Spike,

I seriously doubt that the LVMPD would hire you simply because you are an African-American.  You must pass through all the wickets, just like everyone else.  You must have come across very well during the entire hiring process.  Just curious, what did you admit to the polygrapher that was so terrible?  It is very possible that your friends were falsely found to be deceptive during their polygraph experience (nothing new here).  Whatever you did during your polygraph (complete honesty or countermeasures) you either did it right, or were just plain lucky (maybe both).  Be thankful that you got past that hurdle; now drive on!  Congrats!

Kona