Suggestive poly questions - comments?

[MlBruehlly]

I've just reviewed the Las Vegas pre-employment polygraph booklet, which is available here:

LVMPD Booklet

and noticed some disturbing questions. I've never taken a polygraph before, but a few of the questions in this booklet seemed absurd in their generality, in the sense that answering anything but the obvious could easily be a sign of a liar. Here are some excerpts:

HAVE YOU EVER TAKEN OFFICE SUPPLIES FROM A PLACE WHERE YOU WORKED? (sure, a ballpoint pen and a notebook)

HAVE YOU EVER WRITTEN A CHECK KNOWING YOU DID NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT FUNDS IN THE ACCOUNT TO COVER THE CHECK? (certainly, but never to defraud the retailer)

HAVE YOU COMMITTED OR TAKEN PART IN ANY CRIME THAT YOU WERE NOT PUNISHED FOR? (uh, you mean like exceeding the posted speed limit??)

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF COMMITTING A CRIME, THAT YOU DIDN'T CARRY THROUGH WITH? (like parking in a hanidcapped parking space at a busy shopping mall, which I've thought about but never done?)


Are these questions supposed to be indicators for a more thorough background investigation or automatic disqualification? I mean, who would answer "no" to all 4 of these?

[acreature]

I mean, who would answer "no" to all 4 of these?

Believe it or not, there are people with very strict ethical conduct.

But more importantly, they are looking for Honesty.

[txinvestigator1]

A yes answer will not disqualify you. You need to tell the truth. That is the bottom line.

The polygrapher will go over the questions prior to the exam.

Relax, its a breeze.

[Mike Romeo]

I got asked most all of these questions, just worded differently. Like the office supply question. Mine was worded as "in excess of $50". I think everyone is guilty of the pen and notebook thing.

Have you ever done anything illegal other than exceeding the posted speed limit when no one was looking?

If you have nothing to hide and you're honest, I believe that's what they are looking for, as already stated. I personally think that this, among other things, establishes the baseline of your integrity. But that's just my take.

You should do fine.

[tywazzu]

They didn't even ask me those questions when i was HOOKED UP to the polygraph. Those were only pre-questions. They asked me 7 questions about drugs, sex, felony crimes when hooked up. So don't worry, i told them that i took a pen home, he didn't care.

[michiganstud]

About the check question...............is that a good answer?

[retdetsgt]

Believe it or not, there are people with very strict ethical conduct.

Yeah, but I wouldn't want to work with them..... My experience is that people who are basically honest, but a little rough around the edges make better cops...

[spitfire]

They'll ask you the questions prior to the actual polygraph exam. You'll have a chance to answer the questions just like you did above. After you tell them everything, the polygrapher will say something like "okay, besides what we've already talked about, is there anything else? No? Okay, when I ask you these questions, I'm not including what we've already discussed".

In other words, even if you answered yes to the questions in the pre-interview, that doesn't mean you're out of the woods. Some people think they can say yes to the question & admit to something really stupid that wouldn't disqualify them, when in reality there is a much bigger issue they're trying to hide. But, it doesn't work like that.

Bottom line, if you don't disclose something or be totally honest, you're screwing yourself.

[JPHXS]

About the check question...............is that a good answer?

I have wrote my checks to pay my car or bills a few days before my direct deposit goes in. At the time i actually write the check i dont have enough money to cover the amount but while it gets there by mail the money is there for them to take.

my 2 cents

[Odin]

I have wrote my checks to pay my car or bills a few days before my direct deposit goes in. At the time i actually write the check i dont have enough money to cover the amount but while it gets there by mail the money is there for them to take.

my 2 cents

Not anymore. Electronic deposit means your check can clear the same day depending on how fast the mail runs.

[acreature]

Yeah, but I wouldn't want to work with them..... My experience is that people who are basically honest, but a little rough around the edges make better cops...

Yup. I call'm wierd. But they are their. I am envious and frightened at the same time.

[pjb6282]

what are the questions polygraph examiners ask about sex?

[acreature]

what are the questions polygraph examiners ask about sex?

Do you do it with the same species?

[massgrunt]

Stupid question to which I probably already know the answer: Can you psych yourself out? I mean, I already know that it's more a nervousness test than an honesty test.

Am I overthinking this?

[tywazzu]

what are the questions polygraph examiners ask about sex?

If you've had sex with a minor.