I'm going into my 3rd year of studying biology at a university and have lost some interest in going to med school. However throughout this past year I became interested in joining the FBI's forensic science unit. There is a problem though, when I was 17 I was given a misdemeanor ticket (minor in posession of alcohol). I've stayed away from all illegal drugs throughout my life, however I did have a beer once at my own house and was caught and given a ticket for a low BAC. Fortunately, I wasn't arrested or given any harsh penalties, just the ticket fine. I was wondering if this will have any impact on a future career with the FBI or any other government agencies. Thank you.

Orolan the Moron - you never cease to amaze me.  You don't hesitate to give advice on every subject - even those that by your own admission you know absolutely nothing about.  Oh well after all you are just following the example of your hero George 'BS'er in Chief'.

Mike,

If this boneheadcan pass the almighty FBI polygraph interrogation and become a Supervisory Special Agent, surely you can as well.

Meet Supervisory Agent John T. Hanson: Appliance Assassin

Thank you all for your responses, they've helped me a bunch so far.  However another question - would the government agencies know about the ticket I received or would it just be a standard question during the polygraph testing.  For instance, when they do a background check they'd find out either way right?  Or is it that minor misdemeanors like this aren't important and they could care less (unlike felonies).  Thank You.

orolan,

You wrote:
Quote:


Spin your advice any way that you like. Its obvious that you possess a degree of resentment towards Federal LE employment for your own personal reasons. Im curious, does your resentment stem from a bad experience with pre-employment polygraph testing.? 

I do not hold the FBI and/or any other Federal LE agency responsible for unreliable pre-employment polygraph testing. I have worked with the FBI, and I personally have many close personal friends that are currently Special Agents within the bureau that do not support polygraph testing in general. This is regardless if it is the initial pre-employment polygraph exam, or, the required 5-year PR [periodic review] which includes a polygraph exam to maintain a TS clearance.

Im strongly opposed to pre-employment polygraph testing in general, not federal LE employment. 

Anyone seeking employment with the FBI and/or any other Federal LE agency should strive to achieve their goals. Do not give up short of success. Simply because you do not think the FBI or other federal agencies are worthy of pursuit, dont attempt to swayed others from their goals due to your own personal reasoning and resentments. 

You quoted me correctly; I stand behind my post with respect to the FBI and the various other federal agencies being respected, admired and excellent jobs. They are indeed respected and sought after positions. Most members of this message board have probably applied for and been denied Federal LE employment positions mostly due to failed pre-employment polygraph exams.

My position on this issue is now, and has always been, pre-employment polygraph testing is unfair, unreliable and flawed.  



Triple x

Mike R.,

Although I cannot speak from personal experience in the FEDERAL LE community, I can speak from my experiences within the scope of local LE. If the only thing you are worried about is a misdemeanor cite of my state's equivalent to "Underage Consumption of Alcohol", you shouldn't have too much to worry about. That is, of course, assuming there are no other "indiscretions" that surface during your BI. Just be candid with them, accept responsibility for your actions, tell them you have learned from your mistake, blah blah blah. From what I know about LE, these are the things they want to hear ( I don't imagine the FBI would be that different) . I undertand Orolan's feelings, but I have to agree with triple x on several counts. Certainly, if it is your goal to work for the Feds, GO FOR IT, but I would also suggest you follow his advice and educate yourself about the entire hiring/BI process as much as possible, including (especially) the polygraph. 

Good luck!
PK

George,

Are you saying that no one should should try to work for the FBI in a capacity that requires a polygraph? If so, wouldn't it be worth the risk to educate yourself on the polygraph and go into the process armed with that knowledge? If it is indeed a persons goal, or even a dream, to work for them, what is the risk of going for it versus the risk of regret 10, 15, 20 or more years down the road for not having tried? I am only speaking for myself, but I think not giving my dream a shot would weigh too heavily on my mind.

Maybe I am missing the bigger picture here, but, I think if it were me, and it was a lifelong ambition, I would go for it, if it was merely being considered as a "good job" I would have to give some serious consideration to the risks, rewards, consequences etc. Ultimately the decision lies with each individual (no pun intended). I do believe that if an individual does decide to pursue that course (employment with the FBI), they definitely have an advantage if they go into the process educated about the poly and it's shortcomings.

Just a thought,
PK

George,

Thanks for the reply, I was unaware that all FBI positions require a polygraph. I see your point, there are some heavy dues to pay if you fail. I was merely speaking about my own personality when it comes to "going for it." I guess that makes for a tough decision, if you know about the consequences. What about those who enter the process not being fully aware of the possible repercussions? Those are the ones who really stand to be blind-sided.

Thanks again,
PK