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View Full Version : DQ'd Twice.. need some opinion.


jdmstop
01-15-2008, 01:00 PM
Hi Fellow LEO,

I was getting pretty far into the hiring process with the LAPD until my polygraph exam. I have used marijuana less then I want to say 10 times in my life, however when I took the polygraph with the LAPD, the test administer told me there is a inaccuracy with the question related to drug usage. I was under heavy pressure, for some odd reason towards the end after her continuously pressuring me to tell her more, I just said

"ma'am, maybe the number of usage was wrong, I do now remember there is 2 more times of usage, but I can gurantee it is under 8-10 times" So then the examiner replied "So which will it be, the 6 times that you told me initially, or the 8 or perhaps the 10", at that point, I just didn't know what to say anymore. She made me fill up a statement and sign the statement basically indicating that I did change my answer at the end of the polygraph.

A month later, I went in for the department interview and pass it. A week later, a letter came in the mail stating that there was a deficiency on my polygraph and a B.I will contact you so I can talk about this issue. I did not hear from LAPD for over 2 months, during this period, I was constantly calling in to make a appointment so I can talk about the deception in the polygraph test. Still nothing.. waiting.....

Finally, in December I received the letter from LAPD stating that I was DQ'd because I do not demonstrate the traits to be police officer in the area of maturity and discipline; and honesty, integrity, and personal ethics. I feel really bad that I have gone through almost all the step and ended up here.

During the time I was interviewing with the LAPD, I also applied for the LASD, and Passing the written and oral and I was waiting to be scheduled for a B.I., however, I was DQ'd also because it mentioned my last drug usage was 11 months ago, and it also stayed that I will not be able to test with LASD for another year.

What do you guys think my future is with applying with the police or sheriff department because of this issue? I served 4 years in the Army during our nation's crisis, I am a honest person and my intention was never to lie, However, it's just one of those moment that I was super nervous knowing that I have tried marijunana might jeopardize my career opportunity.

So far, as of today, my last marijuana usage will be exactly 1 year anniversary, Should I start applying for more local PD and OCSD? I am also going to take the CHP exam very soon.

Thanks guys for listening to my issue!

syphon157
01-15-2008, 02:03 PM
When you go for the polygraph, stick to your answer (but pick a number that is true and accurate). They will try and get you to change it if they feel you something to hide. Just stick to your answer if you know its true. And yes, I do not believe you should have any problems in the future getting hired if you tell the truth.

ask80
01-15-2008, 04:01 PM
IMO, you should give it some time. i don't know how old you are, but i'd say couple years. maybe goto college (if you haven't done so), volunteer, maybe get a civilian LE job, build up your resume. being clean from marijuana for one year is still way too recent. I also think local smaller agencies would not pick you up if the larger agencies haven't because smaller agencies can be more pickier. there might be more qualified applicants. and when you do take your poly, don't change your answers.

SgtCHP
01-15-2008, 05:22 PM
Most agencies require FIVE years drug free. You stated you used within the last 12 months, and for most agencies that is too soon. Quit using today!!! Keep trying and be honest when filling out the paperwork. It may take a little time to work out of the DQs.

McGruff
01-15-2008, 07:13 PM
I'm surprised you made it all the way to the poly!

Biz_mikee
01-15-2008, 08:17 PM
It would behoove you to wait at least a couple of years before reapplying... Especially with your extremely recent drug usage. I predict that if you apply with an agency within the next year, you will be DQ'ed for your recent usage. In the meantime, go to college and get a Admin of Justice degree or join the military (both are very marketable traits to show maturity, responsibility, etc)

If LE is what you really want to do, then its worth waiting for. Be patient, don't give up, and always tell the truth.

P.S.
I am as surprised as McGruff that you made it all the way to the poly.

westcoast
01-15-2008, 10:35 PM
Some agencies in NorCal require only one year clean, i.e. Santa Cruz PD. That said, I'm sure they look for guys with longer clean stretches. Either way it sounds like you're from the Southland.

