I took my polygraph with LAPD last month and passed it.  I lied on the control questions too!!  I read TLBTLD and studied possible control questions for months.  Here is how it went:

First, I smoked tons and tons of marijuana, did LSD, meth, and E back in high school.  I have even sold a few bags of weed in the past.  I smoked marijuana up until February when I decided to give trying to be a cop a try.  I started to exercise and "clean" myself up.  I took the writen test and passed it.  I took the interview and scored a 96 (I have no clue how I pulled that one off)!  I passed the phyical fitness test and turned in the background "book"!  I lied about my drug history by saying I tried marijuana twice and never touched anything else.  I also said I never sold or bought drugs.  I called all the people that the background investigator might contact and told them not to say anything and not to refer him to anyone else except certain people.  I did this so that the BI will not be able to contact anyone that I had not already talked to.  It worked.  He did not find out about my drug history.  Then, came the polygraph.

I wore a nice siut and showed up early.  The polygrapher was very frank and to the point.  He brought me into this little room and had me fill out a questionair about my background.  He then told me how the polygraph worked, just like TLBTLD said he would.  Then, to my suprise, he mentioned Anti-polygraph.org by name and a few other web pages and told me that any attempts to defeat the polygraph will be obvious.  He said that countermeasures give distinct patterns of tracings that would detected by the computer.  I acted stupid and told him I have no idea what countermeasures were.  He then had me sit on this black chair that had a pad of some sort and a red and black wire/cable coming out of it on the cusion.  I even heard a beep come from the computer when I sat on it.  To be honest, it freaked me out.  He then place the two tubes on my chest and abdoman, two finger plates, and the blood pressure cuff.  Once he did this, I began to count my breathing in my head:  one...two (inhale) 3...4 (exhale).  He began the test by asking me :

Are you in the State of California? (Irrelivent)
Yes.

Are you sitting down? (Irrelivent)
Yes

Are you going to attempt to defeat this polygraph? (Relevent)
No--I stayed calm and kept my breathing normal.

Are you worried you will not pass this polygraph?
no
(control)----I did the anal pucker for about 5 seconds and slightly increased the volume of air I was inhaling by using the breath count:1...2...3...(inhale) and 4...5...(exhale) for about 10 seconds.  I also thought to myself "He knows I am using countermeasures and I am going to get caught" thinking that made my heart beat harder out of fear. I then returned to my baseline breath count.

Did you smoke marijuana more than two times? (relevant)
no

Other than what you told me, have you ever lied to a supervisor? (control)
no

Have you ever stolen anything worth more than $200? (relevant)
no

Did you withhold information or did you lie on your background packet? (relevant)
no

Would anyone you know say that you are unfit to be a police officer? (control)
no

Have you, as an adult, ever had sex with a minor? (relevant)
no

Have you ever sold illegal drugs? (relevant)
no

Other than what you told me, have you used any illegal drugs? (relevant)
no

Have you ever struck or used violence against someone you lived with? (relevant)
no

Have you ever driven while intoxicated? (control) I treated this as a relevant question just in case.

He asked me these questions three different times in a different order.  When the test was done he said that there was a problem.  He then asked me the following:  What when through your head when I asked in you ever lied to a supervisor?  I answered him by telling him when he asked the question, I thought ablut the time when I called in sick to work and was not sick.  He said ok and aksed what I was thinking about when he asked me if I was worried about passing the polygraph.  I reponded I am not worried that I will pass but the thought of not passing went through my head.  he then asked me what I thought about when he asked would anyone say you are unfit to be a police officer.  I told him about the woman down the street that does not like me because as a kid, I went into her backyard without her permission to get my baseball.  He then said that he would be back in a moment and took the charts and paperwork out of the room.  

About 10 minutes later, he told me that he did not see any indication of deception and wished me luck with the rest of the hiring process.  I was utterly and totally shocked!  He had to have been kidding!  Well, a few days ago, I got a letter saying I passed my polygraph and was scheduled for my psychological test.  

This goes to show you "non-believers" that the polygraph is beatable.  I used countermeasures and lied my ass off.  Maybe the pad on the seat was not really for catching countermeasures, but the thing did beep when I sat on it.  Who knows.

Now, I know I did an unethical thing.  I did a lot of drugs and even sold some.  I lied to get this job and it is not right.  However, I know I will make a great cop and I will never do drugs again.  It is in my past and I am now going to forget about it.  Thanks to the guys at Anti-Polygraph.Org and thanks to "The Lie Behind the Lie Detector".  I do not know what to tell all you other guys out there that are having polygraph problems.  I would suggest using countermeasures even if you are going to be honest.  However, you need to do them right.  You need to practice them and you need to practice them right.  It takes prefect practice to perform perfectly.  And beating the polygraph is nothing more than the PERFECT PERFORMANCE!!!!!!!!!

PS...Ted Seals is an alias so don't go tripp'n

With all due respect, I have to say I am somewhat disgusted by your nonchalance. I had nothing to hide and still failed my polygraph. Your background is not conducive at all to becoming a police officer yet you will have the good fortune of moving forward in the process.

That being said, congratulations. You did what you had to do. My disgust is mostly laced with jealousy of your situation and disdain for the polygraph process as a whole.

