Polygraph Quesions

[wanabeCOP]

I have been reading up on the process to become a PO. What are some important questions that can give people trouble on the Poly? I read that some ask "Have you ever committed a crime and was not caught," or something along those lines. What exactly is a crime that they are talking about? Underage drinking? Stealing as a kid? Previous drug use?

Thanks,
Kody

[Citicop]

Yes, all of those are crimes. The thing that tends to give people the most trouble on the polygraph is lying in response to questions.

The following is an actual polygraph question:

"Have you ever researched the polygraph exam, including on the Internet?"

Relax and be honest, and you'll be fine.

[Kimble]

The following is an actual polygraph question:

"Have you ever researched the polygraph exam, including on the Internet?"

Relax and be honest, and you'll be fine.

As Citi notes above, doing a lot of research about the polygraph can work against you (it may lead the examiner to believe you were trying to find a way to "beat the box" to cover up a lie).

As Citi already advised, go in and be forthcoming and honest about everything you're asked, that's all you're supposed to do.

[wanabeCOP]

Thanks guys! I have no intent on lying! I just dont want to answer a question wrong because i didnt think about it hard enough before answering, or because it caught me off guard.
Thanks,
Kody

[Samuel]

IMO, it's not the Questions that "give people trouble", it's the ANSWERS...

[retdetsgt]

IMO, it's not the Questions that "give people trouble", it's the ANSWERS...

Rep sent

[wanabeCOP]

IMO, it's not the Questions that "give people trouble", it's the ANSWERS...

Unless they ask a really embrassing, or person question, i dont feel the need to stress or lie on it. Ive kept myself out of trouble and away from troubled people for the most part, so i have nothing to hide.

[Kimble]

Unless they ask a really embrassing, or person question, i dont feel the need to stress or lie on it. Ive kept myself out of trouble and away from troubled people for the most part, so i have nothing to hide.

If I'm reading your post correctly, you're saying you won't lie on the polygraph unless they ask you something really embarrassing or personal. Maybe you worded that poorly, but if that's what you really meant to say I'd say don't put yourself through the stress (or waste the operator's time) and back out of the process. If you intend to lie at all - whether personal or embarrassing questions are asked or not - you are not the right fit for this career field.

[ET109]

I read that some ask "Have you ever committed a crime and was not caught," or something along those lines. What exactly is a crime that they are talking about? Underage drinking? Stealing as a kid? Previous drug use?

...yes. I would start by thinking of the worse thing you ever did and never got caught doing. Then tell it to your background investigator, or whoever is handling you. That way you won't waste anyone's time if they don't want you, but you don't have to worry about what they're asking about... because you've already spilled your guts.