Questions about my polygraph?

[XD Monger]

xxxxx

[JohnXDTac]

Originally Posted by XD Monger

I wanted to know what some of you thought. Am I basically screwed or should I be ok if I fess up on the poly?

I can't speak for the place you plan to apply, but I can tell you how the FBI does things (at least in our city) and perhaps it will be similar to your situation.

You're OK.

3-4 years is the length of time you must be "clean" to be considered. You've beaten the clock, on that one.

They'll be easier on you if your usage occurred in college. They know that that kind of thing is common in college. They're realistic.

Should you fess up? Yes. If you're caught lying, they'll kick you out and you'll be considered history. The best thing to do is to be up front about everything. If you tell them what you wrote above, you should be fine.

Just my 2 cents worth.

EDIT: Your pot usage will be easier for them to ignore than the harder stuff. The harder stuff might be too close to call, and is usually frowned upon. But always be up front, that's the main thing.

[Waldo]

Never lie, you know better than that.

If you tried coke a few times I wouldnt say you "used" it.

Once I smoked a cigarette (asthma and all). If someone asked me if I have ever smoked I would say no.

[pfccypret]

Don't lie.

Here's what happens if you do, maybe you get away with it. BUT maybe you don't. Maybe they talk with someone during the background check who gives different information, then you are screwed. You will be DQed for lieing and that information will possibly be shared with every other department you apply to.

My advice, answer the questions given. If they don't ask about something, don't give that information. But answer all questions truthfully.

Also, don't be surprised if the bigger departments turn you down, since they have so many people applying. Maybe you'll get lucky. But keep in mind, you can always start at a smaller department. Gain experience, and apply to your dream department with a few years of LEO work under your belt and be a much more attractive canidate.

[Talon]

Be Honest!

I'm not a polygrapher, but I was incharge of the investigative unit at one time for my Dept. We utilized our own administrative unit polygraphers, I'm not sure if the same process goes for the companies that farm this service.

Basically the process is somewhat like this..

Understand that the interview begins the minute you shake hands with the interviewer he starts to read you. He will put you at ease explain the process and create a comfortable atmosphere for you. You and he/her will go over the questions this is a critical time for him in his preparations.

He will then hook you up and obtain a vital check on his graph. he will normally position himself behind you or at the side away from your immediate vision.

You will be asked control questions at first to establish a base line between your truths and lies. He will ask you to lie about a couple of questions.

After a series of qustions as he begins to wind things up he will more than likely ask you a "shock" (my word) question or two for base again Something like.... your responce to never stealing anything looks questionable are you telling me the truth? ... along those lines.

Even as he removes you from the machine he is still absolutely testing, several open ended questions will occur under the guise of rapport. The interview is over once the door to the room closes behind you.

I wish you the best of luck on this journey youve started..

FWIW

Peace,
Tal~

[Mike TRT]

hmmmmmm, hmmmm.......let me see

"have you ever used drugs? yes, explain-I tried it (weed) in college, didnt like it.

"have you ever sold drugs"? not only NO, but HELL no......

if you make it to the poly (externally administered, theyre expensive) they pretty much want you, the backround checks have been done, the written, the psyche the physical.......tell them what they want to hear, unless your a criminal, but sounds like you were a regular college kid.....

they may be looking if your smart enough to lie

Ive done worse

remember, its only a lie, if you believe it....(seinfeld)

[Mike TRT]

XD Monger, I got your PM, and good luck to you