I concur with Ronin 100%.  It's unfortunate that innocent people like myself, Ronin and George get screwed by the polygraph and some cat like you goes in there and crushes it.  No disrespect intended, but surely you can see my point.  The crazy thing about the whole poly issue is that this is an all to common occurence.  The guys who are most worthy of getting the job are often being falsely branded as liars.

I can not blame you for feeling the same way.  Knowledge is Power.  I read, studied, practiced, and got the knowledge.  In the end, I overcame an obstical to the job I want.  Countermeasures work and they work like a charm.  I would suggest that, in the future, you use countermeasures on control questions so that you will give yourself a little breathing room on the relevant questions.  That is not cheating or unethical if you are honest on the relevant questions.  And that is the point right, being honest?  Or is the point to just pass the damn "test"?  If you want to be a cop, go get the job and be competitive.  If you do not use knowledge and "street smarts" to your advantage, people like me are going to get your slot in the academy.  Is that not what makes a good cop, "street smarts" and knowledge?  When taking a polygraph, it is nerve-wrecking, intense, and it takes balls to stand up to the man and use countermeasures.  Some people I know went into the polygraph with the intention of using countermeasures and got scared and tried to pass using nothing but luck.  Well, each and every one of them failed.  Even the ones that were honest on the relevant questions.  I was the only one of my friends to use countermeasture and I was the only one to pass the polygraph.  And guess what, I was the one that had the most to lie about.  So I tell you this; next time you take a polygraph, use countermeasures and pass!  If you are afraid of getting caught, study TLBTLD, practice identifying controls and countermeasures, and have some Balls and use them.  If not, move aside and someone like me will take your spot in the next academy.

Peace ;)

How fortunate for you that you were able to convince your drug dealing and drug using friends to lie about your drug usage and dealing history when asked by the background investigator concerning the accuracy of your sworn statements.

Considering the ease with which you lied multitudinous times during the course of your police application and testing, can you think of a reason why anyone reading your posts should believe you now?

Ted Seals you are truely ignorant. A polygraph unit the size of LAPD reads this site daily. You have laid your polygraph out in such detail that they will be able  to identify you without exception. Guess what ???becasue of your false stetments to swore officers you could now be looking a criminal charges. You will get what you deserve and you are not fit to clean the crap out of the cages of the LAPD's K9 Division.  :-X

wrote on Nov 15^th, 2003 at 6:00am:

....First, I smoked tons and tons of marijuana, did LSD, meth, and E back in high school.  I have even sold a few bags of weed in the past.  I smoked marijuana up until February when I decided to give trying to be a cop a try.

Odd choice of career path - dealer to cop.  >:(  Do us all a favor and find another job. Perhaps making license plates.

-Marty

I sold a couple dime bags of marijuana so I am now a drug dealer?  I know all of you have looked at porn on the web so does that make you all perverts?  You go jogging a couple times so that makes you a jogger?  I went boxing a couple of times so does that mean I am a boxer?  If you want people like me not to be cops, then perhaps people like you should do it first.  Better yet, why not pressure the Police to do better background checks.  It is someone like me that is going to catch the "real" bad guys when I hit the street.  It was not easy growing up in East LA but at least I am making something of my life reguardless of the stupid things I did in the past.  Roll on, right!?

wrote on Nov 17^th, 2003 at 2:47am:

I sold a couple dime bags of marijuana so I am now a drug dealer?

Actually you WERE a drug dealer but I do give you credit for deciding to "clean up your act."  Keep it up. However, becoming a cop to "try it out" so soon after engaging in such extensive illegal acts seems strange.  The fact that you are so cavalier suggests you may have a tendency to make your own set of personal rules as you go along. This is not a formula for a good cop. We deserve and expect police to have integrity and fairness.

-Marty

Ted once again you show your ignorance. We are cops and we are doing the job, i.e. narcotics for 20 years. You can simply be assured of this, everytime you identify yourself in such detail like you have, that you are done and you dig the hole deeper. My bet is you signed a disclosure statment and you have lied on your drug use statement, along with being engaged in felonies. You will never see LAPD's academy. And you can be sure that if someone from LAPD hasn't already seen this post they will be notified of your stupid/ boastful way's.

The point is this:  Countermeasures work.  The work well.  As far as this website is concerned, the polygraph was beaten and beaten by an amature.  So long everyone.  I will no longer be posting on this webpage.   :-*

Coward........And you know you are done, darn skippy you won't be posting and you will never see a LAPD badge ever......There is no other point, you have beaten the polygraph test but you clearly did yourself in by your ego, see the polygraph worked after all.

wrote on Nov 17^th, 2003 at 7:20am:

Coward........And you know you are done, darn skippy you won't be posting and you will never see a LAPD badge ever......There is no other point, you have beaten the polygraph test but you clearly did yourself in by your ego, see the polygraph worked after all.

The magic hasn't faded?  Seriously, wouldn't it have been better to do a more thorough background investigation in lieu of trusting the polygraph?

It sounds to me like your statements here are largely wishful thinking, "Guest".  I'd rather rely upon something a little more concrete.  Good lord, man -- even if you're right that "Seals" can be identified, what on earth would you have done if he hadn't boasted of his performance in detail?  A passed polygraph would have been the "seal" of approval on this obviously unqualified candidate.

