Police Admission Polygraph Exams are nothing to be afraid of?

 

Polygraph is a part of a pre-employment background investigation. It is understandably a source of anxiety for people wishing to become employed with law enforcement agencies. Fortunately, a polygraph examination should not be as stressful as many believe. Understanding the exam process and knowing what to expect can ease your concerns about the whole experience and get you a step closer to getting your dream job.

“The pre-employment law enforcement polygraph examination process is actually nothing to be afraid of," says Frank Ramirez, a certified polygraph operator from Port Arthur, Texas. With years of experience in the field, he is well-known for his professionalism and responsible testing service.

Lie detection tests have been used for more than a century in different settings. The preliminary practitioners of this technique believed that people experience involuntary physiological changes, though slight, in their bodies as they lie. Remember, a polygraph test in law enforcement aims to find the right person for the job who is simply able to be honest with their past.

Frank Ramirez explains the polygraph process to help us understand the polygraph exam so we can get to know it inside and out. Let’s begin;

 

Taking the Pre-Polygraph Test

Before taking the actual polygraph exam, a background questionnaire will be given where you will be asked about past details. These can include employment history, drug history, history of crime or illegal activity conviction, and others, for example.

The background pre-polygraph questionnaire is usually open-ended and often requires applicants to write the answers in detail. This is done for an in-depth psychological assessment of the one applying for the job.

As you begin to answer the questions, it’s a straightforward process in which you simply jot down details like in any other questionnaire.

 Next comes the pre-polygraph interview

The next phase begins, which is called the pre-polygraph interview.  This is usually done a few days before the actual polygraph and will be conducted by a trained investigator. He will go over your background questionnaire and give you an opportunity to explain or change answers before meeting the polygraph examiner.

This stage is crucial and gives an excellent opportunity to show the department that you are honest and accountable.

Remember we are all human and have made mistakes during our lives.  The ability to show that we have learned from them to become better people is what the department is looking for, so be HONEST!

The Polygraph Exam Process

After completing the background questioner and pre-polygraph interview, it’s now time to take the polygraph exam.  The polygraph examiner once again goes over the background questioner and gives applicants a chance to clarify any answers. 

Once the test begins, the questions will be reviewed along with an explanation of what each component placed on your person records.

In most cases a practice test which allow you to experience what the actual components feel like attached to your person and help reduce nervousness is given.  The great part about this is its just practice and has no bearing on the actual test.

The polygraph scale is a measure of various vital signs for indicating whether the person tested is being honest or not. The polygraph examiner will look for changes in;

•   Heart rate
•   Blood pressure
•   Perspiration
•   Respiration
•   And skin conductivity

The changes are recorded as the tracings have peaks and valleys that denote differences in the impulses detected by the instrument and a trained polygrapher to interpret them.

 

This doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience because now you have gone through the procedure and know the type of questions being asked.

 

Polygraph is Nothing to Be Afraid Of

One fact stands tall in all the hype created about the uncertainty revolving around the nature of these tests – they exist to make sure applicants are of good moral character and possess the ability to simply tell the truth.

These tests take physiology notes and establish a normal range, and, therefore, do not have to be feared. The examiner will evaluate and score the charts, responses will get registered as inconclusive, truthful, or deceptive. These remarks have nothing to do with judging or making final statements about your character or moral values. Instead, these are just helping the department set quantifying factors that help them pick suitable candidates for the job.  

 

§  These are Easy to Take Just be Yourself

There are no hard and fast rules or implications that come with these tests. There is no need to go "prepared" for such exams as all you have to do is tell the truth and be comfortable with it. The more honest applicants are, the easier it becomes to dodge the unwanted pressure you might feel otherwise.

Unlike aptitude tests that assert a lot of mental burden on the applicant, polygraph tests require no prior knowledge or experience. The only thing you need to do while taking such tests is to be yourself, and everything else flows accordingly. If the job requirements fit according to the results, your chances of landing the job of your dreams will strengthen. After all, it all comes down to compatibility. 

Some Takeaways

§   The polygraph exam begins after establishing the control questions and the baseline.

§   You will be asked a series of questions having a Yes or No response.

§   You can expect questions based on your past and the position you have applied for.

§   The polygraph examiner isn’t going to punish or judge you for your question responses. You only take the test as a measure of your compatibility to be in law enforcement.

§   Just stick to the truth and the real experiences while answering the questions. When there is nothing to hide, there is nothing to be anxious about.

§   These question topics involve drug trafficking, theft, alcohol use, and dealing. You might get questions about a criminal conviction, contacts with crime, and other domestic violence incidents.

 

Why Are Polygraph Tests Important?

The real purpose behind the employment polygraph test is to find out whether the person is being truthful about their job application or not. Law enforcement and security jobs are serious and highly sensitive jobs that require reliable, stable, and suitable individuals. Pre-employment polygraph test results help find eligible candidates; that is why they are a pre-requisite in the field.

Any kind of indication concerning deception can be a cause for disqualification from the consideration for getting employed.  But in most cases, you will get a chance to revise your answer and try again.

 

Final Words

The polygraphs are effective tools when it comes to screening applicants who are applying for law enforcement jobs.

Polygraph exams are nothing to be afraid of, so now you can say goodbye to unwanted anxiety as you only have to be yourself during the exam and tell the truth. 

Frank Ramirez say's Don’t minimize your questionable history.  If you did something, you are not proud of, get it all out.  I guarantee you are not the first to have done it and in most cases the department will take it under consideration.

Remember, the polygraph instrument and examiner are only there to record and interpret your test

This is your test, and only you have the ability to pass or fail it.

Just be your honest self and you are going to do great.