Calgary Police Service

[MALAKA]

I know that she did take the pare, and did not quite make the mark. She was short only just a tad. Now that she has experienced the pare. She is trying to train harder and prepare for it at a later date. I know that she definitely has the drive. Always asking questions, and respecting all views. A very nice and well organized person.

[guest]

Congrats CPS cops. Now that you are in, what is the general consensus regarding the preemployment poly amongst the sworn members? I have talked to a few and most everyone feels it is a joke. Any comment? Thanks.

[Commentator]

Hi Guest: Regarding your goal of becoming a police officer, and such goal having been cancelled regarding a poor polygraph result, have you tried to apply to other police departments? For example, if you applied to CPS and "failed" (I use the word failed lightly) their polygraph, but you did tell the truth, could you not then apply to say, Vancouver, with a note in the beginning informing them of the info they will recieve when they contact CPS and ask the new dept. you are making application to to give you a chance on their polygraph?

If you are a strong applicant, and want to pursue your goal, why not try it? There probably are recruiters out there who would be willing to give you the benefit of the doubt.

Dont give up!

[IT Guy]

Hey all... very enlightening posts. I've been tossing around the idea of joining the CPS for several months now (and have probably had the idea in the back of my mind all my life), and while I believe I would be a very good candidate, the poly does scare me! Policing would be a dream career, however... and definitely worthwhile despite the huge difference in salary I would see from my current position (I admit, the salaries in the high-tech field can be crazy!). But it's definitely not about the money at this point, but the job satisfaction I would get out of it.

Ever since I decided I may pursue a career with the police service, I've become more aware of my actions, and holding myself to a higher standard. For example, it is often tempting and easy to consider taking home a package of printer paper from work, instead of making a special trip to Staples... but I consciously remind myself not to give in to my whims.

Question: If you disclose activities in your past relating to crimes (particularly undetected), can you be prosecuted or convicted for essentially confessing? Is time (since occurrence) your friend, in these matters?

I'm just wondering where I stand with all the unauthorized versions of Microsoft software on my computer, the copies of music CDs that I've burned from music downloads, or the movies I've copied from the video store. Or, some of the more serious things like getting satellite TV for free. Do these things DQ me from applying, and would you recommend against submitting an application? What if I destroy all these, and become 'legitimate' in all regards, and wait 3 years? Does that magically make me more qualified to apply?

I'm just trying to get a sense of just how 'deviant' I am from the general population, and from police applicants to be more specific. I have no history with narcotics or controlled substances, driving while intoxicated, communication for prostitution, etc., but these seem to be heavily scrutinized areas of disclosure (which I'm confident I would pass). With some other areas (particularly theft), I couldn't say I'm anywhere near saintly nor would I be free of shame if my mother found out, but recently I've been conscious of my actions and refraining from doing things that may damage my chances of applying.

Any thoughts?

^{PS. The contents of this message describe situations, events, and circumstances which may be hypothetical rather than factual, and should not be construed as disclosure of actual events. All persons and events are fictional, and similarities to actual events or persons is purely coincidental. This post has passed the scrutiny of the society for the prevention of cruelty to electrons, and no harm was brought to any object or entity, living or not, in its creation. Copyright MMIV}

[MALAKA]

I know the satellite will be an issue. I was asked that very question. Software was another huge issue according to an officer who gave me advice. I would like to hear from others on their views on this.

[IT Guy]

Guest-MALAKA said:

I know the satellite will be an issue. I was asked that very question. Software was another huge issue according to an officer who gave me advice. I would like to hear from others on their views on this.

Thanks for the reply, Malaka. Are you saying you were asked that question during an interview? Was it out of the blue, or a progression of discovery?

While I'm not trying to 'justify' any of my wrong-doings, I can only guess that the prevalence is quite wide-spread, but obviously not something that people openly admit to. In fact, in many cases, people don't even acknowledge having committed a criminal offense by pirating MS Office for their co-worker, or installing a second instance of QuickTax for Mom to use. Theft of the 'intangible' just doesn't seem to be thought of in the same way as walking into a store and walking out with hard goods.

