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Expert: - 2/1/2008


Question
Hi my name is Robert, and I recently just graduated from WSU with a BS in psychology.I fit all qualifications for washington state police departments except I do have a drug history in my younger days like in high school, and a couple years ago in college. Such things like aderol, and steriods. Not so much on the aderol but steriods yes. I was just wondering how strict they are when it comes down to a polygraph test. I have excellent driving record, no felonies or anything, and a 4-year degree. just wondering what to expect if I went in and started the testing if it would just be wasting my time. Thanks.


Rob

Answer
Rob,

  The problem is that is that you are saying "they" when it comes to police departments and hiring standards.  There are no two departments in the country that has the same criteria so it wouldn't do you a bit of good to tell you what would happen if you applied for my old department which is 3000 miles from where you live because it wouldn't apply at all to a department in the state of Washington.


   About the only thing that I can say is that your use of drugs will not help you but it might not hurt you.  Probably the best thing to do is to be upfront with whatever department that you are thinking about applying to and see if your drug usage is an automatic disqualifer.

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

U.S.: I am an expert in this category for the purpose of giving young people an idea what the hiring process involves for the position of police officer. I am getting a flood of questions from young people who are being influenced by unrealistic television shows. I'd ask you to consider that when you watch police shows on television that they are NOT realistic and most of what you see does not happen in real life. Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer so I cannot answer questions about probation and parole matters. I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience.I worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, homicide, sex crimes, runaway investigations, missing persons, and fraud.I also dealt with the general public during that time giving a wide range of advice on matters such as domestic disputes, problem solving, teenage problems, civil/criminal matters, and dealing with the mentally ill. I am available to give sound and reasonable advice which can solve most problems. Please do not ask me to do homework questions or online interviews. Young people should not rely on the Internet for interviews. Local police officers are normally very agreeable to assist students with interviews and surveys.

Experience

Worked as a police officer/detective for 26 years.

Graduate of the University of Maryland.B.S. in Law Enforcement.Attended numerous schools and training courses involving investigations, interviewing, interrogations, crime detection, domestic violence, and others. Recognized in court as an expert witness.

Received numerous awards during my police career for expert investigations. Handled the most sensitive and confidential investigations. In 1999 I won an award for my work with high school students while working in my new career in a large suburban high school.

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