AntiPolygraph.org Message Board

Polygraph and CVSA Forums => Share Your Polygraph or CVSA Experience => Topic started by: dzalez on May 08, 2001, 08:35 PM

Title: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: dzalez on May 08, 2001, 08:35 PM
I recently failed my polygraph with LAPD, I was truthfull with all the questions. I was told that if I tell the truth I have nothing to worry about, boy was I wrong. I would like to know if anyone has had a similar experience with the LAPD like I did and have an input on whats the next step after failing the polygraph. I tried calling public safety to get more infomation on my status as a candidate and I cannot get a straight answer from them, my question is pretty simple, I ask them if Im disqualified as a candidate or will I get another chance to retake the polygraph and they cant tell me. Its been over a month and I have not even recieve one piece of mail indicating my situation. This has been one of the worst and frustrating experince I have ever gone through. They have my life on hold, its been a dream of mine to be police officer but Im ready to move on if I can get a straight answer from them. What makes this difficult for me is that I was finished with the entire process and had an academy date pending a succesful polygraph examination. If anyone has had a similar experience or has an input with the
LAPD process, feel free to write to back and maybe we can discuss our options on how to deal with the RIGHTS stripping machine they call polygraph.
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: Fred F. on May 08, 2001, 11:08 PM

Quote from: dzalez on May 08, 2001, 08:35 PM
I would like to know if anyone has had a similar experience with the LAPD like I did and have an input on whats the next step after failing the polygraph.

Dzalez,

A couple of questions. First, most candidates for LAPD are not subjected to polygraphs unless the investigator finds something in your background application that raised a red flag. I may well be wrong but I have many friends who have applied for LAPD and NOT been polygraphed. Are you already an officer doing a lateral transfer?

Secondly, What did the "examiner" say to you post polygraph and did you give him more information after he questioned you regarding your "deception"?
If this is the case you merely gave him ammunition to release you from the process.

You need to download "The Lie Behind the Lie Detector" from this site. The book will enlighten you to what has occurred and if you are subjected to another "exam" you will be educated on what to expect and how to "counter" the "examiner". You also can read David Lykkens book "A Tremor in the Blood".

As for the processing, be patient, It may take up to six months for you to hear something. Your best bet would be to call your background investigator IMMEDIATELY and question them for further info.

Good Luck

Fred F.
 :)
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: George W. Maschke on May 09, 2001, 04:02 AM
Fred F.,

LAPD began routine polygraph screening of applicants in February 2001. In the first round of polygraph interrogations, a whopping 43% "failed." See Bobbi Murray's recent article, "Just the Truth: LAPD recruits are having trouble with new lie-detector tests" in LA Weekly:

http://www.laweekly.com:80/ink/01/16/news-murray.shtml

dzalez,

As the above article makes clear, you are not alone in your experience with the LAPD polygraph. I recommend that you act quickly to protect your rights. You should promptly contest your polygrapher's opinion in writing, and send it by certified, return-receipt mail.

You should also seek copies of your entire applicant file, including all information related to your polygraph interrogation. California has its own version of the Freedom of Information Act that you should be able to use to request this information.

See Chapter 5 of The Lie Behind the Lie Detector (http://antipolygraph.org/pubs.shtml) for more ideas on grievance procedures.

I think it is a very good idea for victims of the LAPD pre-employment polygraph program to get in touch with each other, and I encourage you to avail yourself of the AntiPolygraph.org message board to accomplish this.

A number of us who are from California are also coordinating efforts to abolish polygraphy from the workplace in our state. (I'm a Californian, too.) See the California Polygraph Reform Initiative forum for more:

https://antipolygraph.org/forum/index.php?board=9.0

We'd welcome your participation in this effort. E-mail me at maschke@antipolygraph.org for more details.

One more important thing you could do is to write a public statement regarding your experience with the new LAPD pre-employment polygraph program. See the statements written by others regarding various agencies on the AntiPolygraph.org statements page:

http://antipolygraph.org/statements.shtml
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: Fred F. on May 16, 2001, 10:38 PM
George,

I wonder what "laboratory studies" Mr. Gelb is speaking of.

He obviously can't answer that since there has been no scientific validity of polygraph testing

GOTCHA Mr. Gelb


Fred F.
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: let (Guest) on May 20, 2001, 06:03 AM
to dzalez
hi, i would like to know if you heard anything yet from lapd, im in the same situation. i did not pass my poly and i need to know what is the next step. my academy date is for june 4th.
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: Chief Gates on May 20, 2001, 02:12 PM
I think your next step should be to unpack your suitcase.
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: let (Guest) on May 22, 2001, 03:02 PM

I recieve my letter last week and it stated that my background investigation is an ongoing process and the polygraph examination is part of that process. LAPD told me that I can reapply in a year meaning I have to start all over again cause my application would have expired by then. Im pretty sure that if you failed your poly you are in the same situation.
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: d on May 22, 2001, 03:21 PM
let reply was from dzalez
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: Fred F. on May 22, 2001, 11:30 PM
dzalez,

When you received your letter were you informed that you aren't considered a candidate anymore?

