Need Some Input

[djmetro]

Hello...I'm brand new to the boards here, and thought I'd see if I can get some input from those of you who have experience in the field, or experience getting into the field.

I'll try to be as short and sweet as possible without leaving out any pertinent details. I've been testing for departments for a little more than a year now, and I've been turned down by 3. I score very well on the written test (these are Illinois depts.), and usually place in the top 5 out of sometimes hundreds of candidates. I pass the physical agility test with no problems...and make it through the group and/or individual interviews okay. Then I am put through the psych eval, the polygraph, and background check. This is where I get bumped out.

I am always asked to sign a waiver form waiving my rights to any test results or reasons, so that's why I'm stumped. I have a Master's in psychology, and think that I tend to do pretty well in the psych eval (opinion, though, I have no proof). I get a little nervous on the poly...the polygrapher that I've been sent to twice is a little intimidating and yells at you (which I know is part of the process). So that might be the problem.

My background is as clean as a whistle in regards to criminal stuff. No tickets, arrests, etc. I tried pot once in college, and admit to that on the poly and applications. Haven't touched it since. Is that what's bouncing me?

I also have some credit card debt (partially from being a stupid college kid, and partially from business-related expenses of running my own insurance agency for the last 5 years), a big student loan ($30,000+), and a mortgage. Other than the amount of debt, the credit's good (no late payments or bankruptcies). I qualified for a mortgage just last year. Is the amount of debt something that could bump me?

I'm stumped, and certainly not ready to give up. I have some other departments lined up to test for, but I feel like I should try and find out what's wrong so I don't keep going into these opportunities without trying to fix it! I'm 31 years old, and only have 4 more years to get this right. Thanks for any input or suggestions.

[detwiler]

I don't really know what to tell you...but you seem to have a good head on your shoulders. Within time you will find work. Also honesty will get you alot farther then you think, and you seem to have that. Most people get a little nervous during the poly, it's only natural when someones screaming in your face!

[TommyF]

If you don't want to post your answers here PM me. I understand your concerns as I faced the same problems you do before I was hired. Wow I am glad that is over:D Ok really, where are you testing and what places have you been taking your psch/poly at. I have dealt with a few of these places and I know how you feel. As far as the pschy. goes you should be familiar with that part. You should realize those can be a matter of opinion. I am sorry I dont think those guys really know what there talking about half of the time. When it comes to the waiver of your rights to contest any of the results well that is not always the case. I am not suggesting you make big waves but sometimes a few phone calls and a little hard work and you may be able to get some answers. I must say this only worked once for me but I did get some brief answers. Other than the advice given or what you already know it sounds as if you have a great shot and something will come up for you. Just have patience as hard as that can be. Well best of luck in your search.

[BadgerFan]

The 2 most likely areas are the psych and the polygraph. Regarding your debt, that isn't a problem as long as you aren't late or have a poor credit history. They may wonder why you still owe $30k at your age, but if you have a legit reason or it's normal for what you studied, then no big deal. They check that because paying your bills tells alot about your character and the level of responsibility you can take on and manage it (basically what a cop does daily in his patrol car). And one time pot use in college makes you a saint in today's world..that isn't kicking you out

First off, have you called the recruiter or background investigator at any of these dept's and asked them what it was? If they won't tell you, then look at what you've done in the polygraph and the psych test. The polygraph guy yells at you because he wants to see if you change your answers. Everyone is nervous in a polygraph, and they know that...they measure reactions to questions as opposed to answers from the "baseline" questions. What better way to see if you'd lie than have you admit it in the polygraph interview itself? People don't see it that way, but that's what it is..you change your mind, then you lied

For the psych, it's pretty basic. If you don't have any wierd tendencies, then it's all about giving consistent answers to the questions..most psych tests ask the same types of things many times. If you consistently give different answers over the test, then they see it as you're trying to hide something or trying to be something you aren't

Both tests boil down to one thing: honesty..give all answers truthfully

[co911]

"I'm 31 years old, and only have 4 more years to get this right".

I'm sure you will get it right before four more yrs passes, but you will have a lot longer if you move states.

[djmetro]

Thanks for all of your input. I have phoned the background investigators at one of the departments (the most recent one), and she referred me to the deputy chief, who said he didn't know anything, that it was up to the commissioners, and that they did not communicate with the officers regarding their reasons, etc. And the commissioners are not available (no contact info).



I'll keep trying, though. Never wanted anything so badly in my life.

[TommyF]

djmetro, What depts. are you testing at?

[djmetro]

TommyF...tried to send you a PM, but I think I sent it to another user (sorry whoever got it). Still learning which icons go with whom.

[djmetro]

TommyF -- Did you get my PM?

[PROWL1]

I'M A 8 YR POLICE VET. AND AM CURRENTLY W/ DCPD. IT TOOK ME 4 YRS OF TESTING TO GET A FULL TIME JOB. MOSTLY IN OH. THE NORTH IS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET A COP JOB. MY ADVICE IS KEEP TESTING AND HANG IN THEIR. EVERY POLYGRAPHER IS DIFFERENT. IT'S HOW THE POLYGRAPH IS INTERPERETED BY THE OPERATOR. TRY TESTING OUT OF STATE. IF U GET REALLY DESPERATE, COME DOWN TO DC. NO POLYGRAPH.