Dear Tarrantlee,

The old law of supply and demand still applies.  The FBI has probably had over 140,000 applications for 3,000 openings since September, 11, 2001, for Special Agent Positions.  Most of these applicants also had advance post-graduate degrees with substancial work experience and almost all are taking a paycut.

This is the only reason that they can use a device like the polygraph.   Most law enforcement agencies that do not get a traditionally high amount of applicants cannot risk depleting the pool only based on  polygraph results.

I agree with you that it is not the best idea to not consider all applicants but again, the applicant system is taxed to the max trying to process a 300% increase in hiring compared to the 1990's before 9/11.  The norm is that at least twenty high quality very competitive applicants have to be filtered out in order to select one (and have one or two "hot standbys" in case of processing failures or difficulties).

I have repeatedly posted that anyone who is applying or applied to the FBI for any position to not hold their breath or count on a quick decision.  The process is long and potentially very grueling.  Many new special agents have left before the completion of their first two years due to personal expectations of the job not being met. It is not all movie star stuff.   The FBI does not enjoy quite the reputation it did in years gone by (similar to many State Police agenices who have suffered setbacks and public embaressment in the past few years which affect the public's perception of them.)

Regards.