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Careers: Police/Pre Employment Polygraph

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Expert: - 4/5/2008


Question
Hello,

I'm in the process of being interviewed to become a police officer in Maryland and I'm wondering how serious they take your polygraph results. I'm not planning on lying, and I have nothing to hide but I know that nerves can have a dramatic effect on the results of the test.

Another thing: While filling out the initial application online, it said on there in capital bold letters how it was unlawful in Maryland to require a polygraph examination, or to submit to one. Is this true?

Thanks!

Answer
Sara:

"They" take it very seriously.  If you fail the poly for ANY reason, you are disqualified and that's the end of it.  I'm not a fan of the polygraph at all, because it's totally dependent on how the operator 'reads' your scoring.  If it were up to me, the thing would be banned from use for any purpose other than on TV and at carnival sideshows.  It eliminates far more 'good' people than it gets rid of the 'bad'.

 Yes, it is illegal to require a poly of any prospective employee...EXCEPT law enforcement officers.  Law Enforcement is the only class of employees exempted from that law.  Stupid but true.  

 Nerves can have a dramatic effect, but a trained operator will be able to determine a 'baseline' for you that "should" show you are telling the truth.  If you are honest, you shouldn't have an issue.  

 I just don't like the dang things, at all. There are better tests out there in my opinion, but Maryland is stuck on them, and they are here to stay for the forseeable future.

Jason

Careers: Police

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Jason Grabill

Expertise

General Maryland Law Enforcement, Maryland Law & Traffic Law, the Court System. How to start the process to become a Police Officer, different Police careers, the Interview process, General Police career questions

Experience

18 Years experience as a local and Federal Police officer. In addition to working "the road", I've worked as an Academy Instructor, Law Digest Compiler for Police Department, Community Policing coordinator, Department Gang officer, Bike Patrol Officer, and Advanced Accident Investigator. I've also served on the SWAT/SRT team, and currently work for the Department of Army Police (Federal Civilian) at Fort Detrick, Frederick Md, as a Sergeant. I'm Certified as a Police and Emergency Medical dispatcher through the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

Organizations
Police Marksman Association Fraternal Order of Police

Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Prince Georges County Maryland Municipal Police Academy, Western Maryland Police Academy
Radar, Portable Breath Test, PR-24 Police Baton, ASP, Police Mountain Bike Certified. Maryland Police Training Commission Basic Instructor Certified. CALEA Certified Field Training Officer (FTO), Advanced Criminal Investigator School, Advanced Crash Investigator School, National Academies of Emergency Dispatch Certified Emergency Police Dispatch, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Telecommunications Operator.

Awards and Honors
Police Officer of the Year, Prince Georges County Municipal Police Chiefs Association (1995).
City of District Heights Police Officer of the Year, 1995.
Distinguished Service Cross for Valor, 1995 (National Association Chiefs of Police).

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