update and looking for some further insight

[cablexman]

Ok, i previously posted on my status prior to this past week. So I was back for a poly re-test as i was told that I was one of the few to be lucky enough to be invited back since not very many people are invited back. So I did that and the next day had a department interview. As for the results, too early to tell. I felt the interview went well, but we'll soon find out. My poly re-test yielded the same result as the first test. I passed on integrity and yet when it came to a couple of drug questions, it became an issue. My thing is, is that I have never have done drugs whatsoever, and if i did, even one time i would mention it, note it, etc. I can't admit to something I had never done before. I know what is at stake, and would never hold back any info. Is it me or is it odd that I can fare well on integrity and oddly not get by drug questions?? Am I screwed? Do i even have a chance? Any insight??, thoughts??, or any info would be gladly appreciated, Thanks

[retdetsgt]

Who knows why you flunked on the drug questions? The polygraph isn't nearly exact enough for the weight some agencies give it. You could be so nervous about the question itself that you would indicate inconclusive or possibly even untruthful. People can flunk in with one agency and pass with another on the same question.

[tcop733]

Hard to believe agencies rely so much on polygraphs?
Don't sweat it so much, cablexman.
About the time I became employed with my current agency another much smaller department invited me in to take their entrance exam.
Made a 90 on it and the Assistant Chief was impressed, asked if I was a college graduate, yada yada.....hey I felt pretty good about myself. Anyway, he hands me an Oak tree (Personal history packet) and wants it back within a week, then said after that I'd be called in for a polygraph.
Said the polygraph would take 4 plus hours.
I'm thinking in 4 plus hours they'll go all the way back to my childhood and ask if I killed any ants with a magnifying glass. Holy smokes.
Well, after hearing that and looking at this gigantic personal history packet, asking where I went to elementary school, I threw it and that job in file 13.
Give me a break.

[Adrenolize]

Personally, I hate Polygraph tests. I think it is junk science. If the operator is a good interrogator, then the polygraph is very useful as a mind game. If you are a good interrogator, you will lead the subject to believe that you already 'know' things. The problem is, if they ask you about drugs, you may call up a memory of being around them - or something happened to a friend with drugs - and that causes a physiological response. If the interrogator isn't very good, they may read the machine like it was a deception.

I went to an Interrogator School taught by this FBI guy. He called one of the class up and hooked them up to a series of wires and stuff then asked him a series of questions after explaining that they were hooked up to a 'special' FBI machine that detects lies. Due to the nature of the machine, we couldn't see it. Then he started asking all these tough questions that freaked the guy out. After he was done, the guy hooked up was sweating. He then showed us that the wires were not hooked up to anything. The power of perception is very powerful.

I certainly don't mean to insult the operators of the Polygraph. There are just as many who believe in the 'science' as those who do not. I just think that a good interrogator can do the same job without relying on a machine. If you get someone who leans too heavily on the machine, you are screwed.

If you didn't lie or try to be deceptive, don't worry about it. If it is meant to be, it will happen.

Good luck!

[cablexman]

Here's another update upon my last entry. As you know, I did a second poly and the department interview. I learned today, that I did pass the department interview and as for the poly I wasn't given a definitive answer. It wasn't that I failed the poly but that I didn't pass either was what I was told. I was told that the possibilities at this point I might be in limbo based on the poly, and that either a 3rd poly, a pass, or non select might be coming. Whatever the official letter that comes in the mail holds the answer. I just hope i get the pass or even a 3rd poly. To reiterate, at the poly, I was told that I did fine on integrity questions but did not pass the questions with drugs, which still baffles me especially since I never tried or touch any drugs ever....any insights or input now??? I'm feeling down. Thanks

[Adrenolize]

Hopefully they are sending you to another tester instead of using the same guy. Some people have strong reactions to drug questions period. That department is clearly interested in you or they wouldn't keep things going like they have. Chin up! No one can take away your integrity and sense of honor. Keep those, and you will find somewhere to work. Everything happens for a reason.

Good luck!

[cablexman]

I got a letter in the mail today, indicating that they are not going to process me any further and to continue going on with other candidates. I don't get it though, because if it's based on the poly then it can't be right. I just don't get it. I'm feeling down, but i will continue on as opportunities arise. I will give them a call in the morning to find out exactly what put me out.

[HIM]

I got a letter in the mail today, indicating that they are not going to process me any further and to continue going on with other candidates. I don't get it though, because if it's based on the poly then it can't be right. I just don't get it. I'm feeling down, but i will continue on as opportunities arise. I will give them a call in the morning to find out exactly what put me out.

I feel you brother.
Don't beat yourself up too much. I have done that many times in the search for "MY DEPARTMENT"

The polygraph is garbage and pure quackery.

Call them tomorrow and keep us posted.

[mcsap]

I tested for nearly 2 years before I got hired. Perserverence is the key.

[cablexman]

I've been going and going for 3 years now so i'm discouraged but still going