Question on beliefs

[incognito]

I've been reading all I can on this forum, but have a few questions. I will undergo a polygraph about two months from now and need opinions.

A little background....smoked pot a few times in high school. Served twenty years in the military. Retired and got a job. After passing employment drug tests, I decided to try pot again to see if it was all I thought it was in high school....It wasn't.

Now, a year down the road, I am applying to my local PD that requires a polygraph. Do I 'fess up?

I can be a very convincing lier when I want to be (SERE training)...mainly because I make myself believe the lie before I tell it. Does this method work for polygraphs? I know from reading here that the polygraph doesn't measure lies, only reactions to questions so if I convince myself I haven't smoked since high school, will it work?

Thanks,

[sackett]

incognito,

let's try a different approach.  It seems your biggest issue is drugs, right?  OK, how about calling the dept you're applying with, find out what the drug usage tolerance is, then once obtaining that distance from your last drug use, apply?  This way, when you do apply and take the examination, nothing will be bothering you as you will have been able to be truthful; in all things.

A special operations/forces guy is asking about relinquishing your integrity in exchange for a job?  Doesn't sound right to me.

Sackett

BTW, no-one can convince themselves of a truth concerning a lie.  You may be able to control the outside, but you will still know the truth.  Just be completely honest.  That's the way to start a job with integrity.

[T.M. Cullen]

Incognito,

When did you go through S.E.R.E school?  I went through October 1975.  Did they give you the water board?  I lucked out, but they threw me up against the wall more times than I could count.  Finally wised up and let my body go "limp".  They soon tired.

I am actually going to agree with Sackett.  

My complaint with the polygraph is that you can TELL THE TRUTH and still fail (false positive).

But you are talking about ACTUALLY TELLING A LIE.  If smoking pot a couple times disqualifies you from the job, then don't apply.

[incognito]

A special operations/forces guy is asking about relinquishing your integrity in exchange for a job?  Doesn't sound right to me.

Your opinion. Unfortunately, I've lived in the real world for several years, and I have served my country honorably. There is not one amonst us who has nothing to conceal.

When did you go through S.E.R.E school?  I went through October 1975.  Did they give you the water board?  I lucked out, but they threw me up against the wall more times than I could count.  Finally wised up and let my body go "limp".  They soon tired.

No water-boarding, but the rest of it and more.

I really don't know much about LE hiring procedures other than talking to my bro in law, who is a deputy sheriff. He said he thought his department asked if you smoked either in the past three months or since applying for the job. Does that sound right?

What are the general guidelines for the average small town PD, if any?

[nomegusto]

one. thanks for serving.
two. never surrender your honor for a job.
If you don't qualify for Marijuana usage, choose a different career.

[incognito]

And still no answers to any of the questions I've asked.....save a partial answer from Sackett

[nomegusto]

Can you convince yourself that the lie your saying wont show up as deceptive information on a polygraph.
Hmmmmm.

Good question, I don't have the foggiest idea. Now, you can say no to the drug usage all day till your blue in the face. However are you good at controling your non verbal indicators? Where you say one thing, and your body is saying something completly different. One aspect of the polygraph goes hand in hand with NVI's. The salination. When there is heavy doses of sweating, and your body is searching for something to quench there thirst is a indicator.  However if your using a CVSA, I think you might have a better chance of passing.

Just some ideas to look at.

Did you find out the disqualification regarding marijuana usage?

However, I'm thinking you might not qualify because of the age, and the fact you do know better then to smoke it. Just my personal feeling. Either way, good luck.

[Sergeant1107]

Your question has nothing to do with the polygraph.

Your question is essentially whether you should lie in order to get the job if you don't believe you will be caught lying.

Being a good police officer requires a lot of integrity.  Telling the truth only when you think you will be caught in a lie does not show integrity.

Tell the truth to your background investigator and you will be acting with integrity and honor.  If the department to which you are applying disqualifies you, so be it.  Accept responsibility for your choices and apply elsewhere.

If you are planning to be the kind of cop who only does what he should when people are watching you would not be the kind of cop I would ever want to work with.