Unless the letter specifically states that you are no longer being considered, ie "Your application and qualifications have been evaluated and you have not been selected..." You are still being investigated. What did your letter say?.  If the letter states you can reapply in one year, yes, you have been removed.

Fred F.

Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: dzalez on May 23, 2001, 02:33 PM
Basically it was a verbal notice at first, stating that the LAPD is withdrewing thier offer. Then a month later I recieve a letter informing me that im no longer being considered a candidate due to my showing deception in my polygraph testing, but I was welcome to reapply in one year to the date of my polygraph testing, meaning meaning I have to go through the entire process all over again because all of my certifications are only goood for one year.
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: Fred F. on May 24, 2001, 12:05 AM
dzalez,

Don't let the bad poly experience stop you. You should notice that both Nate and Melvin have overcome the fallacy of the polygraph to pursue law enforcement careers

Try the LA County Sheriff, and the local city PD'S that are hiring. The California Youth Authority and Dept.of Corrections are other choices( the CYA and CDC do NOT poly) Keep applying, if you don't have any college education, start working on that.

Remember that if you keep applying regardless of the "deception" label, you are bound to be successful if you are honest.

And most importantly, read the "Lie Behind The Lie Detector" and be prepared for the next "exam".


Fred F. ;)
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: Nate on May 24, 2001, 04:35 PM
Dido on Fred's advice! ;)
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: let (Guest) on May 28, 2001, 04:24 AM
to dzalez

since you got your letter that you are no longer being concidered, are you apealing this? if you are, what department are you going through?
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: G Scalabr on May 31, 2001, 12:59 AM
Those of you who have been victimized by the LAPD polygraph should consider getting into contact with each other to discuss bringing a lawsuit against the LAPD to clear your good names (and possibly seek damages).  Feel free to use the messaging feature on this board to do this.  Considering the astronomical failure rates that have been reported, you should be able to find enough co-plaintiffs to spread out your legal costs considerably.  Once a few of you get together, you can begin attempting to find an attorney knowledgeable in employment law with an interest in handling this matter.  

Furthermore, if there are any attorneys in the LA area reading this with an interest in the possibility of litigating such an action, please contact us at info@antipolygraph.org and we will attempt to place you in touch with some potential plaintiffs.
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: AMM (Guest) on Jun 14, 2001, 06:43 PM
To all LAPD candidates:

The same thing happened to me.  I began the process over a year ago while still in the military.  Everything was set and my background investigation was completed.  LAPD backgrounds called, told me the poly was instituted in February, and set up my appointment for April.  I wasn't concerned in the least since I had nothing to hide and I truthfully answered every question.

As you might guess the examiner (a real jerk) came back in and said I didn't pass.  I was flabbergasted!  He fished around for a while and I told him that one of the questions elicited a memory over 10 years old that wasn't even relevant to the actual question asked.   I won't describe the incident (since I'm appealing disqualification, and am still worried about anonymity) but it was spun way out of proportion by the examiner.  In fact, the incident contains nothing detrimental to me, but to one of my family members.  This incident wasn't provided during my initial background interview because I honestly forgot about it! Hell, it was over 10 years ago! If you remember your interview, you're asked nearly 200 questions.  It's literally impossible to remember everything that's happend in your life.

I started writing letters like mad explaining my situation.  I wrote Chief Parks, the Civil Service Commission, the General Manager of Personnel, the head of Public Safety, every council member on the Public Safety Committe, and all my elected representatives.  (I also sent letters to Senators Hatch, Leahy and Grassley who sit on the Judiciary Committee.) I've received very little response.  A letter back from Parks only said that all procedures were followed.  I recommend you put a coherent letter together and start sending them out.  Make sure they're personalized though.  No one likes a form letter.

Like you, I couldn't get a straight answer from anyone. Eventually I was told that I wasn't going to be DQ'd based on my poly, but rather for non-disclosure of the incident I alluded to.  Thankfully, this can be appealed, but it doesn't answer how my polygraph "failure" became "passing."  I think my phone calls and letters may have helped.

Anyway, according to the head of Public Safety, the current polygraph failure rate for LAPD candidates is 68% and the June Academy class started with only 19 people.  Hopefully, they'll start to realize the poly is a crap shoot.  My background investigator confided in me that one of his other candidates is an out and out criminal but passed his poly! Even they are questioning the utility of the poly.  Listen, got to go now.  Good luck. I'll post more later once I register.


Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: George W. Maschke on Jun 14, 2001, 07:08 PM
AMM,

You wrote in part, "Anyway, according to the head of Public Safety, the current polygraph failure rate for LAPD candidates is 68%..."

Could you tell me who the head of public safety is who said this, and in what context? I think it would be productive to document the LAPD applicant polygraph failure rate, and to publicize it.
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: AMM (Guest) on Jun 15, 2001, 03:17 PM
George,

Sure, the head of Public Safety Employment Division is Phyllis Lynes (213)847-9717.  I've had several conversations with her in which I tried to explain that the City's over reliance on the polygraph will certainly cause problems.  Specifically, false positives and more importantly false negatives.  She was amazingly uninformed (but then, so was I before my polygraph "failure").  I asked if she believed the polygraph was infallible since the City's polygraph policy doesn't allow for an appeal or independent polygraph, but she just repeated the party line that they're a very useful investigative tool.

I also told her that my examiner made a de facto admission that the polygraph could be beaten; he asked me if I'd researched how to defeat the polygraph on the interent. (I hadn't.)  I didn't realize it until later, but the only reason he would ask the question was if he was worried about the use of countermeasures.  I asked her if she believed the City could catch everyone using countermeasures and she said "yes."

I reviewed the notes of our conversation and I will have to ammend the figures from my last post.  She said that approximately 66% of applicants are disqualified in the background investigation phase.  From those that are left, over 50% who take the poly fail.  Seems pretty high, doesn't it?  She told me that she believed all those who failed were most certainly liars!  This figure seems to match one I received from my background investigator.  He mentioned that less than 40% are passing.

I also mentioned that it's only a matter of time before a lawsuit is filed.  The fact that an appeals process doesn't exist means the Civil Service Commission and Personnel Department believes the poly is 100% accurate.  (Remember the Police Department only handles the background investigations, Civil Servants actually do the hiring.  This goes back to the 30's when corrupt cops were hiring their corrupt friends.)  

As I mentioned before, anyone who's wrongly been accused of lying should start writing letters to the City Council.  Write Public Safety, Personnel (the General Manager's name is Margaret Whelan) and the Civil Service Commission. Follow up with phone calls.  The City Council committee assignments will be changed on July 1.  After that find out which members are assigned to the Public Safety Committe, Personnel Committee and the Ad Hoc Committee for Police Reform.  Each committee meets regularly and has a public comments period.

If anyone has any other questions, I'd be more than happy to share my experiences.

AMM
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: George W. Maschke on Jun 15, 2001, 04:40 PM
AMM,

Yes, a pre-employment polygraph failure rate of over 50% seems quite high. I called Phyllis Lynes to confirm, but got her voice mail and left a short message. I'll call again and will make sure that she is informed about "the lie behind the lie detector." If she chooses to cling to the party line and maintain that those who fail must be liars and any countermeasures attempts will be detected, she will not be able to claim she was never warned.

Regarding the following:
QuoteAs I mentioned before, anyone who's wrongly been accused of lying should start writing letters to the City Council.  Write Public Safety, Personnel (the General Manager's name is Margaret Whelan) and the Civil Service Commission. Follow up with phone calls.  The City Council committee assignments will be changed on July 1.  After that find out which members are assigned to the Public Safety Committe, Personnel Committee and the Ad Hoc Committee for Police Reform.  Each committee meets regularly and has a public comments period.

Could you post a note (perhaps to the California Polygraph Reform Initiative (https://antipolygraph.org/forum/index.php?board=9.0) forum?) with the relevant addresses and phone numbers?

In addition, if you (or anyone else) would care to write a detailed statement about your experience with the LAPD polygraph program (you mentioned, for example, that your polygrapher was a "real jerk" -- you may wish to elaborate) for inclusion on the AntiPolygraph.org Personal Statements (http://antipolygraph.org/statements.shtml) page, please send a note to info@antipolygraph.org.
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: AMM (Guest) on Jun 15, 2001, 08:45 PM
George,

Glad you called her.  She may have to change her number.  In one of our conversations I tried to get the same information across.  She's just as naive as I was. I asked her what she thought the pass rate would be if they went back and poly'd all the recruits for the past few years.  She admitted a 50% failure rate applied in that manner was indeed a scary thought.

I will put together a listing of all the addresses I have and post them later.  For anyone who recently failed, you can contact individual City Councilmembers via email as well.  The City of LA has a website that can link you directly.

If anyone else has been caught up in this mess, please post your story.  Regardless of my background appeal's outcome, I plan to continue writing letters demanding protection from polygraphs for all government applicants.

