Questions about my DEA poly experience

[Negotiate_This]

Hello everyone.

I should begin my comments by noting that I am a new member to this site, and so far I have found it extremely interesting, especially in light of the fact that I just completed (and presumably passed) a polygraph with DEA.  

With that in mind, I'd like to offer the following questions:

1.  Before my polygraph exam started, I was taken into a room and given some paperwork to fill out.  One sheet was a checklist as to whether or not I had committed "any of the following crimes" or some other such language.  I remarked on this sheet that I hadn't, but there was another, blank sheet with which to describe anything else that I felt needed explaining.  

On this sheet, I went into more detail concerning an incident that had happened approximately five years ago, regarding my mental health consultations.  Since I had not yet been asked about this subject in detail, I decided that further explanation was needed.  

Long story short,  I had been a scholarship midshipman at my university's Naval R.O.T.C. unit.  About two years prior to graduation (about halfway through), I sought out counseling for depression, sadness, etc.  I did not disclose this information to the Navy.  I was prescribed an antidepressant, and I continued taking it for about six months.  

Later, I got into some minor trouble in the unit for not fulfilling my leadership responsibilities, and faced a disciplinary review board.  Prior to appearing before the board, I disclosed to my advisor (a Navy pilot) my situation.  I was ultimately disenrolled from the program by the commanding officer, who felt that I had "made up" the treatment, in order to avoid responsibility.

I added in my written remarks at the poly exam that I thought the C.O.'s decision was proper, and it was.  I was a pretty mixed up kid at that time, and since then I have grown up a lot.  

I remarked earlier that I presumably passed the poly, because the examiner said so.  He laughed the incident off as "nothing," and said that that issue would not bar me from employment in any way, shape, or form, even though I disclosed a "non-disclosure," as it were.  Involving antidepressant medication.

The problem is, I don't really believe him.  I honestly don't think that I will be hired because of this, "pass" or no "pass."  Can someone provide insight into this?

2.  I wore regular street clothes to the poly.  Will that hurt me in any way?

Thanks for your time.  

[polylawman]

If you didn't do anything wrong then there is nothing to worry about. On the other hand I beleive you are posting because you are worried, and I would be to. If you take illegal drugs or have in the past  then you probably wont make in in the DEA. That is just a fact.
Good Luck.

[triple x]

polylawman,

  Your post is both interesting and intriguing. That being said, may I inquire as to what authority you reference to support and substantiate your "factual" claim? For someone to respond with a statement saying that something is "a fact", would most often reference a specific source of reliable scientific study or documentation.

  Do you have any reliable reference material (other than your opinion) that can support your claim.?

  Please point us in the right direction, as we would all like to know how you have achieved such intellect, enlightenment and inspirational wisdom...

Respectfully,
Triple_x

[polylawman]

Personal experience.
I'm not into reading meaningless articles written by PHD's which say what the polygraph can and can't do.
If those people would get out into reality and actually sit down, in REAL life, and see how something actually works then maybe people would listen.

[George W. Maschke]

"Negotiate This,"

I don't know if your admissions during your polygraph examination will lead to your disqualification. It's conceivable that they might.

As for wearing street clothes to the polygraph, again I don't know whether that will have a negative impact, but it in general, unless specifically instructed otherwise, it is better to show up in business attire.

[Anonymous]

xXx,

Perhaps the reason our friend Polylawman is "not into reading meaningless articles written by PHD's which say what the polygraph can and can't do" is that such articles are above his reading level.

 

[Negotiate_This]

Polylawman:

Where did you come up with the reference to drugs?  Were you making a general statement, or replying to my message?  Either way, thanks for the reply.

[GUEST]

 

YOUR MEDICAL PROBLEMS ARE YOUR OWN BUSINESS.  DON'T TELL THEM JACK.   IF YOU ARE MENTALLY FIT FOR THE JOB THEY WILL SEE IT WHEN THEY DO YOUR PSYCH EVAL.

[Saidme]

The situation you described won't have any affect on your hiring.  When you said the examiner "laughed it off" that's exactly what he was doing.  You're over analyzing your situation.  If you were truthful on everything else, your good to go.

[beech trees]

You're over analyzing your situation.  If you were truthful on everything else, your good to go.

That's not entirely accurate, is it saidme? The sad fact is that polygraphers expect their interrogation subjects to lie when responding to Control Questions. In fact, if one were to be entirely truthful on a polygraph, then one would be doomed to being deemed deceptive or at the very least, 'inconclusive'.

[guest]

Where did polylawman get the reference to illegal drugs?   Negotiate this wrote about doctor prescribed anti depressants.

On a note regarding the polygrapher, I would not trust one word that comes out of any polypersons mouth.  Their whole job is to decieve.  They lie through their fangs.  Their whole profession is a lie.  If they don't think that then they are also lieing to themselves.  You can't trust them.  they are not there to help anyone but their own employment stats.

Wearing streets clothes may or may not have affected you.  First impressions are crucial however.  If you were wearing faded jeans and a t shirt that may have influenced the polygrapher's attutude towards you and thus affected your test??  Polygraphers can and I am most sure have altered results based on personal appearances.  I would not put it above them.  In hind site you were applying to work for the DEA!  Semi-formal dress attire at a minimum.

At anytime during your DEA application were you asked to disclose any medications you are or have been on?  Were you ever asked to disclose whether you have or are being treated for mental conditions such as depression?  I have seen those type questions asked before on numerous LE pre-employment questionairres.  If you were asked this and failed to disclose that info until faced with the polygraph exam I am afraid to say you failed.  They will chalk it up to withholding information.

[Whoa]

Didin't you sign a form about the confidentaility of the poly.....This posting is going to spank you....