If anything, this appears to be a prime example of why the polygraph shouldn't be relied upon for decisions regarding an applicant's trustworthiness.  How many other unqualified individuals are breezing through, while the public is denied the service of those wrongly branded as liars?

Skeptic

As I said, Ted Seals is an alias and the actual events have been changed to protect the "innocent".  Was it LAPD or San Fransisco PD? Maybe Jackson County Sheriff or Miami-Dade?  Maybe I am not really from East LA but from Waco, Taxas.  No one knows who I am and no one will know that I beat the polygraph because I only "boasted" here and no polygrapher is going to be able to tell what control or relevent questions are "his".    Sorry to let you guys down. :'(

wrote on Nov 17^th, 2003 at 10:23pm:

As I said, Ted Seals is an alias and the actual events have been changed to protect the "innocent".  Was it LAPD or San Fransisco PD? Maybe Jackson County Sheriff or Miami-Dade?  Maybe I am not really from East LA but from Waco, Taxas.  No one knows who I am and no one will know that I beat the polygraph because I only "boasted" here and no polygrapher is going to be able to tell what control or relevent questions are "his".    Sorry to let you guys down. :'(

Chuckle.  Diffuse and confuse. A little late now, but , hey, don't go "tripp'n"

"Waco, Taxas", lol.

-Marty

Ted Seals, although I don't approve of some of the choices you have made in your past, I am happy that you took the time to post here about your experience.  You are helping to show proof that the polygraph is severely flawed.  It is routinely beaten both with and without countermeasures.  I have been a police officer for over 18 years, and during my time as a cop I have heard many stories about the polygraph's use and misuse.  The state I work in has the good sense to not use lie detector tests.  My point is that whether I agree with an individual or not, I would like to see more people like yourself step up and share their experiences of beating the polygraph, because I know it happens more than most would suspect.

What old Ted lacks in spelling skills and personal integrity, he certainly makes up for with street smarts and confidence.  Is this the type of person that I want patrolling our streets, or backing me up on a drug bust?  Well, let's just say that there are numerous other people out there that I would rather have on the force.  If he had done these things as a young kid 10 or more years ago, and had truely turned over a new leaf, I might cut him some slack.  One thing he has clearly demonstrated, is just how bogus the polygraph is, and how many police departments out there place way too much confidence in this witchcraft.  A solid investigation, utilizing human intel, with face to face interviews, probably would have turned up some unsavory tidbits on our friend Ted, and he wouldn't be academy bound right now.  

As for finding out his true identity......yeah, right.  

Kona

 

Ted, you posted the following: "I took my polygraph with LAPD last month and passed it"...."I took the interview and scored a 96"..."I lied about my drug history by saying I tried marijuana twice and never touched anything else."  You then listed the exact questions on the test and your exact responses to the post-test questions.

You better hope there were plenty of applicants who took the poly last month, reported using marijuana only twice on their application forms, AND scored a 96 on the interview portion of testing.

In addition, examiners do keep a record of the exact questions they ask on each test; and keep in mind, these questions are generally changed from test to test.

Nice try to cover your tracks though.  It may not be tomorrow or next week but this will catch up to you.  

I wouldn't worry about Teddy bear.  I doubt he even exists.  Most of these "success" stories are simply figments of George and his elves' imagination.

wrote on Nov 21^st, 2003 at 12:58am:

I wouldn't worry about Teddy bear.  I doubt he even exists.  Most of these "success" stories are simply figments of George and his elves' imagination.

Right.  It's all a big conspiracy, and by the way, they ARE talking about you.

Skeptic

sosdd, if you truly don't believe any of these "success stories", you are an absolutely ignorant individual.  Any person with a shred of itellect and common sense would easily understand that the polygraph is so very unworthy of detecting lies.  Without instilling fear in an examinee's mind, which could lead to a confession, there is no way the polygraph could possiby be responsible for detecting deception. I find it ironic how the CVSA people and the polygraph people denounce one another, when in fact they are both a load of crap.  In fact these devices are no more than props used by interrogators.  However, if I spent a few weeks learning my "trade", I would defend it as well.  How many other careers that require so little to be certified are taken seriously.      

Ray wrote on Nov 20^th, 2003 at 11:52pm:

Ted, you posted the following: "I took my polygraph with LAPD last month and passed it"...."I took the interview and scored a 96"..."I lied about my drug history by saying I tried marijuana twice and never touched anything else."  You then listed the exact questions on the test and your exact responses to the post-test questions. You better hope there were plenty of applicants who took the poly last month, reported using marijuana only twice on their application forms, AND scored a 96 on the interview portion of testing. In addition, examiners do keep a record of the exact questions they ask on each test; and keep in mind, these questions are generally changed from test to test. Nice try to cover your tracks though.  It may not be tomorrow or next week but this will catch up to you.

Ray,

Assuming that the details that "Ted Seals" posted in his first message are accurate, then I agree with you that they may well provide an adequate basis for his identification. However, I think doing so would be against the interests of the LAPD polygraph unit because it would necessarily entail informing others in the LAPD (and the Public Safety Hiring Division) that they had miserably failed to detect both deception and countermeasures. In addition, it would lead to personal embarrassment for whoever turned out to be the polygrapher who passed "Ted Seals" (as well as the presumably more senior polygraphers who conducted "quality control").

wrote on Nov 21^st, 2003 at 12:58am:

I wouldn't worry about Teddy bear.  I doubt he even exists.  Most of these "success" stories are simply figments of George and his elves' imagination.