Part of the problem is they recently instituted this program and are just starting to see the unintended consequences: false positives.  Like other agencies however, they believe that since they get confessions/admissions from people, it MUST be working.  I was told by an assistant to the Civil Service Commission that the Commissioners attended some demo polygraphs and were confident in them.  I'm sure that they were never presented with information that would call the polygraphs validilty into question.  Likewise, I'm sure the examiners were all very nice during the demo's.  My examiner's first question during our pre-test interview was: "When was the last time you were arrested?"  He followed that up with: "If you had to write a check for everything you've stolen, how much would that amount be?" I couldn't believe it!  He was acting like I was a criminal from the get-go.

Hope to see some more posts from other victims; I know you're out there.

AMM

Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: Fred F. on Jun 15, 2001, 10:52 PM
AMM,

You are to be commended for your research into the LAPD polygraph fallacy.  If George confirms the numbers that is truly astonishing. You should also notice that the LA County Sheriff did 5000 polys in 1999 and hired only 1700 people. That is saying more than half the people that take the polygraph, which is the major hurdle to their investigations, do not pass.

Keep up your efforts to appeal, If you have some good contacts left in the military, see if they will assist you in your efforts. Also remember to download "The Lie Behind The Lie Detector" and get more information and knowledge of what has happened.

Remember, There are people on this board who have passed after failing(Nate)and also who have won on appeals(Melvin). Lets hope you also become a success story

Good Luck

Fred F.

 ;)
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: George W. Maschke on Jun 16, 2001, 08:52 AM
I called Phyllis Lynes a second time on Friday, 15 June, to follow up on the message I had earlier left for her, but I again got her answering machine. I left her a new message informing her about the existence of this website and recommending that she download and read The Lie Behind the Lie Detector.
Title: Further Thoughts
Post by: George W. Maschke on Jun 16, 2001, 12:20 PM
AMM, Fred F., et al.

It seems that both LAPD and LASD are arbitrarily and capriciously accusing a high percentage of applicants of deception based on pseudoscientific polygraph "tests," maintaining public records to that effect, and denying those accused of due process. This must end. While I've been focusing my efforts toward reform at the federal and state levels, I think effective action at the city and county levels can be taken, and would like to share some ideas in this regard:

Title: Question on consent/waiver forms
Post by: George W. Maschke on Jun 16, 2001, 07:07 PM
AMM, Fred F., and anyone else who may know,

Were you asked/instructed/pressured to sign a consent and/or waiver form before your pre-employment polygraph exams with either LAPD or LASD (as the case may be)? It would indeed be incongruous if an agency with so much faith in the infallibility of polygraph screening that it provides no appeal process for those accused of deception would also demand that those submitting to polygraphic interrogation sign some kind of waiver of rights.

If LAPD and/or LASD are using such forms, I think it would be useful for us to obtain copies under the California Public Records Act (http://www.thefirstamendment.org/pra.html) and to make them publicly available here, too.
Title: Re: Question on consent/waiver forms
Post by: Fred F. on Jun 16, 2001, 11:20 PM

Quote from: George Maschke on Jun 16, 2001, 07:07 PM
AMM, Fred F., and anyone else who may know,

Were you asked/instructed/pressured to sign a consent and/or waiver form before your pre-employment polygraph exams with either LAPD or LASD (as the case may be)? It would indeed be incongruous if an agency with so much faith in the infallibility of polygraph screening that it provides no appeal process for those accused of deception would also demand that those submitting to polygraphic interrogation sign some kind of waiver of rights.



George,

This is what I believe is the leverage the LASD polygraphers have. When an applicant goes to the prepoly paperwork shuffle the first form given to you is a release of liability. The LASD uses deputies to do their polys.

They tell you that this is to protect them from you seeking retribution against LASD and them personally if you aren't happy with your results. This is the carte blanche that they have to do what they want and and you basically cannot take action against them.

The LASD polygraph is a crap-shoot at best. Your fate depends on the mood of the examiner and how they decide to interpret the "results"

Fred F. ;)
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: AMM (Guest) on Jun 18, 2001, 04:47 PM
George & Fred,

I tried to get their (LAPD) policy in writing early on in my letter writing campaign, but didn't have any luck.  I asked my background investigator and his supervisor what the policy was and they didn't have a clue.  This isn't really surprising given the recent institution of polygraphs.  

Yes, I was asked/forced to sign a waiver.  I truthfully don't remember much of the text.  However, the polygrapher did mention that he couldn't proceed with the test unless I signed it.  

