Although polygraph tests are more commonly conducted in private sectors, Police Department is one of the government agencies to use it most frequently at interviews. With its high accuracy rate, its intimidating effect on the applicant is of prime importance in discerning applicants with a shady background. More often than not, the truth is easily caught on a polygraph and this motivates the applicants to remain honest during the test.

 

Understanding What It Is All About

The first and foremost thing to know when it comes to taking a police polygraph is to know what exactly the entire process is about. The trained individuals conducting this test, called Forensic Psycho-Physiologists, look for any variation in the physiological signs of the applicant during the test. Since the test would be determined by these factors, it is expedient that you have a good night rest and eat properly before the day of the test

While the polygraph machine is unable to detect a lie, professional private investigators are well trained to extract the truth from candidates. The key is to be emphatic towards the candidate and lure him to speak the truth, or fumble while lying.

…and when coming for the test, your procedure attire should be professional and smart. You should use same dress code as though you were going for a job interview – which you are!

 

A written consent letter is taken from each candidate prior to the test. A waiver form is presented to candidates to get consent to ask questions that may touch the psychological and emotional chords of applicants or questions that may sound too personal to answer.

 

Pretest Interview

Interview consists of a pre-test and a polygraph test. Pre-test also includes informing the candidates about polygraph, telling them how it works and the professionalism of the private investigator in detecting the lies. This takes around 20 minutes. Answers of polygraph test should be in consistency with those of the pre-test. Polygraph test consists of three to four control questions with simple obvious answers and ten actual test questions.

The purpose behind the test is to have a daunting effect of the test on applicants and to freak out those who are not suitable for the post of a police officer. There are no trick questions. Rather there are a bunch of some personal and some really personal questions. These are pre-formulated and asked to each applicant in different order. The trick behind “how to pass a police polygraph” is to just be plain honest. Instead of focusing on image-emphasizing answers, the trick is to be truthful.

 

Taking The Actual Test

The basic pre-requirement for the test is to just simply BE HONEST. The pre-test answers should go with those of polygraph test. Even if the candidate has a shady past, he should be honest about it. It is up to the court to decide about the recruitment. Most questions have YES/NO type of answers but polygraph testing for police employment includes some in-depth questions that would want to know about past and previous jobs. Don’t be surprised to see a question like, “have you ever smoked marijuana?”

 

When The Results Are In

The report evaluation is based on the polygraph test results. Usually the results of the test are released in no time. It’s advised that you wait patiently for your results. Subsequently, your report evaluation will be prepared.