Police Polygraph Testing.....

Question

I'm ready to take my Psychological Exam and the department states that there will be a Polygraph Test done. I have spoke to a few officers from other departments that state Polygraph Tests are never done on applicants...Can any current police officers shed light on this subject for me?

Answer 1

Their are so many ways to fake pass a polygraph some as simple as wiggling your toes google to find more ways to beat the polygraph test...

Answer 2

What kinda job you attempting to get ?

Answer 3

You may not have sufficient time to prepare for your psychological exam or polygraph test but  you should read up on both.

Check the web for polygraph prep.  Honest people have been known to fail them.  They are not accurate, so it is wise to prepare.

Understand the theory behind psychological testing --- you may be given the MMPI-2 615 T/F questions ---   I suggest that you read up on this test and read some literature on it.  

One or more studies on the VSA found that they equal flipping a fair coin.

Remember these test are being scored by your future employer and they can and will haunt you if you s***w up.

Answer 4

I think that it is routine for polygraph examinations to be given to police officer applicants.      It depends on the department.      



It is important to provide truthful answers even though you don't think that the answer you provide is the "right" answer.      For example, you might be asked if you have ever used marijuana.      If you have, even though it was 10 years ago, you should answer yes.     After the exam you may be asked to elaborate on the answer.      If you deny the usage, you will fail the test which is a whole lot worse than admitting to using marijuana 10 years ago.       Honesty is the best policy, your intergrity will not be questioned.    

Good luck.  

Answer 5

Most police departments will have you do the poly.  The test will indicate your honesty and how well you accept responsibility for mistakes.  If there is deception detected all over the test, it's over.

Answer 6

Many police depts. do polygraph testing today.  They basically ask you the same 10 questions 10 different ways after they set a baseline with obvious truthful answers (like your name, address, and date of birth).  They go through some of your application or background check and are just checking to see if you are a truthful person.  If you fail the polygraph, chances are you will not be hired.  It's nothing to worry about.  Good luck!

Answer 7

Many departments use them, or use VSA (voice stress analysis)

It is up to the department weather or not they want to, but be ready to take one.