Most RCMP PEP polygraphs are now done by contractors. The pre-test interview procedure (going over the RMAQ questionnaire) varies. Sometimes you are left alone with question categories under the different form sections to think about what else you might want to add and then write it down after some initial prompting; other times they go through all the questions one by one with you. I suspect they will phase out the polygraph over the next few years. Mention of it has already been removed from the "How to apply to become an RCMP officer" page at:
https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/how-to-apply The recruiter will just quote what is in the applicant PEP booklet or information sheet (which incidentally was initially developed by a US polygraph company word for word).
The machine does not and cannot show deception. The machine shows a physiological response which can be deemed a significant response by the examiner. If the examiner really doesn't like you, then he (never saw a she), might conduct a post-test interrogation essentially asking which question you think that you reacted to the most, why do you think you reacted to that question, and asking you, "when was the last time that you...", looking for any admissions. If the examiner likes you then nothing will be said and the Significant Response (SR) will simply be noted in the report. There's a reason why the PEP is done by independent contractors and it's to avoid that first scenario.
In both cases it's not possible to really "fail" the lifestyle scope polygraph step without making significant admissions (the exception being US CI (counterintelligence) scope polygraphs where you can fail by chart point scoring alone). It's just an enhanced lifestyle background interview with props and a flair for the dramatic. The report then goes to recruiting to review. Before, when they had RMs like Sergeants do it in house, that person could literally pick up the phone, call the Recruiting Corporal and influence the file, but now it's probably all contractors submitting a written report reviewed by a civilian analyst. At best it can be inconclusive solely going by the machine so you might not "pass". What would happen is that someone in recruiting would review the report (for new disclosures) and decide if it's a deferral or whether you continue on to the next step.
It used to be something like this in general:
NRPC – Suitability reviews the RMAQ.
NRPC – Processing will save the results to the applicant's folder.
If the applicant is not recommended, then the application is closed.
If the applicant is recommended, then the application will move forward to TVS.
TVS will administer the PEP.
NRPC – Processing will save the results to the applicant's folder and the application will move forward to NRPC - Suitability.
NRPC – Suitability reviews the PEP results.
NRPC – Processing will save the results to the applicant's folder.
If the applicant is not recommended, then the application is closed.
If the applicant is recommended, then the application will move forward to DSB and divisional Health Services, concurrently. No one can identify true "signs of deception", not the machine, not the examiner, and sometimes not even the applicant. It's a true wilderness of mirrors! Here is an example of how accurate the RCMP pre-employment polygraph PEP examination is: https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/alleged-voyeur-mountie-is-also-a-suspe... https://bc.ctvnews.ca/b-c-mountie-accused-of-sex-offences-involving-minors-plead... https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2020/07/16/suspended-richmond-rcmp-officer-charged... https://www.nsnews.com/local-news/suspended-richmond-rcmp-officer-charged-with-v... Seangio began his training at the RCMP Depot in June 2016 and later that year was posted to the Richmond, B.C. detachment, one of the largest in the country.
Indeed, many of the charges against Seangio laid by Ottawa police predate him becoming an RCMP police officer.
Ottawa police allege the offences span from 2011 to 2018.
Seangio joined the Richmond RCMP in 2016 (this means he did the PEP within 12 months of June 2016). Yet, the suspended RCMP officer has been charged with 34 counts of voyeurism and three counts of sexual assault involving six women known to him. According to the Ottawa Police Service (OPS), the alleged offences in Ottawa occurred between 2011 and 2018 while he was living in that city. The RCMP Member went through the PEP stage AFTER the Ottawa incidents took place. This is probably the best example of how useless the RCMP PEP stage and polygraph truly is. It detected nothing and the guy most likely had zero training about how to defeat it. It's true, you only need to be relaxed and confident to pass. And of course, make no admissions (the only way to really "fail" the RCMP PEP).
P.S.
Here is a great report about the RCMP (Regular Member) RM recruitment process. I think it's worth a read: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/integrated-assessment-regular-member-recruitment The most interesting piece is this "2018: Acceptance of "Significant Reactions" during the PEP". It basically means the polygraph is as useless as everyone knew it was and the only way to "fail" that step is if you make disqualifying admissions, which would disqualify you before the PEP ever happened or shortly thereafter if disclosed later. In other words, it's literally impossible to fail the PEP from the machine results or the polygraph operator's opinion alone. It's not like in the movies at all. I have personally done polygraphs several times with different examiners and I know it can be completely different depending on who does it. Or wait..."2019: Pilot to implement Eye Detect technology as a way to supplement the PEP"; maybe it really is like in Blade Runner and The Recruit! If you want to become an Intelligence Analyst, all of those positions are now civilian and don't even require a polygraph for the Top Secret RCMP clearance.
Appendix A – Major changes to RM recruitment
Changes to the organizational and program structure:
2004: Establishment of the lateral entry program
2006: Establishment of the NRP as a policy centre
2012: Establishment of the NRPC in Regina
2013: Establishment of the Experienced Police Officer Program
2014: Establishment of the Final Application Status Tracking (FAST) team
2014: Establishment of appeals process
2015: Establishment of the Aboriginal Applicant Mentorship Program
2016: Opportunity for applicants from E, K, F and D Divisions to select their home province for their first posting
2016: Decision to increase troops to 40 per year
2017: Establishment of the Business Intelligence Unit
2017: Pilot to centralize medical assessments at NHQ
2017: Transfer of the Aboriginal Applicant Mentorship Program to National Aboriginal Policing Services (in C&IP)
2018: Pilot of the Enhanced Training of Francophone Troop.
Changes to the process:
2013: Granting of conditional troop offers
2016: Electronic intake of applications and forms
2016: Implementation of Cognos
2016: Removal of conditional offers
2018: Implementation of ATS
2018: Decision to start the security clearance stage once medical has been completed
2018: Acceptance of "Significant Reactions" during the PEP 2019: Pilot to send unilingual French applicants for a 13 week intensive English language training prior to going to Depot
2019: Pilot to implement Eye Detect technology as a way to supplement the PEP Changes to application requirements:
2013: Removal of mandatory requirement for applicants to attend a career presentation
2015: Requirement for applicants to complete hearing and vision exam before applying
2016: Acceptance of applicants who are permanent residents of Canada
Changes to the assessment tools:
2015: Requirement for applicants to pass PARE before applying
2015: Exemption of RPAT for applicants with university degrees
2016: Exemption of RPAT for applicants with a college diploma
2016: Removal of PARE requirement before applying
2016: Removal of RMSI (face-to-face interview)
2018: Establishment of the Right-Fit interview
https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/wam/media/4461/initial/11270a07120b6376c5555acae6ea7b... RCMP police officer recruitment process map diagram, current in 2020 (rarely changes much):
https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/wam/media/4461/initial/11270a07120b6376c5555acae6ea7b... Hello, do you know if Significant Reactions are still accepted by the RCMP? Also, do you know if municipal agencies here in Canada fail you on chart point scoring alone?
