On to the polygraph.

[Chris77]

Hello all,

Good news! ;D

I have passed the written and physical fitness tests for a small city department near where I live. I am currently number 4 out of 15 on the hiring list and they plan to hire 2 by the end of the year. That gives me a pretty good chance. I have a polygraph scheduled for this Friday and eventhough I have nothing to hide I am nervous as hell.

I know the main questions they will ask me are going to be related to illegal drugs, theft, and any other type of illegal activity but can anyone elaborate for me on exactly what to expect? Also should I wear a suit just like I would for an interview or would business casual be OK?

The only illegal drug I have ever tried was marijuana and that was almost 7 years ago. I've never stolen anything except for accidentally walking out of the office with pens and such and the only other illegal activities I have ever been involved in are traffic related (I have had 2 speeding tickets and 1 equipment violation for having only one headlight.)

Any advice is welcome.

[NDP1979]

It sounds like youv'e already talked to someone with the "office pens" thing. This is the exact line I used on my back ground

Just tell the truth and everything will be OK.

[George Maschke]

Chris77,

I hope this doesn't come to late for you, but you'll find a detailed description of what to expect in Chapter 3 of AntiPolygraph.org's free book, The Lie Behind the Lie Detector.

NDP1979's advice to "Just tell the truth and everything will be OK," while undoubtedly well-intentioned, is ill-informed. Polygraph "testing" is actually based on the secret assumption that your answers to certain questions, dubbed "control" questions, will be less than truthful. You'll find this explained in the above-referenced chapter.

Many truthful applicants end up failing the polygraph. Perversely, the more honestly you answer the "control" questions, and as a consequence feel less anxiety when answering them, the more likely you are to fail. See AntiPolygraph.org's Public Statements page for examples of those who told the truth but were branded as liars by the polygraph.

[George Maschke]

Chris77,

I just saw your post in which you mention that you've received a conditional offer of employment. I hope that means that you've successfully crossed the polygraph hurdle?

[Hippie Hater]

Bunch of hippies

George said:

Chris77,

I hope this doesn't come to late for you, but you'll find a detailed description of what to expect in Chapter 3 of AntiPolygraph.org's free book, The Lie Behind the Lie Detector.

NDP1979's advice to "Just tell the truth and everything will be OK," while undoubtedly well-intentioned, is ill-informed. Polygraph "testing" is actually based on the secret assumption that your answers to certain questions, dubbed "control" questions, will be less than truthful. You'll find this explained in the above-referenced chapter.

Many truthful applicants end up failing the polygraph. Perversely, the more honestly you answer the "control" questions, and as a consequence feel less anxiety when answering them, the more likely you are to fail. See AntiPolygraph.org's Public Statements page for examples of those who told the truth but were branded as liars by the polygraph.

[Chris77]

Thanks for the advice, but yes, I have already passed the polygraph, went on to the oral review board, and received the offer. As long as I pass the medical and psychological evals I'll start training in Feb.

[asko]

Hi Chris77, if you may, now that you have passed the polygraph test can you shed some light to those of us that have not and soon will go throught it. I have read the book The lie behind the lie detector as well as many other books about the subject, But I think information from someone who was in the same position as I am or should I say a lot of us are would be very helpful.

Thanks and I look forward to your responce.

[Chris77]

The only advice I can give is be honest, because honesty is one of the most important qualities that an LEO needs to possess, but at the same time you don’t have to divulge every little detail of every bad thing you have ever done in your life. They will probably ask you ahead of time if you want to get anything off your chest before you start. Be prepared for that and remember, you have to tell the truth but not necessarily the “whole” truth. Basically they are expecting little white lies but they don’t want someone who lies about serious issues. If you have nothing to hide then you have nothing to worry about.

Good luck!

And don’t worry, I thought that it was the easiest part of the whole selection process.