kdog,

When an agency conducts a pre-employment BI they want to clarify all the various segments of your PHS. Naturally they check your credit, your employment history, and those  letters that they send to your friends. You will also have your fingerprints run through NCIC and your states criminal database.

They want to establish consistency and look for discrepancies in statements that you make versus what others say. Of course, this is where the jolly poly is overused and abused. Most LE agencies lack the manpower to do a true BI by hitting the streets and conducting interviews and making telephone calls. There are far too many applicants to do proper investigations. 

This is why agencies use the poly to "clarify" your PHS. Many agencies don't even open the PHS until you "pass" the polygraph. Then they determine you to be fit as a candidate for a LE position.   

As far as things that will DQ you quickly, bad credit, DUI, drug  abuse, poor work history, excessive traffic tickets, and too many traffic accidents to name a few. We must also include the polygraph here as well


I suggest that you prepare for your upcoming polygraph by reading The Lie Behind The Lie Detector. You will get solid information on how polygraphy operates and how you can have an edge on the "test".


Good Luck

Fred F.