In addition to the City Council, I would also advise anyone caught up in a similar situation with the LAPD to write a letter to the Civil Service Commission.  They have a web site:www.lacity.org/PER/Civil.htm and their phone number is 213-847-9107.  Currently, the president of the Commission is Ms. Sharon Schuster.  All the Commisioners are private citizens so don't expect to speak with them directly.  The Civil Service Commission is the entity that approved pre-employment polygraph screening back in January.  I would assume they will be the ones that have to be persuaded to modify or end the policy.

I have had some response from several Councilmember deputies, but I would rather not discuss it until my appeal is processed.  I would hate for anyone to discover my identity during such a sensitive time.  This may sound like I don't have any balls, but you can't be too careful when your future is on the line.

Regardless of the outcome though, I will try my best to provide you with as much information as I can assemble.  Keep up the good work gentlemen.

AMM

Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: George W. Maschke on Jun 18, 2001, 06:33 PM
AMM, Fred F., et al.,

I think it would be best to start new message threads on actions we can take regarding LAPD and LASD polygraph policies under the California Polygraph Reform Initiative (https://antipolygraph.org/forum/index.php?board=9.0) forum, as our disussion moving well beyond personal polygraph experiences. Please see the new message thread:

LAPD Polygraph Screening -- Let's End It (https://antipolygraph.org/forum/index.php?topic=177.msg755#msg755)
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: polyfraud on Jul 18, 2001, 03:40 AM
Dzalez read about my polygraph saga under "let the witchhunt begin" in another section of the forums. I took a polygraph for a major metropolitan southern californian police force as well. Unfortunately your situation is not unique..this is the kind of junk science they are using these days to filter out recruits. I will be brutually honest..you are going to have a very difficult time appealing your failed poly. I've learned that the law enforcement bureaucracy treats the poly like it's infallible proof. A lot of recruits 50-60% have totally failed their poly with LAPD..i'm not sure what the failure rate is with other CA departments but it has to be pretty high as well. Anything that has to do with the poly is pretty arbitrary and subjective on the polygrapher's "whim"
All I can tell you is to reapply with a different department and try to put it behind you. If you really want to try you can attempt to reschedule another poly and see if they let you.

Good luck..






Quote from: dzalez on May 08, 2001, 08:35 PM
I recently failed my polygraph with LAPD, I was truthfull with all the questions. I was told that if I tell the truth I have nothing to worry about, boy was I wrong. I would like to know if anyone has had a similar experience with the LAPD like I did and have an input on whats the next step after failing the polygraph. I tried calling public safety to get more infomation on my status as a candidate and I cannot get a straight answer from them, my question is pretty simple, I ask them if Im disqualified as a candidate or will I get another chance to retake the polygraph and they cant tell me. Its been over a month and I have not even recieve one piece of mail indicating my situation. This has been one of the worst and frustrating experince I have ever gone through. They have my life on hold, its been a dream of mine to be police officer but Im ready to move on if I can get a straight answer from them. What makes this difficult for me is that I was finished with the entire process and had an academy date pending a succesful polygraph examination. If anyone has had a similar experience or has an input with the
LAPD process, feel free to write to back and maybe we can discuss our options on how to deal with the RIGHTS stripping machine they call polygraph.
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: John (Guest) on Jul 20, 2001, 12:50 PM
"D,"  if you were told you flunked the polygraph examination and you felt that you were telling the truth, then why even ask if you can be re-tested. Evidentally, you are not too convinced that you really didn't pass it.  Or, it could be that you have read the book "The Lie Behind The Lie Detector" and will try to use some of the suggested countere measures.  When you took the polygraph examination for the LAPD, you lied and flunked. Whether or not you're disqualified for employment there, yes you are indeed DQed.  Why would a police department hire a liar?   ??? ???
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: Roy on Jul 21, 2001, 09:55 AM

Quote from: John on Jul 20, 2001, 12:50 PM
"When you took the polygraph examination for the LAPD, you lied and flunked. Whether or not you're disqualified for employment there, yes you are indeed DQed.  Why would a police department hire a liar?   ??? ???

Obviously only if they need a good polygraphist  ;D
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: Cheyenne War Horse on Aug 20, 2001, 04:44 AM

Quote from: George Maschke on Dec 31, 1969, 07:00 PMYou should also seek copies of your entire applicant file, including all information related to your polygraph interrogation. California has its own version of the Freedom of Information Act that you should be able to use to request this information.

I am new here and was reading all the notes. I am confused about something.Why would CA have their own FOIA version.The FOIA is a Federal Act.Am I missing something in the way you said it? Is there a fee for using it?



Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: George W. Maschke on Aug 20, 2001, 05:07 AM

Quote from: Cheyenne_war_horse on Aug 20, 2001, 04:44 AM
You should also seek copies of your entire applicant file, including all information related to your polygraph interrogation. California has its own version of the Freedom of Information Act that you should be able to use to request this information.

