I have a really big problem here. I took a polygraph for a local PD last week. Well, I told the polygrapher everything during the pre-test interview. When he asked me if there was anything I was concealing from him, I admitted I had been unfaithful to my husband in the past. He said that was none of the departments business, and he wouldn't mention it to them.

Well, I passed everything except one question, that being "have you ever engaged in illegal sexual activity". I have never done any such thing in all my life, but I know it was my past infidelity that was on my mind when he asked that. The polygrapher said he was sorry to see that, because although that was none of the PD's business, he had no choice but to disclose that to them because it was the reason I had a reaction to that question. He said he was going to recommend that I come back in for a second exam, limited to questions that are criminally specific.

I haven't yet heard back from the PD, and it's been nearly a week. I am very worried they will DQ me for this. The relationship ended only a few months ago, but it is over. I never wanted to cheat on my husband, I wanted to get a divorce and marry this other man. But he kept stalling, so I pushed him for a commitment, and he bailed on me (I should have known, but that's a different story). I just couldn't deal with the lying anymore. Other than that, I'm squeaky clean. I have never used drugs in my life, never so much as a speeding ticket, no accidents, perfect credit, have a bachelors degree, and have never been arrested or been in any kind of trouble whatsoever. But I'm very worried now that I'm sunk. I try to tell myself, "well, if it was something they outright disqualified for, it'd be on the personal history statement", but I know they can chuck you for any reason they want. Does anybody know how they will handle this? This whole relationship wasn't some dumb thing, it was a big deal and I wanted to come clean and do the right thing, but unless they give me a chance to tell them how it came about, they'll just think I'm some tramp who couldn't keep her legs closed. That isn't what happened, I really did love this guy. Help!

TS,

Ignore anxietyguy's post.  He is a moron.  It appears that you did have a reaction to the sexual crimes question based on your guilty feelings over your affair.  Having an affair in and of itself is not disqualifying.  If it was, half the male applicants would be disqualified.  Hopefully, based on what you were told, you will get a second polygraph.  Remember, the department is only interested in SEXUAL CRIMES (e.g., rape, sex with a minor etc.).  It is not interested in private sexual behavior.  If things don't work out with this department, keep on trying.  Disqualification from one department does not preclude you from being hired by another.  Your post is well written and, from your qualifications, you sound like a strong candidate.  Good luck.

Napoleon wrote on Jun 17^th, 2004 at 5:53pm:



If you are talking about paying for sex via a prostitute, then yes it is something a dept. would be interested in.  The only exception to this rule is how long ago and if it was LEGAL where you did it, i.e. The Bunny Ranch or in another country.  Either way it is a very borderline activity that will most likely DQ a candidate.