And just how do you know this to be true? Perhaps a fairy whispered in your ear?

While it is possible that "Ted Seals" is a prankster (perhaps intent on sending the LAPD polygraph unit chasing their tails), I see no a priori reason to assume that such is the case. For me, his mention (and correct identification) of "hypothetical control" questions not included in The Lie Behind the Lie Detector (see p. 104 of the 3rd ed.) lends credence to his post.

With The Lie Behind the Lie Detector averaging over 100 downloads a day, the countermeasure success stories posted on this message board are likely just the tip of the iceberg.

This Ted person makes me sad, :-[ mad  :'(and disgusted.  Sadly my sons chances of becoming a police officer were ruined by the by the LAPD and its polygraph testing, he is not alone as so many other (honest applicants) including my son did not use countermeasures and told the whole truth, yet were DQ'ed due to a test that should never be used for anything.

The fact that this Ted person is here bragging about his past filled with unlawful practices and actions not becoming anyone seeking a position in law enforcement,and the fact he still passed the test is of little surprise to me as the test itself is so flawed that the lier passed and the honest young applicants fail.

I wonder when this City will come to it's sences and stop using this test as a determiner for the suitability of those persons going through the process.  The B.I.s should use their investagations to investigate !!! (hopefully finding those applicants who un-fairly include names of people who will out and out lie for them) and DQ  those liars not applicants who are so fearful of the polygraph that they take too many breaths or sweat or seem scared during the process of taking the test itself.  For Gods sake this City is financially in a real bad situation and these tests are expensive and unrealiable.  Why continue to pay for them?????????  Let's go back to the old way and have the Cops do their job and pick those applicants who are suitable and come reccommended by their familys, neighbors, bosses, co-workers, teachers, preists and friends.

I pary that this Ted person gets no further than the front door of the Academy and is found out!  Or, like so many others before him, he will cost this City and its citizens money in the future by acting out his past and being the creep that he had admitted to being by his posts here.  God is watching "TED" don't be so darn proud of being a liar, drug user, and a all around smart ass of a person.  If  ??? you make it through the entire process you might become the next Rafel Perez!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and land your own butt in jail.

I am now certified and scheduled for the upcoming academy.  I guess the polygraphers could not figure out who I am.  I must admit, the hiring process with LAPD is tough.  No wonder so many people get disqualified.  I know I will do very well in the academy.  I will not be told to grab my "Hat n' ; Books".  Peace out, All!!! ;D

Oh yeah, and Mom, wake up, there is no God.  There is no heaven or hell; no souls; no afterlife; nothing.  The only ones watching me are those looking at me.  Nighty night, Mom! :-*

wrote on Dec 3^rd, 2003 at 5:42am:

I am now certified and scheduled for the upcoming academy.  I guess the polygraphers could not figure out who I am.  I must admit, the hiring process with LAPD is tough.  No wonder so many people get disqualified.  I know I will do very well in the academy.  I will not be told to grab my "Hat n' ; Books".  Peace out, All!!! ;D

Regardless of whether "Seals" is qualified for the position or not, I have to say that his case (assuming he's being truthful regarding his admission to the academy, of course) is an excellent illustration of polygrapher truthfulness, and their equally bold assertions regarding countermeasures should be considered in that context.

Of course, if we wanted evidence that their claims are nothing more than baseless boasts, the fact that none have had the courage to take the Polygraph Countermeasure Challenge, still standing after nearly two years (!), already speaks volumes...

Skeptic

wrote on Dec 3^rd, 2003 at 5:42am:

I am now certified and scheduled for the upcoming academy.  I guess the polygraphers could not figure out who I am.  I must admit, the hiring process with LAPD is tough.  No wonder so many people get disqualified.  I know I will do very well in the academy.  I will not be told to grab my "Hat n' ; Books".  Peace out, All!!! ;D

I do believe your story is a fabrication.  I believed you up until this point.  Tell me, what is your academy date??

What upcoming academy?? I am also done with the entire process and am waiting for my academy date.

Seeing as how there will be no more academies starting for 2003, and academy dates have not been set for 2004, I find it hard to believe you are scheduled for an academy that hasn't been scheduled!  

It can't possibly be class 01/04, because that is a lateral class; unless you are a lateral?  

I don't think that Ted is telling the entire truth (as we know he is a liar). If he was being sceduled for a psych on November 14th, there is no way he could have finished the rest of the entire process in 2 weeks. I think you should go back to smoking crack Ted. You are a really bad liar, and I don't think your dumb drugged out ass is smart enough to get you through the hiring process for LAPD. So stick that in your pipe and smoke it! ; ;)

As I said before, it may or may not be LAPD I applied for.  I told you the actual facts were changed to protect the "innocent".  Enjoy 8)

Jack_T

He could get get through that fast if he was applying at Inyokern or China Lake or maybe even Lone Pine.

