Further posts to this thread should substantively address the original topic (the RCMP polygraph screening program).

Yeah, we've missed you here like we miss a case of hemorrhoids

Sergeant1107 wrote on Jun 11^th, 2008 at 12:29am:


Sergeant1107 (and all),

I invited Mr. Coffey to register and post in a non-anonymous fashion.

Quote:


Hey Wanda, Keeping to the standard of the job your seeking is ALWAYS the best bet. Waiting the proper time frame before applying can only help your process though it won't guarantee a pass.
 

The use of the polygraph for RCMP recruitment has been structured uniquely in the law enforcement field.  There is the right way, the wrong way and then there is the RCMP way.  Other PD's have been utilizing the polygraph for years with excellent results.  The RCMP have only recently begun using it.  The RCMP interview/examination is a 5+ hour process done by mostly retired polygraphists.  The unfortunate part is that it is really a 5 hour interrogation, replete with all the interview and interrogation techniques applied to heinous criminals.  From bonding to minimizing, nothing is left out.  Zeroing in on anything they might perceive as a "suspicious" the entire weight and experience of the examiner in gaining confessions to crimes is brought to bear on a naive young person or 40 year old seasoned adult in an effort to get the "confession".

Experienced outside examiners given the RCMP training to do the "RCMP way" have walked away from the $500 per exam lure as they do not believe in the method used.  Their extensive experience was not listened to or even respected.

There is a reason that the polygraph is not admissible in court.  At least however, the court would be able to examine the methodology and accuracy of the procedure.  The RCMP hides behind a wall of secrecy and you cannot even examine your own results or have them examined by an expert and neutral third party.  You have to ask yourself why that is.  Interviews and interrogations on criminals are closely examined in court to assure fairness to any person accused of criminal activity.  If the RCMP process is fair and reasonable, why would you not be given the results?

The use of the examination in the recruitment process is also ill timed.  One can only speculate that it is done to save shoe leather in the good old fashioned background checks.  In criminal activity the polygraph is voluntary and only done after exhaustive research and background.  So another question to ask is why in the RCMP way is it used before they have even interviewed employers, mates, teachers, neighbors?  If there was something untoward in the persons past, it would come to light and be addressed further in the interview for veracity and content.

One last observation.  In every large corporation the human resources department is staffed by formally trained and experienced personnel.  Some firms utilize head hunting companies to hire.  Why is the front line RCMP recruiting / staffing not fully trained, or even staffed exclusively by senior experienced personnel?

Because there is no ability to review or scrutinize the examination and its results, the examiner can take a dislike to you or feel personally you are not good enough for the department and make sure you do not get hired.  All that has to be done is for him to report you are deceptive on some question and you are toast.

They do not want you to research the polygraph beforehand or they will scratch you for trying to beat it.  Aldrich Ames passed more than one examination during his time in the CIA.  Real reliable. From the card trick to the last ditch "I guess we both know the truth now" pitch, its no wonder the courts do not recognize it.

For the RCMP to use this junk science on aspiring applicants is beneath them.  To hide the results and refuse scrutiny contradicts their open and transparent claims.  It is a star chamber at its worst,  it is contrary to the Charter, and a poor substitute for good interview skills and in depth investigation for hiring people.

If you were rejected by Buffalo Cabs because of a failed poli, and they actually were dumb enough to tell you that was the reason, then you can easily wipe out poli testing in the True North by filing a federal human rights tribunal complaint.

Oh, yeah, the moment the complaint is filed and you get a file number, issue a press release, with your whole story in writing and the references to how bogus Polis are.  All news days in Canada are, by comparison to anywhere else "slow news days".  Count on a lot of coverage.  Finally, as soon as the media has the bit in their teeth, call your MP, make a complaint, and attach all of the news clippings.  Then, sit back and watch the fun.

You will create many miserable days for ever red coat recruiter.  Revenge will be sweet.