Exact details on Police polygrah?

Question

When taking a polygraph to enter law enforcment I know that you have to be clear of smoking Marijuana for 2 years. What are the other details that you are subject to being refused for dealing with drugs, past history?

Answer 1

I just took a polygraph for a job at my local police department.  They are looking for honesty. They asked me if I had ever called in sick when i was not sick.  Who hasn't done that?  I had to answer yes. My polygraph examiner said that they are not looking for perfection, but they are looking for honesty.

Answer 2

There are no exact details to give. The polygraph exam can be constructed around your application, and around whatever came up on your background check.  They will not all be the same.

The only thing constant on a polygraph is that all questions are phrased so the answer will be yes/no.

Answer 3

If you have ever done any hard drugs, even acid - you are out. If you m********e - to see if you are a liar. If you look at kiddie pron to see if you are a freak.

Answer 4

It depends on the department.  Most use of "hard drugs" will DQ you, period if ever used, as will prior criminal history, undetected felonies, etc.

Answer 5

Trooper gave a very good answer.  In MOST cases, the ONLY thing they actually learn from the polygraph is how you respond to the questions.  They already have most of the answers from your application/background check.

On a semi-related issue: My brother had to take a polygraph exam for a security clearance.  They had him convinced he had failed for no apparent reason right up until they handed him his clearance.