As I do not do PM responses, I have added this to this thread for the benefit of all here....
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Undisclosed wrote on 09-17-2007 04:39 AM:
I know you are very active in the LEO forums and I've noticed your posts always have a lot of helpful, factual info. With that said, I was hoping I could ask your opinion regarding my background for <Confidential> PD.
I recently took my polygraph test with a private company in <undesclosed>. I was truthful during the process (admitted everything in the pre-interview- which coincided with my background packet).
The poligrapher explained that he would ask me two sets of questions (I believe 8-10 like you explained in another post) and could repeat each set of questions up to four times.
He asked me three sets of questions and then said "ok...we're all done". I asked him if I passed and he told me that he doesn't speak in terms of pass and fail. I can't remember his exact words, but I think he said there were no discrepencies.
The thing is, I could have sworn that the piece of paper I signed before the test stated that I would be told after the test whether I passed or failed.
I may be just worrying too much, but I wanted to ask what you think. Does this seem like a common end to the test?
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My response:
Don't sweat it. It sounds like you did just fine. If they add a second set of questions or start shaking their head and ask the same questions over and over, then you need to worry. From what you wrote, you did okay. I believe they will tell you if there are any discrepancies or issues of concern... he said there were none, so you are fine.
Best of luck with the rest of the hiring process. <Confidential PD> has a lot of good cops and an overwhelmingly supportive community (despite what you may have heard or suspected). Like any town, 2-5% of the people are shitheads. Well, in <Confidential> it may be more like 6%..
But, the remaining 94% are just trying to get by or are trying to improve their lives and their community.
You'll see. If you treat people the way you would want to be treated in the same situation, you'll see what I mean time and again. Of course, you'll come across the assholes and you'll need to deal with them accordingly. That said, is is easier to ramp up when needed than to back down.
RULES FOR 21st CENTURY POLICING: Use your head and don't get sucked in to a situation that could cost you your life or your young career. Let them escallate it and ensure it is clear (to any witnesses, your partners and in your reports) that your response was warranted and reasonable.
Just finishing mine this week; it does get better as it goes, write that down.