I read over a post on this message board that talks about the idea of LAPD dropping the requirement that a person must pass the polygraph to be considered for hire.

Here is what I find to be a very interesting question (Let me set up the question with a quick explanation of the situation)

About a year ago, I took a polygraph test, psychological test, 
interview with a psychologist, interview with the department, etc. for a local PD.

I was up against one other person for the job who was above me in rankings on the list (for example, they were the #1 person and I was the #3 person).

The person above me (that I was up against for the job) had passed all the tests (that I metioned above), and they hired that person based on the fact that they passed all the tests and were higher up on the list (not to mention some other more favorable things they found in the person as well).

However, in my final interview I was told the following:

That they decided to hire the other person because they were in a more favorable position, 

BUTTT

They were going to keep me on the list and hire me if another opening were to take place.  Unfortunately, another opening never occurred and the list expired.

Here is what interests me:

I just got back the results for the polygraph that I took for that department (I requested them via the mail), and discovered that I DID NOT PASS the polygraph test.  The examiner found me deceptive on a couple of relevant questions.

My question is:  Was the person I had the final interview with pulling my leg and trying to be nice and let me down without saying "sorry your a gonner"...?  Or is it possible that they were really still considering me for hire EVEN THOUGH I did not pass the polygraph test?

I was under the assumption that it was up to the department as to whether or not they wanted to eliminate someone based solely on the polygraph test, but after reading a post on here about the LAPD, it became clear to me that maybe the Department isn't allowed to hire someone if they don't pass the poly...even if they like the person and think they would do a good job.

Could someone enlighten me on this confusing situation?

I want to find out if the person was pulling my leg by saying I was still up for hire, because I will be quite upset and plan on making it clear that I am aware of their bluff....

Any thoughts?

Rock....

That is an absolutely outstanding point!

That never even crossed my mind.

That makes absolute sense, because, as you point out, a lot of lazy bastards don't even make it through the initial physical agility test that must be passed at the start of the academy.

I think your dead on, and that he was bluffing in the sense that they weren't planning on hiring me down the road, but rather keeping me on the list incase bucko didn't make it through the academy successfully.

Thanks ROCK!