Steph Dakel,

The polygraph administrator will select approximately 10 to 12 questions from the BI questionnaire. Once the specific questions have been selected, the polygraph administrator will then ask you 10 to 12 questions on three different sets of charts while you're connected. The questions will be re-arranged during each of the three sessions.

I would personally admit to the marijuana use if it has been over two years. There is no need to risk lying about it, especially if it is within acceptable guidelines. You need to find out what the LVMPD guidelines are regarding marijuana use. Exercise prudence!

Keep in mind… telling the truth is no guarantee of successfully passing a polygraph exam. False positive results are frequent and certainly not uncommon. However, if you are caught or suspected of employing polygraph countermeasures you will also be disqualified.

I would advise you to re-read “TLBTLD” to make sure you understand how the polygraph testing process is conducted. 

I’m not suggesting that you use polygraph countermeasures… however; you should certainly understand the risks involved of not applying countermeasures (false positives), as well as the risks involved if you decide to employ polygraph countermeasures.

Good luck.


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Steph Dakel,

If the question is specific about 3-yrs regarding drug use, my guess is that three years would be the minimum acceptable time frame.

Word to the wise, any question regarding drug use is a relevant question. Don’t confuse relevant and irrelevant questions. Read TLBTLD again, and pay close attention to the examples of relevant, irrelevant, and control questions. You certainly don’t want to confuse the question, and augment your response with a relevant question.

Don’t fee discouraged because of being asked the 10 to 12 questions on three sets of charts. This is actually beneficial as you will be able to better identify the control questions from the relevant questions. The only difference between the three sets of questions/charts is they will be arranged in a difference sequence than the previous.

If you have decided to employ countermeasures, re-read “TLBTLD” to make sure you fully understand the complete process from the time you arrive, until the time you leave. Remember, once you are connected to the polygraph machine, you are being monitored by the examiner for such things as your breathing rate, pulse rate, etc… be very aware.


Keep us posted on your progress and results of your pending poly.


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