I am new here and was reading all the notes. I am confused about something.Why would CA have their own FOIA version.The FOIA is a Federal Act.Am I missing something in the way you said it? Is there a fee for using it?


The Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) applies to federal agencies only. For example, you could not request a document from the Los Angeles Police Department based on the FOIA. However, the California Public Records Act (http://www.thefirstamendment.org/pra.html) (CPRA) does pertain to governmental agencies in the state. I believe most other states have similar statutes to facilitate public access to governmental information.

Under the CPRA, copy costs may be charged, but not necessarily. For example, no copy costs were charged in connection with two recent AntiPolygraph.org CPRA requests for documents used in the LAPD an LASD polygraph programs (https://antipolygraph.org/forum/index.php?topic=187.msg808#msg808).
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: G Scalabr on Aug 20, 2001, 05:09 AM
QuoteI am confused about something.Why would CA have their own FOIA version.The FOIA is a Federal Act

Cheyenne_war_horse, the language of the Freedom of Information Act only allows you to request information being kept by federal agencies.  Therefore, you cannot request information from the LAPD under it--the reason being because the LAPD is not a federal agency.

Fortunately, California (like most states) has it's own freedom of information laws that apply to state and local agencies.
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: Cheyenne War Horse on Aug 21, 2001, 08:37 PM

Quote from: Fred F. on Dec 31, 1969, 07:00 PMDzalez,

A couple of questions. First, most candidates for LAPD are not subjected to polygraphs unless the investigator finds something in your background application that raised a red flag. I may well be wrong but I have many friends who have applied for LAPD and NOT been polygraphed. Are you already an officer doing a lateral transfer?



I was reading with interest about the LAPD and Polygraphs.
I always thought they were a tool used with the background checks and all other Interviewing to determine Officer-Candiate applicants for hiring?

At the FBI and DEA and BATF and Secret Service and U.S. Marshals?I would expect it mandatory.It should done periodically so they don't get into the habit of lying as they do have to do on their jobs a lot. Ex Director Louis J. Freeh and the new Director Robert Meuller III should have absolutely no hesitation being Polygraphed.But also? They should be made to hold the Eagle Feather symbol and of the great Grizzly and swear on it to be truthful.Both National Treasures.I did think Director Meullers III reply to the Senate regarding if he passed the Polygraph was inappropriate and not truthful.Just my opinion.His responsibilities are way too important to this Country and the Tribes to be playing footsie with Congress.Or the Tribes.

The Tribes have a absolute and legal and ethical right to know the FBI and other Federal LEO's will treat them with fairness and honesty and integrity.The Feds have a huge responsibility to protect the Tribes in a Federal Trust and Treaty obligation.Feds don't? I am on the phone and writing Letters.I don't like seeing the Tribes ignored or have excuses made to them. Being a war horse has no perks.

I know some FBI Agents that are in the big time trouble with me for lying. They dread talking to me because after @25 years of them they know darn well I will bust em for lying to me.Everyone lies and I am no exception but not about important things you don't.The Office of Professional Responsibility can usually turn their (twisted and bizarre and down right scary )thinking around.Or?They can kiss their Federal Badges goodbye.I have never willingly been unfair or untruthful with them. But they think their Badges sometimes make it ok to overload their mouths.I know I am way big trouble with them and who knows?But in the meantime?They better not lie to me.They will be saying...Holy Tatanka (Holy Buffalo)instead of the Tribes saying it.

It is like an article you write for the Newspapers?The professional Journaist will check out 5 sources before they do the piece.

I know the FBI I have had experience with "lie like a train" when they are confronted with direct questions. They "dance" well but they know I can catch them quick like a Bunny in a lie.I caught one Agent and in one millisecond he knew he has "had". A slight "catch" in his voice.Whoops. Gotcha. A couple others know me well after a lot of years.Don't lie to her cause she has addresses and phones numbers and Badge pullers for backup.As does every citizen and both have a right to defend their actions.That is Democracy.

I yelled at one who knew me the longest?He screamed at me.He was not lying.That kind of anger cannot be tricked. What a ongoing fight that is.He ought to know better than to irritate me.Actually as we are talking truth?I am still so mad I may go to his Office and not go in cause if I go in to a Federal Blidg?That FBI man will have me arrested or shot.I know him well...he is lying in wait.Hollar him out and tell him just who he thinks he is messing with.See? They do that and get me wound up.Then he tattles to his big bad FBI friends and then they are mean to me.I am alone and don't touch firearms and he is of many with the big guns.I am just one indian woman.See?He siced the whole Govt. on me.
And again the Tribes are saying.......ya got it....Holy Tatanka.....


Some people are just gifted with the ability to read silent and spoken and body language and facial expressions and get the truth.Actually the American Indians don't even need Polygraph machines.They know how to "read sign" very well.I am trying to not have mine speak.... "dead".

