Hello guys, I’ve been googling my brains out over just about all and everything polygraph related trying to get a better understanding of this whole ordeal.

As such, for many years I’ve always aspired to be in Law Enforcement-State trooper, FBI, CIA, etc…- Only a few more years in college, I’ll be done, and looking into such organizations. I have always had a decent set of morality, but up until now I haven’t exact been the best a person should be. I tried to search what kinds of things, if answered “yes” to on a poly, would throw me out entirely, but I can’t seem to find a definite answer.

So I’m hoping you guys can help me out. Please bare with me on all of this I have a feeling some of you are going to laugh… “HAH! No way will you get in.” I am just very curious, and a bit concerned that I should change my hopes, aspirations, of working in law enforcement.

(I’m going to create my own little questionnaire with my answers and explanations)

Have you ever stolen? “Yes”

-      When I was in my early teens, I took a toy or two from walmart.
-      Sadly a year ago for some stupid reason I stole a pool stick from walmart
(Pool stick, just put a stick in a pool case and just bought the case, this killed me inside, I felt as thou taking it back and saying sorry could just get me in trouble, so I kept it, and discarded of it, and still regret it to no end today.)


Have you ever stolen, from an employer? “Yes” (over 2-3 years ago)

-      This in itself is a little iffy to me, I worked in a hotel, so I would take pens.
-      Hotel was divided amongst many departments(of course). If I needed a remote control the head of the maintenance department would say “sure take one.” I know that I could have most likely gotten in trouble for taking it, but as such a superior saying sure have one. Bath robe from housekeeping, and such.   

 
Have you ever cheated in school? “Yes”

-      Not the smartest kid in school and always looked for the easy way out and from time to time I would cheat. Not often, and more so in high school then college.


Ever lied to get out of trouble? “Yes”

-      Never did anything drastic that I would have to lie about, but none the less, it has HAPPENED. Couldn’t come up with any examples because these situations have no weight to them.


Ever distributed drugs? “Yes”

-      One pain pill, for free, to a friend, couple years ago.


Ever consumed drugs(other than marijuana)?

-      Same as the pain pill from before, it was a prescription I had from wisdom teeth, now my teeth didn’t hurt anymore but I felt they were still legal to keep taking(after all my prescription.) [Does this count?]


[Concerning marijuana usage] Have you ever smoked pot? “Yes”

-      2-3Times, can hardly remember, to be safe in my conscience I’d say 3. Never actually got high.(Honestly, I'm no Bill)
-      Never carried the drug, sold, distributed.
-      Hung around a friend this year who decided to light up in his room. I didn’t like the idea and stepped out of the room.
-      [Side note: never seen any other drugs in my life]


Ever committed a felony? “Yes” [WAIT ONE SECOND, before laughing]

-      One time in college 3-4years ago, I hit another car in the parking lot, fender bender, late for class, panicked cause of what happened, parked my car and left. Once settled in my mind returning to the parking lot the car was not there. Not sure if this is Felony, but I think it might be.

I don’t think there are any other real issues then these I just listed. As for my background, I haven’t even so much as gotten a speeding ticket. I really regret all the stuff I have done, and it really upsets me to have those kinds of answers to those questions. Does that mean anything when it comes to this whole process? I can assure you I stand out as an individual, I’m very respectable, well mannered, and intelligent, I have just made a few mistakes. I always thought staying away from marijuana, and not getting arrested were huge, but it seems as though there is a lot more involved.

So what I gather is, you can PASS a polygraph, but that by no means makes you pass as an applicant? 

That’s all for now I’m pretty interested in what you guys have to say. I have a lot of family in the agencies. I have many outside recommendations from retired NSA, State Trooper, Secret Service, and what have you. It’s just a shame I might not be able to pursue law enforcement, because of a few stupid mistakes. 

Also, I still have a few more years, those years can put a lot of this stuff behind me, will that help?

I agree with Sarge. Apply and be honest. PD's are not looking for angels with perfect pasts. They do want truthful persons no matter what and if what you have posted about your past so far doesn't seem to bad. Each Department has different standards though. So apply, tell the truth and explain yourself and dont be surprised if you have to apply to several departments before being hired. 

You hitting the parked car depends on what state you did it in. Most states consider it a misdemeanor hit and run while others may not. It is a misdemeanor in Virginia. 

Good Luck.

Rice