I am inquiring about the lie detector test/background check for a forensic science / police job?

Question

I am just finishing up my associates in forensic science and plan to start my bachelors in forensic science soon. I am very concerned about the background check. I do not have a criminal record, but I used to be involved with drugs (smoking and selling) Since then I have changed my ways, I never smoke and wouldn't think about selling, I have a family now and my life is completely different- would I not get hired for a position because of this?

Answer 1

I have heard that polygraphs can be fooled easily and that they are not even correct all the time.  I do not know if this is true but I heard that they measure your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and electro-dermal activity.  One way to fool a polygraph test from what I have heard is to bite your lip while they are taking the initial reading of your heart rate.  It will make your heart rates initial reading be higher than normal, thus when you are answering questions and lie your heart rate will not surpass that initial reading.  Good luck!

Answer 2

Only the hair test might catch you...but in NYC Police Dept is not allowed to use it..............like they say.....................I NEVER DID DRUGS,I NEVER SOLD DRUGS..............answer only if asked..Do not volunteer any info.............practice saying no to the two questions so it sounds right to you...you can pretend no mean yes...

the background check s/b nothing unless you were blatent and pissed  some people off.......

Answer 3

i have researched this its no illegal activities within the past 2 years you will be OK by the time you get your degree

Answer 4

If you were busted and were charged with a felony then that will show up on your record. If you never were caught and you were able to leave the past behind you & apparently "mend your ways", then you are ok.

Sometimes, if the first instance is correct, if you were on probation and satisfied it, then you may be in the clear.

Police officers should know about the bad things that happen to good people, and I think it would make you a better person and better at the job than someone who had always had everything go great for them. Know what I mean?

Answer 5

as to whether or not they'll hire you, that is up to the individual department. I would start asking them now. by the time you get your bachelor's, they will have forgotten your face. Just walk in and ask them. Worst they will say is "no" and you'll save thousands of dollars in education funds.

But law enforcement background checks go through the Department of Justice where nothing is forgotten, expunged, or forgiven.

If you want to know if you won't get hired, I'd ask the person who will do the hiring in your desired field before you spend 3-5 years of your life on a pipedream just to have to change majors or face dire disappointment. Not being a pessimist -- a realist.

Answer 6

You still have a chance to be hired they dont discriminate against race, age, s*x, gender, medical problems, and criminal records.   They will most likely ask you questions about it and since you haven't been in trouble with the law they should still hire you.

Answer 7

Admit it, tell them you were young and foolish and have not done that in a looooong time.  You have learned from it and have never looked back.  They are probably going to ask for dates and when they do background checks it will be brought up.  Best to get it out there now, no stress = no fail.

A liar, is a liar, that lies about the lies previously lied about!

(See what I'm saying?)