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Author
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Topic: Police Applicant Screening
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BrunswickT
Member
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posted 04-30-2008 09:21 PM
  
Much of the recent controversy on other threads have attempted to define the exact role that the APA should play in establishing standards and accepted practices of both examiners and government policies in contracting those examiners in a "fair" manner. When in fact those standards and policies only apply to those examiners that freely submit to whatever guidelines the APA adopts.The real challenge for our entire profession, as I see it, is to make the case for the use of polygraph examinations simply as an accepted tool (one of many) to help protect society. That was a long-winded introduction to the states that not only have no standards, but specifically prohibit the use of the polygraph in all but a few circumstances. On the website policelink.com, there is a post about a police officer, 38yrs.old, in Moorestown, NJ that has been charged with molesting at least three children, and at least four counts of having sex with cows and other barnyard animals. I realize I brought this topic up before, but the phenomena of zoophelia (zoosexual), or bestiality appears to have been addressed by the better known authors such as Masters, Miletski, Weinberg and Beetz.
A very comprehensive study by Abel and Harlow on child molesting that involved more than 4,000 offenders, yet when it came to "crossing multiple sexual boundaries" such as ; boys and girls, exhibitionist, voyeurs, but no mention of zoosexual.
I remember Taylor mentioned that she had tested many offenders that engaged in this deviance, and yes Stat revealed that Hoosiers have an affinity for shaved beavers. On a serious note,I am wondering if anyone in this forum can cite a study that shows a correlation between zoosexual and child molestation??? I know we have some therapists on board so enlighten us!! Well moooooooving right along, I must say I personally find this "utterly" disgusting, yet it highlights a very dangerous hiring practice for those entrusted with the protection of the public. In a speech given to the NJ Assoc. of Chiefs of Police, Chief John Coyle cited NJ statute 40:A 14-22 that does not set forth even a minimal educational level for a police applicant, and that NJ criminal code prohibits police executives from subjecting applicants to polygraph examinations. I can't help but think that this offender could have been weeded out with a comprehensive polygraph examination, perhaps saving those children, and those poor lil doegies. Perhaps this is an opportune time for the APA to lobby the powers that be for police applicant screening?? Some will disagree I'm sure, but this is the challenge to the APA leadership in convincing the states that rigorous standards can only improve the quality of the thin blue line that we depend on every day. IP: Logged |
Barry C
Member
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posted 04-30-2008 09:40 PM
For any association to "lobby," they need research to demonstrate a need, and examiners aren't often willing to provide info. When I asked for data for a pre-employment study, I got a handful of volunteers from here and a few I nagged locally (five and four, respectively - that's not much).There is value in polygraph screening. We know that, and there's some data to prove it. Get it into the hands of those who make laws. You don't need some national organization to make it happen. Sure, they may offer some assistance, but to get things done requires people on the ground who are committed to working. Keep in mind, if you stir the water, you can expect the anti poly crowd to arrive - and don't forget the ACLU. You've got to be prepared to counter their opposition. If you fail, you could lose ground you already have. IP: Logged |
stat
Member
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posted 05-01-2008 07:20 AM
Here I go again talking about business. In college (business study), we learn that in any mode where an administrative body is being addressed to make changes----and yes, there were many practice sessions (mock lobbying)---we learned some very important things. The first thing to do is to demonstrate to the administraters that your cause will save money. Money money money. In your case, you could calculate what the trial and municipal costs of such a "cop flap" accrue when bad apples slip through the current gaping wide net. The second thing is politics. How can the change be used as political capitol? See the above money savings as one point. Third, who sleeps better at night? Piece of mind ---assumingly for the administraters----is very important. Paramount to these types of individuals, they want assurances that their personal workload (responsibility) will not be overextended any more than they currently have. Afterall, do you enjoy adding to your responsibilities at your work? Hell no. Fourth. Mention shaved beavers again.lol IP: Logged |
Barry C
Member
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posted 05-01-2008 08:06 AM
We're both talking the bottom line (which you could call business (but some dots have to be connected): quote:
There is value in polygraph screening.
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BrunswickT
Member
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posted 05-07-2008 07:11 PM
No doubt many of us saw the news report today about members of the Philadelphia PD extricating three suspects, (with great vigor), from their vehicle.
I'm sure this video will be scrutinized in minute detail by people that have never walked a beat.
Unofficially, I understand that an unnamed FOP official has rendered an opinon that what was initially observed to be beating and kicking/stomping of the suspects was in actuality a hat dance, during a belated celebration of Cinco De Mayo. I'm not sure if the Police Review Board will buy that, but it seemed to satisfy the rank and file.Interestingly, a survey reveals that the ten states with the highest median police salaries are as follows; 1. NJ- $70,470 (No polygraph screen)
2. CA- $68,889
3. IL- $59,924
4. WA- $59,238
5. NV- $57,699
6. AK- $56,118
7. CONN- $55,577
8. PENN- $53,580
9. CO- $53,185
10.OR- $51,500 Whenever an incident like the one in Philadelphia happens, or the Rodney King incident, I wonder why any jurisdiction would purposely decide against requiring an applicant polygraph screening??? Stat was most correct in breaking it down to dollars and cents. What is it going to cost a city in lawsuits/civil litigation, and just bad public relations verses the polygraph fee for a pre-employment examination. Many of us are aware of the pressures of police work on a well balanced person, yet if there are early warning signs that can be identified during the application process, just maybe we can save some heartache down the road. Does anyone know of any studies that show a correlation between civil rights suits/prosecutions stemming from police brutality, and whether or not those jurisdictions require applicant screening?? Another interesting article in yesterday's USA Today mentioned a federal law that would require all states to "grandfather" sex offenders and place them on the registration list. I'm not sure how this will impact on the PCSOT/ SOMM programs in various states?
[This message has been edited by BrunswickT (edited 05-07-2008).] IP: Logged | |
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