Nice try  ;)

Poor Ted

I do believe that you have changed some facts around Ted. I don't think you took the poly or have gone through any extensive testing. Now, what I do believe, is that you are trying to get hired with Wal-Mart security and you are mistaking one hiring process for another. Trust me when I say this, these are not the same thing Ted. I'm sure I will see you around when I spill my drink and it needs to be mopped up!! :D

Ted:

As a mother I worry about you!  And I also wonder what kind of a woman raised you?

Your comments about God are hurtful to those of us who do believe in a higher power. Your lack of ability to tell the truth, your un-lawful background, your eagerness to make yourself come off like a jerk. Your total package should never have the honor to wear a badge..........................

Again, I hope that God is watching, (and your B.I. too) and your pretend career in law enforcement comes to a end both in real life and in your twisted little mind. As you and all that you stand for would disgrace a honorable profession.

I agree with one of the past posts - Try Wallmart -Target - Big 5 -or maybe you should just stop the BS and admit that you are a 1st class JERK!

hey ted...................... whats up?????????? did you decide to run and hide ??????????????????? or have you just gone where all liars go???????????? back into your small little world where what "you think" is right and the rest of us are "wrong"?

Heven help you young man................................. ???

I do hope everyone notices that there are "2" A Moms posting.........  Though I would imagine by reading the posts most people could tell the difference....and I do agree with the last Mom's opinion.....I just would like it know that there are two of us...........
Thanks. ::)

I am have gone no where.  Is there a question you would like to ask me?  I am more than willing to have a conversation here.  Many people like to use their religion to help themselves or to use it as a "tool" to cast judgement upon others.  I have no problem with people who want to voice their beliefs; however, I will voice my lack of faith just as well.  Secondly, yes, I made stupid mistakes in my life but I am not going to dwell on them and let them hamper my future.  All I can do is face the fact that I am human and learn from my mistakes.  So that being said, I am going to be a Police Officer/Sheriff Deputy for the anonymous agency that "hired" me and make the best I can of it.  Call me stupid, call me a lier, call me whatever it is that will make you fel better or relieve your stess, but no one knows what agency I applied with and no one knows the true fact surrounding my future employment or employer.  I know that polygraphers read this site and I know that there is a chance that detailed facts can lead to my  identifcation, however slight that chance may be.   I am not stupid so I thought of this and made the approprate changes in the facts.  For those of you who are mad, sad, disappointed because your little Billy or Johnny or whatever his name is could not pass his polygraph, tough luck.  Perhaps he lied to the polygrapher and got caught.  Maybe your little angels wings were not so white after all.  Anyways, anyone with questions, comments, attacks, or anyone who just wants to blow of steam, feel free to write me.   :-*

Ted..................

My only problem with you is that you seem to gloat that being a liar and past drug user/seller is OK. NO IT IS NOT!!!!!!!!!!

And your comments about our/my child and being a liar like you.........well....Ted....I have a great realationship with my son....and I know what he has done in his life.....and I am so proud of the choices that he has made........never.......ever....involved with drugs....nor would he even consdier telling anything but the truth during a polygraph.......yet........because he has a conscience and  the lack or even desire  (like you) to believe that whatever you have done in your life is OK..... he failed the test..........maybe he did take too many breaths,  and maybe he  yawned during the test..... or maybe Ted, he applied duiring a month when WHITE BOYS NEED NOT APPLY..due to some quota...........Ted face it you are pathitic and should never be honored with the ability to effect others and enforce law.......as you my poor misguided young man are in no position to do so. As you are someone who is obiviously troubled......angry.....and basically a screwed up boy who is looking for ways to be a BIG MAN ???and use a badge to pick on others and make yourself feel important.

Ted spare us all and find another profession...................As, what the world nedds now is less like you and more people with respect for the human race. ::)

I believe that Ted is telling the truth about his polygraph experience, and that he will be attending a police academy in the near future.....it may or may not be LAPD, but I'll bet that he did get hired by some agency out there.  His first post in this thread about the conduct of his polygraph exam was very detailed, and mirrored my personal experience in the same hotseat.

I hope for the sake of the department that hired him, that he has truely given up using and or selling drugs.  Hopefully he has turned over a new leaf, and realizes that his past behavior was wrong, and now knows that this behavior would not be compatable with a job in the public trust, such as a police officer.  Please tell me this is the case Ted.  

Mom,

You need to relax.   While Ted is no angel, you have to realize that police officers aren't perfect human beings.  They are just regular people from society like you or me.  Everyone, and I mean everyone, including your son has skeletons in their closet.  We have all done something in our past that we are not proud of, or that we regret.  I'm sure that there are many superb police officers serving out there right now that lied on their polygraph or background package to conceal an embarrassing, or minor illegal activity that might have DQ'ed them in the hiring process.  This doesn't mean that they are horrible people, or that they lack any personal integrity.  It means that they are human, that they made an error in judgement, and that they made amends, put it in their past, and moved on.  
 
Just curious, why didn't your son read TLBTLD and utilize countermeasures?  Did he consider that to be unethical?   Hopefully your son can apply to another agency, and use some of the "lessons learned" here so that he can be successful in his future job search.  Good luck.

