I guess before I get started, I better provide some bona fides.  Started in law enforcement upon leaving the Army in 1973.  POST Instructor, Swat team trainer, Federal law enforcement trainer, Assistant Chief of Police in a past life, Patrol operations Captain, again in a past life.  Degreed with a BS, ( and of course we know that means bullsh*t), currently serving in a metro Atlanta Sheriff's Agency, 300 strong (small but not real small).  I decide ultimately who gets hired.  Our Agency polygraphs...a new thing really and instituted over my objection.  As with many of you, this is not my first rodeo.  I absolutely respect the opinions of my brethren here, both polygraph advocates and foes.  I applaud George and Gino for providing this forum.

1.  Be honest on your application.  there is almost a 100% chance that I will find out if you lie to me.  

2.  Dress well if you get an interview.  As we have discussed before, you may not own a Hickey Freeman suit, or a Lands End suit.  Do the best you can and be as clean as you can be.

3.  Look your interviewers in the eye when you speak with them.  Don't stare them down but be aware that you are being judged **kinesically**.

4.  If you don't know the answer to a question, say you don't know.  That's called honesty without the attempted BS.

5.  If there is something that stinks in your past, and you are asked about it, be honest and be willing to accept responsibility for what happened.  Interviewers have a tendency to side with the Agency that fired you, and look unfavorably on those who would just slam them.  Yet, they may see the forest for the trees if you accept responsibility and let them know that you have learned from your mistakes.

6.  If you have a substantial dope history, don't waste your time, or ours.  Yes, it may be unfair, close-minded and short-sighted.  It is what it is.

7.  Please understand that in most cases, the board members that you sit in front of are seasoned professionals used to seeing liars.  They find a breath of fresh air in seeing truthful people, and if there is a way, they can **find** a way to advance you to the next step.

After just finishing a board this very date, some pointers while they are fresh on my mind.


Good luck to all of you considering law enforcement.

Dip