (I think Jay has some links on this web site about some of those books on this site). Obtain more education if at all possible. Try and be persistent! Applying one time will not get you hired in most cases. Usually one has to apply a few times to get hired. Pick only a few select departments you'd really like to work for. DON'T make the common mistake of taking the balnket approach and applying to every department under the sun.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Charlie

[sir112]

what i did on the lie detector test was to relax and stay as calm as possible.  

[[e-mail]]

Conan- Charlie is usually and most definitely on the mark (I've "battled the wily and insightful" Geo.Maschke before on the lie detector issue on this site ;D.I advise this apply for at least (5) area agencies near where you live (including specialized agencies like College or transit) also- what are you doing to prepare yourself for a job in L.E. ?Are you in school,working as an agency volunteer,or putting yourslef through a certified academy?regarding the lie detector,far too many people do pass it for it to be totally bogus and many times it is used in totality with your own background answers and a questionaire- only you know what your life has been like and what is the true "you".Also, sadly it is a gender/ethnic game.I' m a Black Officer and it doesn't always seem fair , but gov'ts are trying to make up for unfair practices in the past(especially toward minorities and women ).That doesn't mean that you shouldn't try( in large urban populations it doesn't make sense to have depts with few minority officers, nor does it make sense for a suburban dept. to overly hire minority officers at the expense of non-minority applicants).Don't confuse affirmative action with some sort of "give away", but you can understand that abuses swing both ways-perfect example was Washington D.C. Metro PD in the 70s and 80s;they reaped a terrible price for hiring "unqualified minorities " just to keep white applicants out.Bottom line.No matter your race , you have to want to be a good cop, and in this current job market you've got to get prepared- try seminars and possibly an intro . to law enforcement class at your local  Community College

[CONAN]

Thanks for all the suggestions....I will apply to all the agencies I can in my area which is probably four or five and go to the library to get some books on LE.  In regards to the lie detector test the testor said I was lying about my age and my name?  Does anyone know though......being prior military...does that give you bonus points with a department?
Thanks!

[JimCMR]

Conan;

Military points vary according to the State you are in.

Here in Illinois, 5 points are awarded for 1 year of military service, these points are added to your final score after the initial list is posted.  You must pass the test firse, the points can not be used to bring a failing grade to a passing grade.

Points are laso available for various college degrees, BUT only 1 set of points can be added, thet is if you use college points, you can not use the military points and visa versa.

Good luck.     JimCMR