Question

[Anthony M]

Hello,

I just have a question about somethings that I have done in my past and want to know how they are going to affect me for my polygraph. I have not done nothing to bad. Basically I have just downloaded MP3's and computer games in the past which is illegal, but heard not really a big problem..... but I bought a computer in the past that was stolen, I did not have enough money at the time to buy the real deal so I did buy a stolen computer and monitor. I was just wondering how bad this is going to look for me. I am 20yrs old and I will be taking my poly in a few weeks. Thanks for your time and opinions!

[Charlie]

AnthonyM--

Gee Anthony,.....If you were on the outside looking in at what you've posted, as in you were a recruiter for a PD somewhere, how would you objectively view yourself on the posted information???

I think there are some potential eyebrow raising issues here. I think you are going to be in the position of having to do a lot of explaining. Knowingly buying stolen property is a serious issue in my book and it appears, based on your comments, that you perhaps don't view this as a very serious issue at all.

I think the time factor will be an issue, as in, how long ago were you engaged in this kind of activity and when was your last episode of activity. Will this permanently bar you from getting on board somewhere? I honestly don't know.

In my opinion, I don't think it looks too good. BUT, depending upon how things go for you in your hiring process, your level of honesty, etc. You'll see what happens.

Again, just my opinion.....

Charlie

[Drakor]

I'm in total agreement with ya Charlie. The copy right laws are still being argued in court about file sharing on computers. You can copy a VCR tape as long as it's for your own and your not running a mini theater and charging people.
Buying property that you know has been stolen, there are going to be some questions. You have to explain because there is a difference. Did someone approach you trying to sell you a computer because they needed the money.(Like on the street). A deeper explanation......
In my opinion this is going to hold you up in the process. Only because we deal with alot of money and property that will be unclaimed and the temptation is very high. You explain you did it because you couldn't afford it. Well as a policeman you don't make alot either and there again lies temptation. There is also a time issue did this just happen. Maybe there is an open investigation. Maybe you have the missing piece and the information they need to solve the case.
I also question your information package. Your just now having these questions right before your poly. I'm wondering what you told your BI because I know they ask these questions during the first interview. This would have sent up a red flag.... Good Luck to you KUP

[Anthony M]

Well I have just assumed that my polygraph will be in a few week, I should be going to my Background Orientation still in a few weeks.... so I have not even done the BI yet. The reasone i said that me downloading the mp3's and the computer games was not that big of a deal was just because i asked a detective i know about the situation and he told me to just be honest about that stuff and that it should not really cause a big problem. But I just recently though about my computer that I bought from my cousin... he had bought it stolen, and then a few weeks later he offered it to me so i bought it from him... kinda of a sticky situation.... I also bought a monitor about a year and a half ago which was stolen. I dont feell good about what I did.... I think i just made some stupid choices being 18 and 19 but there really is nothing i can do now that can change what i've done... Since i've decided about a year ago to try and pursue this type of career i've looked over alot of different things in my life. Its just way more harder for me being that I am still only 20, I figured it would be alot easier going threw with this if i was 25 and i did this when i was 18. Well I just dont know how to go about it and I am very confused as what to do when the background and polygraph do come up

[Anthony M]

I am sorry for my spelling and bad grammar I am on my way out to Coach my old high school soccer team. Thanks for all your input guys

[T.COTE]

anthony,

I have gone through both the poly and background investigations where I am looking to be employed full time. I would strongly suggest that you are right up front about any and all suspious or criminal activity that you were convicted of or did, but were not even charged. They will ask you in the poly what you have been convicted of. Then they are going to ask you what you have done or been involved in, but didn't get caught.

If you offer everthing in advance there will be no suprises.

On a personal note, tell the truth. If it doesn't work out then it wasn't ment to work out.

Best of luck

T.COTE

[Charlie]

Some great advice has already been offered about this. Tell the truth!

There is the possibility you may not make it this time and perhaps it might be better to apply in a few years as opposed to now. From what you've written, you were last engaged in some sort of activity a little over a year ago. Frankly, it might not be enough time to, more-a-less, "prove up" to them that you have matured and definitely changed your ways about you concerning this issue.

What you may have to do to better your odds, should you apply again in the future if you don't get hired as a result of this application process, is:

* Establish a good job history / record.
* Refrain from any additional questionable activity.
* Obtain any additional education such as college credits or a degree of some type.

Most LE agencies commonly like to hire applicants at around the age of 25-years (give or take a few years). That doesn't mean they would not hire you or anyone else at 20-years, I'm just pointing out the average age.

Finally, people make mistakes and sometimes "poor decisions" in their lives. Sounds to me this is would apply to you concerning the computer issues.

Are you definitely out for good? Again, I really don't know but I suspect your odds of getting on somewhere would likely be more in your favor perhaps sometime in the future as opposed to now. BUT,....since you're already in the process, you should finish and see how things pan out. Should you be rejected, the experience will be of help for any future applications you make.

Good luck.

Charlie

[Anthony M]

Now if I am upfront and honest about my past and what I have done, could this backfire on me? as in the cops come to my house and interigate me about the stolen items, go to my cousins and interegate him since i bought the computer from. Last thing I want to do is bring grief on my cousin for something he sold me 3 years ago because I am trying to get a job

[Charlie]

AnthonyM--Those are some questions you're going to have to figure out on your own! After all, YOU have placed yourself in this dilemma to begin with at no fault of anyone else but your own. I am not trying to be mean and ugly about this but that is how I see the situation at hand.

Will the cops come to your house to interrogate you or your cousin? I really don't know. I don't know the complete circumstances surrounding the stolen computer/monitor issue or, how your cousin got it to begin with.

You'll have to do some serious thinking about these issues and figure ti out on your own. Realistically, I doubt there is anything anyone here can do otherwise.

Charlie