Kona

Kona, you are right.  I was no angel and I did stupid things in the past.  As for being a drug dealer, I was not that.  Yes, I sold minute amounts of marijuana to my friends on a handful of occations as a highschooler, but that does not make me a drug dealer.  Believe me, there are people out there that are much more deserving of the title.  I am not making excuses, however, because I know I did wrong.  As for taking drugs, I am done forever.  I do not even drink anymore.  I never did like taking drugs or drinking.  I feeling of "not being in control" was not enjoyable to me.  As for Mom, I was never a bully and I am not looking to pick on people.  I understand your fustration in that your son failed the polygraph, but if you think you know everything about your son and everything your son has done and every decision he has made, then you need to follow the Yellow Brick Road back to reality.  Tell your son to get his balls back from you and go out there and get the law enforcement job is he wants it bad enough.  I got my job so I am happy. ;D

Ted,

I feel better knowing that you admit your past wrongdoings, and that you have given up drugs for good.  I agree with you; if you sold minute amounts of pot to your friends while in high school, I wouldn't classify you as Pablo Escobar's blood brother.  We have all done stupid things when we were young that we regret.  Enough said about that.

Mom,

I think Ted is right when he says that you don't know every detail of your son's life.  I can think of a hundred things that I wouldn't tell my Mom about my teenage years......and still wouldn't to this day!  She just doesn't need to know the embarrassing details.  If your son is as good a man as you say, then he needs to focus on moving on, and getting the job.  Research and prior preparation are key in any job search, but for a career in law enforcement it is of utmost importance.  He needs to use every resource available to him, especially this website if he wants to guarantee successful completion of his BI and polygraph exam.  

You may not like Ted, but you have to give him credit where credit is due.  He used his street smarts and intelligence to manipulate the system to work for him.  I don't think he is the monster that you make him out to be, and there remains the possibility that he just might make a good cop.......that remains to be seen.  

Kona

Kona:

I agree with you that we all have made mistakes in our pasts.  This as you well know, is a part of growing up and testing our wings.  However, I do not think that everyone has done drugs, sold drugs, and bragged on a web pages that they lied about past usage.

I just felt that Ted came off like a smart ass who was so excited that he beat the system he needed to brag about it.  I was also personally offended by his remarks about GOD.  I am by no means a holy roller, but I do take offence at comments like those made by Ted.  I just bet if he were in a fox-hole somewhere being shot at, GOD would enter his mind as a possibility if nothig more.

Now on to my son.  He did not even know that this site was around when he took the polygraph.  And he would not have known what a coutermeasure was if one knocked him on his head.  He never, felt any reason to prepare for a polygraph as he was planning on telling the truth.  He was just one of the many who failed a test that could not find a lier from someone being totally honest.  Many who post on this site have found themselves in the same position.  Wrongly accused of using countermeasures or out and out being dishonest.

You were right though, as even if he had known about this site I doupt he would have read the material as he would have found it enethical.  And again, he had nothing to hide !!!!! I am the one who found this site, and personally found comfort in the fact that my son was not the only one to be wrongfully judged.  On a few occasions I tried to get him to read some of the other posts from others who told the truth and failed...  But at that point he was so disgusted and hurt and to be honest pissed off that he refused. If I knew now what a benefit being imformed would be I would have downloaded the damm thing myself......  And I encourage all to become as informed as possible before placing yourself in the polygraphers chair.  Heck, it is like anything in life, be imformed...be prepared.....And I would if asked, tell the world that I did prepare myself for this test as I would any other. So - what.........as if this "little hiring tool" was so darn perfect it should not be able to be beat by countermeasures anyway.    

You sound like a great person !  Keep posting here as someone with your attitude and insight should be a part of all of this.

And, yes I know that not all cops are little angels.....In the past I have worked side by side with some of LAs finest..... ::)

Ted:

Just for your information my sons balls are exactly where they should be............. in his sack!
:o :o :o :o :o

You sound like you have a problem with a Mother who has a genuine interest in her child.  Again, I can only feel that this is due to your own lack of parenting!

And, law enforcement is no longer something he wishes to pursue as he waisted almost 3 years of his life in the process.  He has moved on and is doing quite well.  The sad part of all of this is he would have made a great cop.  As he has compassion, a hugh heart, a bright mind and the need to do something that makes the world a better place.  The city lost out this time.

In any case, good luck to you Ted. And, if your posts are true, I hope that you, go home nightly and stay safe.  Remeber Ted, wearing a badge is a honor.

wrote on Dec 6^th, 2003 at 2:53pm:

I never did like taking drugs or drinking.  I feeling of "not being in control" was not enjoyable to me.

Really? Exactly how is it that you "didn't like taking drugs" yet you stated at the start of this thread:
Quote:

First, I smoked tons and tons of marijuana, did LSD, meth, and E back in high school.  I have even sold a few bags of weed in the past.  I smoked marijuana up until February when I decided to give trying to be a cop a try.

I guess a few "bags of weed" is pretty "minute" compared to the "tons" you smoked. ;) A bag of grass will get a fair number of people pretty damned loaded.


Quote:

Yes, I sold minute amounts of marijuana to my friends on a handful of occations as a highschooler, but that does not make me a drug dealer.

A badge and a gun. Sheesh. What is it that attracts you to LE?