Traditional American Indians use the Eagle Feather to hold when giving evidence instead of the Bible in Court.The Eagle flys highest to the Great Spirit in the Heavens and brings wisdom.Eagle is what the Tribes hold sacred.It is of course what the Federal Govt. holds sacred the Federal Law Enforcment and Dept of Justice also honor it.


I know this is long but I was asked to state my feelings about Polygraphs.By the time the FBI reads this they will be in the War Room of the Pentagon plotting against me.Run?Is not EVEN in my vocabulary.I am from a Military family....Semper Fi....Always Faithful...USMC....Mohawk/Mohican...American Indian..
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: Cheyenne War Horse on Aug 21, 2001, 09:43 PM
Quote from: George Maschke on Dec 31, 1969, 07:00 PMThe Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) applies to federal agencies only. For example, you could not request a document from the Los Angeles Police Department based on the FOIA. However, the California Public Records Act (http://www.thefirstamendment.org/pra.html) (CPRA) does pertain to governmental agencies in the state. I believe most other states have similar statutes to facilitate public access to governmental information.


Thank you for helping me understand it.I have never dealt with FOIA in CA or the LAPD Law Enforcement Records.As a Special Feild Investigator in the private sector the minute the Case Files were put my desk I filled out the FOI at the P.O. and once I recieved it back I began the Case work.They no longer comply with doing those searches and after talking to the Postmaster General at a meeting,I understand why.Domestic disputes and Mothers disappearing with their children.

 I want to apologize on the long notes.I edited it and will try to stay on the subject closer.Mkay?
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: AMM (Guest) on Aug 22, 2001, 04:53 PM
Cheyenne War Horse:

You may have already learned via the Antipolygraph.org website that mandatory polygraphs for all LAPD candidates were instituted in February 2001.  All candidates, lateral or off the street are required to submit to and pass a polygraph before they are hired.  The use of the polygraph was recommend following the "Rampart" scandal.

Very respectfully,

AMM
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: Cheyenne War Horse on Aug 24, 2001, 01:35 AM

Quote from: AMM on Aug 22, 2001, 04:53 PM
Cheyenne War Horse:

You may have already learned via the Antipolygraph.org website that mandatory polygraphs for all LAPD candidates were instituted in February 2001.  All candidates, lateral or off the street are required to submit to and pass a polygraph before they are hired.  The use of the polygraph was recommend following the "Rampart" scandal.

Very respectfully,

AMM

Hello AMM, thnak you.I am on a writing very long notes roll and I am going to try to keep it short.
The nagging thought that also comes to mind on Polygraphs is the Constitution.The very idea of assuming from the get go we are lying.
Let me explain.If I were to say on a group of people who have made their living lying and no one seems to question it much?Car dealers and salesman.Many LEO and car salesman are intertwined in a habit to make a paycheck based on lying.Undercover LE has to lie to work the Case.A car salesman who has worked in the business for a lot of years can lie like velvet.
Then there are those who have no conscience.None.

How do you enter that equation in?
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: Wannabe on Aug 24, 2001, 03:35 AM
Cheyenne,

I see your point, but what do most people think about lying salesmen?  AND there are laws to protect consumers, what recourse does an innocent person wrongly accused of lying have against a polygraher? And yes UC cops frequently have to lie tocriminals in order to keep from compromising their cover, so the wrongly accused who get their dreams smashed by a polygraphers OPINION should be compared to the criminal element that UC cops deal with.....sounds fair and just to me.
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: Cheyenne War Horse on Aug 24, 2001, 05:42 PM

Quote from: wannabe on Aug 24, 2001, 03:35 AM
Cheyenne,

I see your point, but what do most people think about lying salesmen?  AND there are laws to protect consumers, what recourse does an innocent person wrongly accused of lying have against a polygraher?

Your point is excellent.The Car business if they are sucessful has a "system" for handeling the customer from point A....of sale to Point B to close the sale.Where I worked representing Ford products it was called "APB"(Automotive Profit Builders).It is is not a Ford Motor Co. Program.They were contracted even though the owner got kickbacks from it.I have been out of the business for a number of years.But recently I realized full force with the damage the "sale speak" did to me.I don't like lying as it does not feel good to lie but all people lie and for many reasons.Santa Claus comes to mind.

But the "speak" of the APB is still there and causing me problems.Overcoming objections when that is not the reason to be there.It is about learning.It is about helping my Community and my Tribes and my people.But looks like I am still selling F-250's and Explorers and Mustangs.In a sense I am.

