what to expect at a polygraph test

[10-13]

im considering applying to the state police and part of the screening process is a polygraph test. what type of questions are generally asked? will they just repeat the questions from my background inv? obviously im not going to try to beat the machine, but what do you think would be better...to be prepared for any "curve-ball" questions? or to answer them as i go?

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[Don]

Answer them as you go. The poly examiner will go over the questions he is going to ask with you, prior to starting the test. It's really quite simple.

That being said, I will repeat what I've said before. I detest the poly and I DON'T think it should be used.


OBTW How Is the 10-13 where you are? http://www.officer.com/ubb/wink.gif
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I used to have an open mind - but my brains kept falling out.

6P1 (retired)

[This message has been edited by Don (edited 07-02-2001).]

[Steve in PA]

Choose your answers correctly and/or honestly and DON'T change them.......stick to the answer to the question asked. The whole point of the poly is to get you razzled and start changing your answers. Because they then figure.........hmmm, whats up with this guy. Trust me, it happened when I tested for LVMPD several years ago. Not that I had anything to hide,or was trying to hide anything, but the guy running the poly, after it was done told me he had several problems with some of my answers, like was I ever charged or accused of committing a misdemeanor crime........duh, no. All I had to do was write on the pad that I answered the question honestly, then as I walked out of the station it hit........that s.o.b.( http://www.officer.com/ubb/smile.gif) was trying to get me to change my response!!

[Lt Dan]

I had the same thing happen to me. I answered my questions honestly, but then after the test, the examiner tells me that some of my answers could have been dishonest. He told me that "some people naturally have different reactions to the questions" but that I should go over ALL of my answers and make sure I had told the ENTIRE truth. Again, like 'Steve' said, I think he was just trying to get me frazzled and change my answers.

[10-13]

i really dont know how accurate those machines are, but my cousin took one, and during the questioning, the examiner asked him "whats your first name?", cousin answered "ed" to which the examiner responded "something seems wrong...whats your name on your birth cert?" his name is edmond. go figure...are they really that accurate?


BTW Don, what does 10-13 mean in your PD? over here (NYPD) its "office needs assistance".
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[This message has been edited by 10-13 (edited 07-02-2001).]

[Don]

10-13: Advise weather/road conditions! http://www.officer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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I used to have an open mind - but my brains kept falling out.

6P1 (retired)

[PatrickM98]

10-13:

I was under the impression that the NYPD does not have a polygraph test for applicants.

[Capt_Sternn]

Lie detectors are a joke. If you do take one and the tester questions some of your responses, demand he prove the machine works. He will go through a simple procedure, where you are instructed to lie about one question out of five or so, then will attempt to show you what a lie looks like. The machine is terribly easy to manipulate. Just concentrate on keeping still, breathing regular, and don't twitch or fidget. Do not sigh, yawn, or pause. Always wait until you exhale naturally to give your answer.

Be warned that testers do not enjoy a person that controls their machine. But know that they are no more accurate than people using crystal balls.

[uspublisher]

Originally posted by Don:
That being said, I will repeat what I've said before. I detest the poly and I DON'T think it should be used.


OBTW How Is the 10-13 where you are? http://www.officer.com/ubb/wink.gif

I agree. Wholeheartedly!



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Cheers.

Mick

[10-13]

Originally posted by PatrickM98:
10-13:

I was under the impression that the NYPD does not have a polygraph test for applicants.
NYPD doesnt, but the NYSP does.


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