-Marty

Mom,

I think you would be truely surprised as to just how many people have either used or experimented with drugs in their teens and 20s.  I can't quote you any hard figures, but when I was a high school student in the 70s, that figure would be ............ very high.  I think that many did it out of peer pressure, not because they truely enjoyed it.  Same thing with alcohol.  

As for calling Ted a drug dealer, I don't think that is fair.  He very well may have sold some joints to a friend, so he could ride in his Camaro and meet some "groovy chicks."  Ok, I'm dating myself here......This hardly qualifies him as a card carrying member of the Medellin drug cartel.  More than likely, he was just a dumb kid doing it to be "cool."  

As for his boasting here on the internet......well, this is the antipolygraph website.  He proved without a doubt how worthless the polygraph is, and that it can be easily defeated with properly used countermeasures.  

Now, for your son.......

He sounds like a very decent person.  Maybe too nice of a guy.  However, I think that he has taken the whole polygraph experience too personal.  Like Michael Corleone said in The Godfather, "it's not personal Sonny, it's strictly business."  This is the attitude that your son needs to take if he ever applies to another police agency.  He now realizes how bogus the polygraph is, and he can plan ahead this time and defeat it.  He needs to forget about what he thinks is right and wrong, what he considers to be ethical or unethical, he just needs to do what he has to do in order to secure the job.  Sound harsh?  Hey, life isn't fair.  If he doesn't do this, he will never get past the BI/polygraph phase.  How ethical is it to base an entire BI on the basis of a polygraph exam?  I think it's completely unethical since I consider it (the polygraph) basic witchcraft.  The police dept feels differently, so since they are the ones doing the hiring, we have to play by their rules.  

I think there is such a thing as being too honest and forthcoming to these investigators.  You open up a Pandora's Box  whenever you volunteer information.  Does it mean anything today that you stole a Snickers Bar 20 years ago at the 7-11?  No, it's irrelevant......so why bother trying to explain this non event in your life?  Are you catching my drift here?  

You mentioned that you would admit to anyone who asked, that you researched the polygraph.  I have already addressed this in another post, and I will reiterate that I think this is bad advise.  Remember that while you are in the hotseat, you need to give the appearance that you are playing the examiner's game.  Admitting to knowing all about control questions, countermeasures, etc.....sends the wrong message to the examiner, and I guarantee you that he will be suspicious.  My advise is to play dumb and use countermeasures.  

Ok, my fingers are tired now..........

Kona

"A Mom" wrote:

> or maybe Ted, he applied duiring a month when
> WHITE BOYS NEED NOT APPLY..due to some quota

Damn, Mom! You raised THE PERFECT CHILD (just like Mary!) only to have him foiled by shifty job-stealing Negroes! I feel so sorry for you!  :'(

Hmm. That last part wasn't sarcastic...  :-/

FYI: Jesus wasn't a white boy. And your son's not Jesus. And Ted might be a prick, but you don't come off so well yourself.

Proverbs,

Slow down my friend.........that comment was by no means dealing with anything but the truth.  I am in no way finding fault.......nor do I feel superior because I am white......only stating a point!!!!!
Just for your information, if you are black there are times when you need not apply either!!!! and times when Latinos not !!!!!!!and many times when MALES not apply as women are being more activly recruted.......

Each class at LAPD is selected to meet the current criteria as far as obtaining parity with the current needs of the community.  And again you must remember that affirmative action is alive and well and currently being used all over the place. Why are you so sensitive?????Have you personally been dealt with poorly due to it????

Now the Mary remark.........give me a break.......and I have no idea what color Jesus was or is.......All I know is that he is a higher being and watches and protects us all.  And loves us all equally.....  So, if you were going towards the White Power thing you are so off base placing me there.......Nope........no score for you on that one.

And, my son!!!  He is all of the things I have posted and more.  He got screwed by the system...............like so many before him and after.  

So tonight when you sit down to say your prayers....ask for some forgivness for judging me incorrectly........

Best to you my black brother............
,
MOM

Well, I finished the second week of the academy.  There was a lot of running, push ups, sit ups, marching and mofre running.  I am sore and my calves are killing me.  We recently got fitted for uniforms and duty gear.  The classwork is insane.  I did not expect there to be so much studying.  I feel overwhelmed, however, I know I will be able to do it.  There are a lot of good people in my academy class.  I have bonded with many of them and we are helping to support each other.  I threw up on a couple of the runs because they ran us so hard.  I should have gotten into better shape before the academy.  I hope ever one had a good New Year.

Ted I come from the same backround. It was and still is normal to do drugs where I am from. Growing up that is all I knew, and yes when I was younger I did do a little myself. I am not making any excuses for what I did but when it is all around you and that's what you learn growing up you can not help it.  Now that I am older I want to make a difference but I can't because of my past. The only choice I have is to use CM's on the poly. Am I a bad person for that? Or am I a bad person because I grew up in a drug infested area and I fell for the peer presure when I was younger?  If your not from these area's you might not understand so it is easy to say what you want about Ted, but just remember for every person that makes it out of these area's 20 don't and out of those people that make it out, only a handful of them come back to try and do something to make a difference. Just remember that when your casting your jugement on Ted.

P.S. Yo Ted, what questions did they ask you on your interview and how did you respond? Is there anything you can tell me to get me ready for it? thanks bro. Good luck to you.

