Hello, I am new to this site (as you can probablly tell) and am looking for some help for an upcomming polygraph test that will be administered in order for me to obtain a position in law enforcement (on the east coast). I have infact smoked marijuana and done several other drugs as a teenager and in my early 20's (also involved in sales). Understand that I am completely straight edge now other than ocassionally drinking alcohol.

I am very interested in getting into the law enforcement field and would be very dissapointed if I fail this polygraph and wind up stuck behind this computer and in this cubicle for years to come. Also understand that I have no intentions of becoming a crooked cop and would take this job more seriously than any job I have ever had before. 

I was wondering what I need to do to prepare for this test or any other background investigations that may be done in order for me to be accepted for this position. Any feedback or help that could be given to me would be greatly appreciated and I'd like to thank you in advance for taking the time to read mt post.

Well, I do not want to be rejected for my past drug history, I do not want to deny my past drug use maybe just the time frame in which I did so. 

Also I have been convicted of two misdemenor "possesion of small amounts of marijuana" (which is from about 5 & 6 years ago) so there is no way I can deny my involvement with marajuana.

I didn't say I recently sold drugs (this is all from my past). I am taking the written test in a week, so my past will disqualify me from becoming a police officer? Is there any way around this? this is why I came here

Rcop,

So tell me what do you suggest I do? Should I deny my past use of hard drugs/sales and just admit to experimenting with marijuana? 

Honestly this is probablly the best career for me, I have worked in construction for years and hated it, I then tried the automotive industry and hated it too. I now work in an office and find myself staring into space due to boredom, I have been here for over a year and I know its not for me. I have tried to get into the Marines & the Army but they will not accept me because of hardware I had put in my leg after I broke my femur. I thought about trying the navy but would rather stay local to be with my son. 

I truely know that I would be happy with a job as a police officer and if I have to lie about my past (which has nothing to do with the way I live my life now) I would not lose any sleep over it. So what should I do about this pollygraph & background investigation?

BTW, I really appreciate you taking the time to discuss this with me and giving me your insight. Thank you

hans wrote on Aug 17^th, 2005 at 11:05pm:

Hans,

The purpose of this site is not to help someone get "around" his or her past, but to inform and educate about the use and abuse of polygraphy in the hopes of preventing a false-positive result (truthful person accused of lying, essentially).  I really sympathize with you and your position, but you will have to make the call as to how you handle this situation.  No one here is going to tell you it's okay to flat out lie to your potential future employer.  As rcop mentioned, if you do make admissions about your past, that may be held against you.  But if you don't make your admissions and your true past is discovered at a later time, you may find yourself with more serious issues.  Good luck to you.

Mustbaliar

mustbaliar wrote on Aug 18^th, 2005 at 5:31pm:


There is no record of my past other than the 2 misdimenors I was found guilty of so I do not see this being an issue as for the two charges are 5+ years old, my biggest concern is my "expirementing" with marajuana in the past few years. I appreciate the advice and will be looking into this site more thoroughly before making my decission.