Becoming a Cop, Polygraph questions

[BATeller]

Hello,
Ok so I have done my research and seen occasional use of pot in the past is usually tolerated by most police forces. I have two more specific questions I am afraid they will ask on the polygraph.

1) I have smoked pot, however more than just 1-2 times, about 10. I think I can honestly say fewer than 10; however it’s more than 3. Also as far as a timeline, I have done it less than a month ago away at college, but I am getting out of that environment, moving, and no longer have an interest in smoking pot. Is the fact that it’s been so recent going to cause a problem? Also is the fact that it’s more than 1-2 times going to cause a problem?

2) I was doing some research regarding questions they may ask you on the polygraph. One question stuck out and made me remember a past event I totally forgot. The question listed is: "Have you ever manufactured, transported or sold illegal drugs?" Now I haven't exactly done any of these but I’m afraid saying No on a polygraph would come back as a lie. Let me explain; while in high school, freshman year, I was in gym class. One kid asked me to give another kid $5 for some acid then give him the acid. I received the piece of aluminum foil that apparently had the "hit" in it. I never opened it, and was very scared the whole day. Nonetheless I made the transfer and never did it again. I made no money on it, I was just the middleman, and made the trade. I also left that high school that year (because my family moved) and transferred to another high school in the county and didn't hang out or associate with those kids again. Is this still "classified" as selling illegal drugs? Should I answer the polygraph question with a "No" then an explanation or what?

Thanks,
Brian

[txinvestigator1]

Smoking pot within a month is going to be your biggest problem.

I also am concerned with this; can you not resist pot in the college enviornment?

[BATeller]

I can, and have since. I have no desire to continue smoking pot. I am going to college next semestor as well, just at a different school so I can take Criminal Justice classes.

What about my second problem, do you think that will present a problem?

[slimhawks]

What you need to worry about is whether you will make statements on your applications that are then shown to be false when compared to your polygraph answers. I'm not a police officer, they would better know the exact definition of transported/or sold and whether that applies to you. But if you feel you are not telling the truth during the polygraph about that question it will probably show up.
If on your application you put No for selling, transporting, manufacturing drugs and then later end up telling the poly examiner about how you were the mediator/broker between a LSD user and dealer it may be bad for you.
Everything i've heard is that you should be completely honest on your application and during the polygraph.

[jeff92k7]

Chances are that your recent use of the "wacky-tobaccy" is going to be your biggest problem and may disqualify you for a while. As for being nervous about specific questions...don't be. The questions you answer in your packet are not the same questions they will ask when you are strapped to the machine. They will more than likely just ask general questions covering entire sections of the questionaire such as "have you lied about any drug usage?" or "Have you listed all instances of drug usage in your past?" If you lie to one of those questions, they may ask more detailed questions, or just fail you right there. My advice is to just be honest in your packet so that when you are hooked up to the machine, you can answer honestly and without fear.

[Stump]

They will ask you these questions beforehand so you will have a chance to "rationalize" your answers. Therefore, if you aren't sure if you ever manufactured, transported or sold illegal drugs, you will be able to talk to the operator about it. He then will say "Other than what you told me, have you... " and you will be able to answer honestly.

[rdp]

A polygraph exam is not interrupted so you can explain why you don't know the answer to a simple yes or no question.

Our poly questions are based on you background packet you fill out. This packet is reviewed with you and your background investigator and questionable areas are reviewed prior to a poly.

If you just did pot a month ago, we have a 3 yr. minimum requirement and this means an automatic DQ. I don't know of too many depts. that would accept you with such a recent use.

If you have done pot less than 10 times, why can't you remember how many??

[Stump]

Originally posted by rdp
A polygraph exam is not interrupted so you can explain why you don't know the answer to a simple yes or no question.

I wasn't sure if this comment was made in reference to what I said before, but just to clarify... You are correct, the poly is not interrupted, but they will talk to you BEFOREHAND about it.

[rdp]

The review all questions prior to eliminate any of the "surprise" from the exam. If there are any questionable areas, they are reviewed again after the test is completed.

[Rad Diver]

Marijuana use in the last few months?

If this is true, wait a few years and finish college. You might want to consider joing the Armed Forces Reserves. This way you can learn more from other avenues of life and gain some valuable experience. While finishing college. With a 4 yr degree and military experience depts. will be tearing down your door to hire you.

Dept. down here require 2-5 years since last marijuana use.

[Jcrazy]

Marijuana use in the last month is your biggest problem. As every one else has said, wait a while before applying.
As for the transporting of drugs I'd say thats what you did. Explain it to to examiner and let him make the call.

[rent-a-cop]

I am a recent college graduate(Criminal Justice,BS), and during my days as a fraternity man,I have smoked the sweet chiba many,many, times. I was also an alcoholic, and a habitual womanizer. I am now on the straight path, in the best physical and mental shape of my life,and about to start "the process" for the NJ Transit Police. All I can say is, thank God the Polygraph is illegal for hiring use in NJ. Even if it is legal, I don't know of a SINGLE instance I have EVER read about, and I read alot,where a polygraph is part of any hiring process for a NJ LE agency. Why don't you move to beautiful, congested Jersey to pursue your career goals? It's a great place to apply to be a cop, because population and crime are at an all time high!If you like traffic,rude people,getting into car acidents,stress,weirdos,and cops who would ticket their own mothers,NJ is for youI'm sure there's always room for one more Garden Stater!

[rdp]

So are you saying you are going to lie about your past since they can't use a poly to quiz you on certain areas???

That is what it seems like to me...................

Got some news for ya.............they do more in a background than a poly........things you are hiding always will come out. That is why the testing process is designed the way it is.....to weed out the bad apples.

[BATeller]

Who said I was going to lie? I have no intentions of lying, or even being decieving. There are a lot of bad people out there, I really doubt I'm considered one of them. I do know though, from friends who are police officers, that some of these bad people do get past all the tests and make it in as a cop. These are the the people causing the true problems, and I don't want to be associated with them.

I never delt or sold drugs. I'm not a drug dealer and to be labeled as such would be nothing far from funny. I was a boy scout my whole life, done many events and charity work with my church, and surround myself with generally good people.

Yes when I went off to college I made a mistake, but thats it and i'm moving on. From everyone i've talked to in person about these problems who are cops and who know me tell me I have nothing to worry about in that respect. Apparently everything is taking into consideration, not just the "bad" aspects of your life, but also the good.

Brian

[Stump]

***** Edited because I was referring to rent-a-cop, not BA *****
Sorry BA - you're good!

Rent-a-cop --
I read your post before, and thought the same thing rdp did. It sounds like you are totally planning to cover up your "indiscretions" (aka illegal activities) when filling out your application.