Yo Ted.  Go ahead and tell this polygraph guy what questions you were asked on your interview and how you answered - that will give them even more info that will help ID you and get your sorry ass kicked out.

Ted,
Good for you,  Im hoping that you take those street smarts and make an excellent law officer.  I do hope however that they run the crap out of you at the academy so that you appreciate the opportunity you have and cherish it.  :)

To the various "Moms" on this site,  Remember that not all people beleive as you do and no matter what, you should respect others beleif systems as much as your own and Please for "Whatever god you cherish christian or otherwise" sake change your login so I can tell the difference between you all.

To anyone that beleives that you can decipher the ID of anyone that posted here? Wake up and smell the coffee its unlikely unless you launch a full investigation with some of the top people in the government, why do you think they have such fun finding people that Hack or put viruses up on the internet.... its because its very easy to be anonymous. If you think Im wrong ... I dare you find out one iota of information about me that I dont give specifically in posts here  :)  trust me you will find nothing but dead air.


Good luck all,  and Ted your account gives me hope that my minor infractions from many years in the past will not screw my quest for the badge.

Laters,
Joe

PAQ,

They asked me questions about my knowledge of community policing and wheat I thought the role the police should play in the community.  I forget exactly what I said, but I said something to the effect of community policing being a form of police work where the police and communtiy work together.  Where the police are a part of the community and have a direct role in the community pulse.  I mention that the police can become involved in the community by sponsering event like little leauge baseball, pop warner football and stuff like that.  They asked me about my educational background and work background.  They did not ask me a single scenero question which surprised me.  They asked me why I wanted to be a police officer and why I was the best guy for the job.  The questions were fairly standard and I was able to answer the questions well.  I surprised myself with how well I did in the interview.  Every question they asked me, I was able to answer clearly and with confidence.  

As far as the academy goes, it is very hard.  I have been keeping up with the studing and assignments.  I have been getting yelled at a lot because I keep messing up while marching.  I had to write a couple memos to explain why I was having problems.  I am getting better now so it is not a big deal now.  The PT is crazy.  I really should have gotten myself into better shape before the academy.  A few people we dropped already.  One time, a lieutenant came into the classroom and told a recruit to get her hat and books and she never came back.  It was an eyeopener.  I drive a stick shift truck and when I drive home from the academy, my legs are so tired, I can barely push the clutch in.  I lost my voice last week because of all the yelling they make us do.  I sometimes wonder if I made a mistake coming here.  I know I can do it, I am jsut exhausted.  I gotta go.

Thanks for the info, it really helps. Good luck to you and stay in there. Thanks again.

This is why LAPD is so screwed up, folks.

Sounds to me like hes working his ass off and trying his best to get the job done, and doing it with a  good attitude as well......

I wouldnt use that as an example of why LAPD is screwed up....

Joe

Ted what  is your educational backround? You don't have to go into detail because I know some of these people are trying to figure out who you are, but I was hoping you can give me some kind of idea, like did you go to college or not? Did you drop out of high school or get your G.E.D? Stuff like that, so I can compare it to myself to see what my chance's are. Thanks again for all the info and good luck to you.

Ted Seals,

Okay, I can tell who the cops are on here, and I'm right with them.  You are so full of crap, I don't even have to interview you face to face and I can see it.  The guilty begin to retreat when confronted with the truth, which you are doing.  Why do you refer to "the Police" in one of your statements like they are the other people...  You screwed it up right there, you're mentality when typing shows you're full of it.

wrote on Feb 9^th, 2004 at 4:50am:

The guilty begin to retreat when confronted with the truth, which you are doing.  Why do you refer to "the Police" in one of your statements like they are the other people

Ruthless,

Maybe the reason Ted Seals is refering to the police like they are other people is because he isn't a police officer yet.  As far as I can tell, he is still a cadet in the POST Basic Academy, and hasn't earned his badge.

Next time you might want to quote his text so the rest of us know exactly to what you are refering.  

Kona

wrote on Nov 15^th, 2003 at 6:00am:

I lied on the control questions too!!

Quote:

That is not cheating or unethical if you are honest on the relevant questions.

Geez, back in 1996 in my academy, Lesson 1 in the academy was on ethics.  Seems you'll do great.  If it's all good, it's all good.  I would just hate it if you keep up the pattern you began when you first posted, that could come back to haunt you years down the road in your career, could lose everything overnight depending on circumstances.  Good luck to you though? ! ? !

The only information that can be ascertained from Ted's comments about drug usage is the fact that he did at one point use drugs.   While I pride myself on having stayed away from any narcotics, many of my close friends have at point used or are still using drugs.  They are not evil, horribly immoral human beings.  They are generally not even rude; if they were, I'd be much less likely to keep their company.

I definitely feel for those of you who have been falsely accused due to polygraph test results, or those of you who are close to someone who has suffered that injustice.  However, no one on this site who can make any reasonable determination about what caliber of police officer Ted is to become.  Why should his comment about drug use be any more valid than his comment about turning over a new leaf?  I think much of the criticism he has received is, at best, undeserved.

Ted, if you truly have changed your ways and adopted a code of honor befitting a police officer, then more power to you in achieving your goals (though you could use a little bit more humility).

-John