I understand that one of the "tests" one has to pass to enter the police department (at least the ones I'm applying for) is the Polygraph exam. I am very curious as to what kind of questions they ask you during that test. Will I fail if I'm just worried that the machine will misinterpret my answers? That thing scares me, and I'm not going to lie. So, have you been through it? If so, how was it?
2006-09-14 05:05:18 · 6 answers · asked by Allinone 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Most departments will have you fill out a polygraph questionnaire that will ask you everything from past employment, disciplinary action, drug usage, criminal background etc questions. The department will probably have about 10 - 20 standard questions that the polygraph examiner will ask you. The thing to remember is tell the truth and relax. If there is an issue they will ask you the questions several times to see if they get the same result each time. That is how the determine deception. If your heart rate goes up or blood pressure changes on only one question and they ask the question 3 times and each time it goes up then that is deception. Try not to think about anything else and just take deep breaths. Generally people who fail polygraphs even though they have been completely truthful, do so because they over think a question....ie: I hope I am not forgetting anything...I hope I remembered to tell them that I was written up once....etc....
2006-09-14 05:35:23 · answer #1 · answered by me:0) 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The polygraph is not a "lie detector" - it is a confessional tool. If you have done things that are really unacceptable for a law enforcement candidate, then you will be found out - I'm talking about serious drug use, sex crimes, assaults...not a little bit of weed in college, shoplifting a candy bar, or running a Stop sign. Just be honest and expect to be nervous. If your heart isn't racing when they strap you into the machine, you are probably a sociopath.
Good luck. We need all the GOOD help we can get.
2006-09-14 15:13:39 · answer #2 · answered by Glockmeister 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
OOOOOOH.....I didn't know that in others contries to became a cop you have to pass the polygraph exam.
In my contry the polygraph is only for the suspects of a crime(tifs, murderes,..) and to became a cop you have to pass a psychologic test that include I.Q, Personnality and more tests...
The questions will be abou your family, about your friends, your belives and i don't have to be scared because that will see the psychologist..
If you have made some mistache in the past you have to forget about it and forgive yourself..
Good luck..I'm officer psychologist in the romanian police
2006-09-14 12:57:09 · answer #3 · answered by carmen_mihai1979 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just tell the truth and you won't have to worry. It usually starts with your name. People seldom fail that portion and it can set a bar. However, more than the polygraph is used in consideration for your employment.
2006-09-14 12:09:46 · answer #4 · answered by GrnApl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well they may not plygraph u.. thats an older and not efficient test. some ppl can be scared from the beginning and fail, and others r able to lie without having their pulse tighen.... so sumtimes they will give u truth syrum, this way u will tell the truth if ur one of them ppl who can lie bout certain things and ur pulse doesnt tighten.. .so dont worry bout it. the polygraph really dont work but half of the time
2006-09-14 15:56:24 · answer #5 · answered by big nasty nate 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Basically whatever you filled out on your application plus a psychological assessment. Whether you've had counseling, for what, etc..
2006-09-14 12:07:55 · answer #6 · answered by Big Bear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