In my case, being aware of the seriousness of some of these offenses may highten my sensitivity to these, especially during a discovery/polygraph session. I'd be interested in the severity these would be in the eyes of the recruiting unit.

Thanks for any insights!

[MALAKA]

No I was asked out of the blue from the constable. They really don't like it, that was t the impression I was getting. As for the software it was mentioned to me by another officer.

Software theft is theft, he made it simple and clear. There is no argument according to him. Hey but like I have said, everyone has an opinion. In my opinion he is correct, I can't find a reason why his statement would be invalid.

A sergeant in recruiting even made it clear. An individual taking a coaster from a local bar, would be under question as why they would be applying. I recall the exact words. "Refrain from applying until you are 3 years clear of any form of detected or undected criminal activity." "Don't waste any of recruiting's time or yours." These were words from the horse's mouth. I would suggest calling them as anonymous if you feel you would like to get input from recruiting.

Anyways good luck, and your honesty is much respected by my books. Takes guts to admit, and deal with it. Take care.

[journey2cps-redux]

Just wanted to say Good Luck to Boyscout, he's doing his panel interview today for CPS, and was supposed to call me! but I haven't heard from him yet. ;D Anyways Good Luck to ya, and if your checkin the board while your in the city give me a call.

If you lost my cell number just send me an email, and I'll get it to you. ;D

[journey2cps-redux]

Good news for Boyscout! He just called and he has passed the Panel!!! Way to Go! He is writing the psych tomorrow, and then doing the poly on Thurs. Things move fast when your in from out of town.

I also have it on good authority that CPS is aiming for 8 classes this year, After Mar there is one in May and then June for sure. However having one every 2 months would only allow for 6 classes so I'm speculating that they will try to fit in an extra 2 in the fall or late summer...Now I just need to get myself into one of those classes... ;D

[YC]

I wish him all the best! Way to go Boyscout!

[DsWife]

Does anyone know how big the classes are? It's great to hear they should be running many this year. I'm sure everyone has an idea of *when* they'd like to be in class and it's nice to know there will be more than say 2 dates all year.

Way to go Boyscout!!!! Can't wait to hear how the rest of the week goes for you. Anything you're able to share (without breaking any rules) while your memory of the whole event is fresh would be so much appreciated.

All the best,
D's Wife

[MALAKA]

24 per class

[MALAKA]

Interesting article in the Calgary Herald today... Regarding polys. From my circle, only heard of this kind of questioning from 1 city police officer so far. Would like to hear more views from people.

[journey2cps-redux]

Don't get the Herald...is the article on their website?

Found the article...www.canada.com/calgary/story.asp?id=C615FD34-EB5E-46DE-A505-BC50752F42B9

I've heard the same things from people going through the CPS poly, and I can tell you for a fact that I was asked these questions in my security screening with the RCMP. However, its not like I was grilled on these things, it was a quick yes/no. Have you ever..."no."Have you ever..."no." Do you ever..."no."
Not sure what the big deal is on this issue myself. Yeah the questions are "invaisive" but so is the entire application process. You have people digging into every aspect of your life, and you look forward to them doing it so you can succeed! Why the difference with the fire dept? Is it just because its something new and the union doesn't want it? Will this have repercussions on other agencies using the poly? I don't know, but I think it will all blow over once applicants get used to the idea.

[guest]

The problem Journey is that with the poly comes a significant amount of false negatives. You are going to see a tonne of people claiming foul. The fire dept has taken the same stance as the police and are willing to dismiss alot of suitable applicants based soley on poly results. They are mistakenly going to use the poly as the basis for their hiring process. The poly is not perfect and you are still going to see some undesirables get through. Additionally, the preemployment poly won't help in situations where the fire fighter or cop has decided to engage in these illegal activites after they have been hired. The fire department nievely thinks the poly will prevent this. It is comical.

For the record I was asked these exact same questions during my poly. They are nothing new. The fire department and CPS personal disclaimer form and poly are identical.