ExSDSO
01-16-2008, 01:43 AM
CVSA's and Polygraphs =Bunch of Crap. Stick to your written answers and the answers you told your BI. NEVER Change your answer esp during the actual testing.

Tell the truth, because your the only one that remembers and actually knows the truth. All they can do is scare you and force you to change your mind.

I knew a white guy in my academy that showed decption when it came to Meth!?! He was the top of the class, tackleberry, came from LE family, nothing about this guy says "I do or Did Drugs". Didnt change his answer and got hired anyway.

jdmstop
01-16-2008, 02:20 AM
Thanks guys for all the responses!

1st of all, I want to say that I did serve in the arm forces for 4 years right out of high school. With the LAPD, I went all the way up to the Department Interview and I passed it.

As far as the polygraph go, I did not mean or premeditate to alter my answer after the test, it was one of those moments, it was my first time ever taking such test, it was out of anxiety and pressure that somehow I just wanted to be totally honest and it's the reason why I modified my answer, I had already admit that I've used marijuana but was really unclear about how many times, so I changed my answer from within 1-5 and definitely under 10.

I have never used illegal drug until I got out of the Army. It was just one of those days when my friend has it around and I used it (couple of puffs) I am by no mean a abuser, I want to say my experience with marijuana is definitely out of pure curiosity. I have not used any illegal drugs since my last experimentation with marijuana which has already been one year. During this year, I have been a full time college student and employee at some company doing extremely well.

This June, I will be be done with my 4 year college and currently I do work as a fitness instructor. I just feel really bad that this poor decision I had made in the past will really drag me down in my chance of becoming a LE officer.

So you guys definitely think I do not stand a chance if I reapply now with a couple local LE departments as well as CHP and OCSD?

syphon157
01-16-2008, 02:43 AM
I wouldnt say you dont stand a chance. I would say your chances might be not be so good this soon. Give it a shot, you never know. The longer you stay clean, the more of a chance you have.

McGruff
01-16-2008, 11:49 AM
So you guys definitely think I do not stand a chance if I reapply now with a couple local LE departments as well as CHP and OCSD?


It'll be extremely hard for OCSD. My buddy was DQ'd because she took part in the annual train mooning event. lol Take my advice as well as others, give minimum 5 yrs after using and put some life experiences under your belt.

DavidfromNJ
01-16-2008, 10:21 PM
I was in a similar situation in the LAPD process, I just needed to pass the poly , medical and oral psych. I also failed on the marijuana question. I'm an older candidate, and I couldn't remember exactly how many times I tried it in High School which was over 25 years ago for me. I thought it was less than 3, but the machine said that I was deceptive. So, in my 2nd poly I said maybe it was less than 5. I really couldn't recall because it was so long ago. I had to write a statement that I changed my answer. Well, I got DQ. Lesson learned, stick with your original answer even if you have doubts. There are just some things in life that you don't remember and you are pressured into giving an answer. So, stick to your answer.

SgtCHP
01-17-2008, 03:04 PM
. So you guys definitely think I do not stand a chance if I reapply now with a couple local LE departments as well as CHP and OCSD?


CHP Recruitment info states in part:

Conduct:

No felony convictions and good personal conduct; must possess a California driver license upon appointment to the Academy. The CHP has strict guidelines relating to the personal characteristics required for employment as a law enforcement officer. During the QAP Oral Interview, and later during the Background Investigation, a candidate is evaluated relative to an established set of automatic disqualification criteria. Candidates are asked questions relating to the RECENCY AND FREQUENCY of traffic citations, at-fault automobile collisions, illegal drug usage, arrests and convictions.

If you have any concerns regarding whether you may have an issue in your background which may lead to disqualification, it is highly recommended that you contact the CHP Applicant Investigation Unit for assistance PRIOR TO beginning the selection process. While our investigators cannot divulge the CHP's specific disqualification criteria, through a candid dialogue with you they can provide guidance and assistance in helping you evaluate your personal characteristics as they relate to the CHP's automatic disqualification criteria. The Cadet Hiring Unit can be reached Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) at (916) 375-2180