So I'm applying to two LE agencies, and need some quick tips on the polygraph. I know it's a bunch of BS and its possible to pass it even if you've lied in all the questions.. not that I am going to lie, but I get really nervous in situations like these. Anything that worked for you guys when you were nervous? Don't tell me to relax.. I mean it's easier said than done. I need something that will keep me neutral throughout the whole thing.
Thanks
2007-02-23 15:07:54 · 10 answers · asked by Helena 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
I took mine a couple of months ago, and if I can pass you can pass hahaha, I know that sounds cliche but its true, I am a nervous person!! The polygraph can't say whether you are lying or not, it can hint on whether you are having a reaction to a question. The polygrapher has heard EVERYTHING before, so don't feel embarrassed, they will not really bat an eye! The poly's typically start with a series of base questions (pre-poly interview) here I was asked 200 questions, all basics of like have you ever stolen money anywhere, and such questions as that, and these are where they will pick out the questions they ask you on the polygraph. Typically the poly is going to go after drug useage and prior criminal activity. I was nervous as can be, and after I was like wow, I played that as worse than it was. It was simple, you don't have to do anything, just make sure you don't forget to tell them ANYTHING, as if you think about it, it can play in your mind and you might come of as having a reaction to a question you were telling to truth to. My buddy had a reaction to his NAME!! HAHAHAHA, good luck and hope you make it through it with flying colors!! Just get a good nights rest before, you are supposed to get atleast 8 hours of sleep, and no drugs or alcohol before either (yes the polygrapher said he's had drunk people show up! Good luck! Its not that bad!! :-D
2007-02-23 15:26:14 · answer #1 · answered by Matthew K 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1. Get a good night sleep. Do not take any sleep aids. Being rested is relaxed. Sleep aids will leave you mentally slow.
2. Eat a light meal an hour or so before the test. A little fuel will keep you mentally sharp. Avoid greasy, heavy food; makes you sluggish.
3. Hit the bathroom a few minutes before the test, even if you feel you don't have to go. Nothing worse then suddenly having the urge to go while the test is going on.
4. Avoid any drink with caffeine in it, stick to water. Caffeine will heighten any nervousness and make you jumpy.
5. have a glass of cool water (or a drink at the water fountain) just before you go in tor the test. Not more that a 8 ounce glass. Important to hydrate the body when stressed but don't overdo it.
Examiners know their test makes people uncomfortable and they can adjust the machine to compensate to some degree. You will be fine.
2007-02-23 21:24:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well i had a little bit of experience with the polygraph and all i can tell is that if you lie the machine will get you. It's that simple. Just don't lie and if you are nerveous just try to breath slowly so get enough oxygen so the brain can function. But seriously don't lie because it's not worth it. The machine will catch you. And by the way other people have asked if i'm a cop because of my answers and the answer is no.
2007-02-27 15:02:27 · answer #3 · answered by venus 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I took the polygraph before. It was nothing. The polygraph is just a formal procedure you have to go through. I don't recall knowing or hearing anyone ever failed the polygraph before. The hardest part in LE is not the testing nor the screening process. It's the part where you have to deal with a crooked sergeant (if you are unlucky enough to work with one). Be honest, knowing that you're honest, and believing in yourself then you will do fine just fine.
2007-02-23 19:57:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Relax and try not to "chew" on any questions too long. You'll be asked some background questions first- be honest! When you are hooked up to the machine they will ask you simple "yes or no" questions, just answer a simple yes or no, don't read into the question or you may start to second guess yourself and get nervous. Remember too...if you have made some goof-ups in the past, be honest! They aren't looking for angels, we all make mistakes, they are looking for honesty.
2007-02-23 16:30:04 · answer #5 · answered by Marc B. 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you can not say whats true, make what you say true. If you are asked if you killed someone, by someone think of someone you have not killed and say no, there for its true, rather or not you did. Or if you just don't care, you will not be stressed, which is what the machine reads, so relax in that you will pass knowing this, and do not intake any cocaine of caffeine, unless you are unable to relax without. They do not read truth, but stress or if your are nervous.
2007-02-23 15:14:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
ACTUAL POLYGRAPH QUESTION:
"Have you ever researched the Polygraph Test, including on the Internet?"
Just relax and be honest.
2007-02-23 15:46:27 · answer #7 · answered by Citicop 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wanna flow and get the interest? attempt telling the actuality! law enforcement officers are basically people same as somebody else. people have regrets. tell the certainty and supply a proof for why you remorseful approximately it and how you are going to apply the take exhilaration in to make you greater as a cop.
2016-10-01 21:40:41 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Breathing deeply and slowly THROUGHOUT the test. They will know if you are doing it on purpose unless you breath that way the ENTIRE time. Changes in breathing patterns will alert them that you are trying to be deceptive. It will also keep your pulse at a slow rate if you do this.
2007-02-23 15:11:50 · answer #9 · answered by Johnny Conservative 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
IF you have nothing to hide, don't sweat it.
They know your nervous.
If you try to fake the system, you'll screw it all up.
Go with the flow.
Quote from movie.
"Right Nelson? Because in the end, we all know what you've done!".
2007-02-23 15:52:04 · answer #10 · answered by welder guy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