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Careers: Police/The Polygraph Test

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Expert: - 2/24/2009


Question
Okay, so I am 19 I have never done anything criminal beyond minor traffic violations, but I was wondering about what kind of questions they ask on a polygraph, and also because I actually do not know much about the device itself, if it is possible that nerves could give false results.

Answer
Mason:
 
 No, 'nerves' typically won't give a false positive.  The operator is trained to account for that in most people.  I'm not a fan of the polygraph because I think it's junk science, but many agencies use it and swear by it.  Just be truthfull and answer the questions.  You'll fill out a questionairre ahead of time and the examiner will go over the questions with you prior to the test.  That's the standard, and there will be no 'trick' or 'surprise' questions.

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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