The one thing you did say I disagree with is the Consumer Protection groups can always help.When people are forced to lie day in and out?They have a diminished conscience.It affects their lives on and off the Car Lot.For me?It destroyed my marriage and my relationships.Why? Because at first I thought he did not want to quit lying and "lining in".Desking deals.-The sad thing with him was it preceded his career in the business.It became unbearable for me.I left him.I had no idea at the time I was deeply affected by it too.Saying anything to please another is also Co-dependent behavior and to ensure love or even survival.I hate it when indian people lie but they are so traumatized and the PTSD is so bad they are trying to cope.Lie like trains and no way to understand unless they get professional therapy.

When I was a Ford Saleperson I got mad about the lying and the constant demand to attend the APB.Go or be fired was the answer.I truly believed as I had 20 years of Sales and working Customer service that If I believed in my product and knew them and Ford is a great product anyway?That I had no need to lie and we went around and around about that.One day I got good and mad and the Customer saw it?I told the Desk Manager I will not tell the customer that because they know it is a lie.I got screamed at and screamed at.Deal went through. The customer should not have had to be put through that ordeal.A person who believes in a person or place or thing or philisophy or the LE has no need to lie or use a crutch such as APB.See? I flat out refused to lie to the customer and the earth did not fall down.I knew I was a Professional car and truck salesperson and had no need to pretend anything at all because I believed in the product.
If you gave all the Car people a Polygraph?The Senior Salespeople would pass no problem,.Why ?They simply have compromised their conscience and probably don't even know how much they lie and about big and small things.I believe it.I feel I am brain damaged from their ongoing day in and out verbal abuse and their "reality".The other Car Dealers did not use it and everyone knew the abuse was so bad at the lot but yet they had a system. If the system worked they had no need of abusing the salespeople and the Managers by higher Heirachy.Hope that explains it better.

Cheyenne War Horse....American Indian....
And yes UC cops frequently have to lie tocriminals in order to keep from compromising their cover, so the wrongly accused who get their dreams smashed by a polygraphers OPINION should be compared to the criminal element that UC cops deal with.....sounds fair and just to me.
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: Cheyenne War Horse on Aug 28, 2001, 07:43 AM

Quote from: wannabe on Dec 31, 1969, 07:00 PMCheyenne,

I see your point, but what do most people think about lying salesmen?  AND there are laws to protect consumers, what recourse does an innocent person wrongly accused of lying have against a polygraher?
[B/]
Gosh I am writing long notes.Sorry.You asked about lying salesman.,,,I did not give them the support that they need.The Car Dealer sets the system and if it is thinly disguised as fact? The poor salesman is not going to get a paycheck.Everybody hates car salesmen. It feels awful that the owner had no faith in my abilities and forced me into the "system". I did not sell six trucks in six days because the owner had anything to do with it.It was the Desk Manager and the Service writers and Mechanics who work behind the scenes.My knowledge of the Trucks and my faith in the product.Salesman in the Car busness are terribly maligned and abused.They are forced by Managemnent to lie to make a profit.You either play ball on their team or you got big problems.


And yes UC cops frequently have to lie tocriminals in order to keep from compromising their cover, so the wrongly accused who get their dreams smashed by a polygraphers OPINION should be compared to the criminal element that UC cops deal with.....sounds fair and just to me.
[B/]

You are correct regarding the wrongly accused.There is definately something wrong with being hammered on by the Polygraph and then the second day of work the Sargent tells you to lie well about something on a Case.In positions where they HAVE to lie ?Make it a positive instead of a negative and as you say having their dreams crushed.Hey?The guy is a great liar so put him in this capacity or that job.
We are getting way too politically correct.If they tell one lie and they are booted....? Darn it....A Congressman is caught in a lie?He is so very fired. Police Cheif tells a lie?He is flat fired. People need to grab ahold of themselves and stand for what they believe in.I think the Constitution is being maligned and I hate that.....a lot.


Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: Pseudo Relevant on Aug 28, 2001, 12:26 PM

Quote from: Cheyenne War Horse on Aug 28, 2001, 07:43 AM
A Congressman is caught in a lie?He is so very fired.



Uhhh... Did Condit get "fired"? With all the lies this guy is telling he's planning to run for re-election. Slick Willy never got fired either. He's been lying since birth.  Maybe the only things the polygraph doesn't work on is sex and murder cases, right OJ? Condit? Hmmm... makes one wonder.
Title: Re: LAPD Polygraph
Post by: Illidan on Dec 12, 2011, 05:10 PM
I was disqualified two weeks after taking the PQE. I told the truth, it was all i can give. Yea, there were somethings i stated that i wasn't proud of, but people change and grow into better people. The LAPD background investigators didn't give me much consideration. I went through alot to gather all of my documents, i feel slightly cheated. We fall... but we have to get back up and push harder.