Pre-Law Enforcement Polygraph

[The_Beaver]

    Post 9-11 our local Sheriff's office has been asking for volunteers to help beef up their Auxillery.  I am scheduled to begin an auxillery law enforcement certification class provided I pass their background investigation and polygraph.  Now I am almost as goody goody clean as Beaver Cleaver -  But after having read the Lie Behind the Lie Detector, (the day after I took it - duh), and many of the stories on this site, I am concerned.  Two weeks have passed since the polygraph and I've heard nothing. No comment as to whether I passed - No post test interview - And not one of my references has been contacted.  I'm suppossed to start class next week.  Should I be concerned about showing up for class and finding my name scratched off the list?  It's not like my livelyhood depends on this position as I am doing it strictly as a volunteer....However, I would hate to have my integrity in question because I was too honest and failed!!
Anyone have any input?

[George W. Maschke]

The absence of a post-"test" interrogation seems to be a good indication that you passed. See Chapter 5 of The Lie Behind the Lie Detector for suggestions on how to proceed in the event that you are informed that you failed. But based on your account, I wouldn't be too worried.

[The_Beaver]

I'm probably nervous over nothing but I'm wondering if I will even be informed of my poly results.  I took the test nearly three weeks ago.  After the test was over, and the machine was disconnected, the examiner asked if any of the questions he asked during the testing phase bothered me.  I said no.  He said that the charts would later be scored by himself and then independantly by a second examiner.  He shook my hand and with no further question told me the results would be included with my background investigation which would take a couple weeks.

At 2.5 weeks post test I was allowed to begin the dept's L.E. auxiliary course as scheduled - However, all the class participants were required to sign a form acknowledging that if their BI came back 'disqualified' they would be dismissed from class.  I am now a week into class, (and three weeks since poly), and personnel has now scheduled me for my department physical and drug screen.

Now, this is a small agency. The personnel office, training facility and polygraphers/BI investigators are all in the same building.  If for any reason I had failed the polygraph is it likely the agency would let me continue training and surprise me with this issue later? Or have I read one to many horror stories posted on this site and need to relax?  If I passed the Background and Poly will I be informed or will I simply be moved along through the process and have to assume all's well?  Sorry to ramble.

Thanks - The Beav

[The_Beaver]

So far - So good.   I pre-employment polygraphed for a local Law Enforcement Agency five weeks ago.  I had no post test interview and was never informed if I passed. (read my previous posts) The agency has now begun my Background Investigation.   Two friends confirmed they were contacted by an investigator.  

As I have now been allowed to start academy classes, for which the agency is paying, as well as an agency paid physical and drug screen, not to mention the time for a B.I., should I feel confident that I passed the poly?  I was told the poly would be submitted as part of the investigation. If for any reason the test reflected deception would the average agency continue the process?  

[Fred F.]

As I have now been allowed to start academy classes, for which the agency is paying, as well as an agency paid physical and drug screen, not to mention the time for a B.I., should I feel confident that I passed the poly?

The Beav,

It seems inappropriate for a small Dept. to spend money to start the training process and DQ you for failing your polygraph. Another odd thing is why are they starting your training without completing the background investigation. Did they also provide you with uniforms, etc?

If you were found "deceptive" that usually will end your processing and they contact you by phone first and documentation later.

It appears that you are in good shape based on the information you have posted.

Relax and Good Luck in the academy.


Fred F.