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Question
Why is so much importance placed on the polygraph test, especially when it is so unreliable, when hiring new police personel? My son, who has dreamed of being a cop since he was a little kid, has applied at various places. He had to take a polygraph test which of course we thought would be no big deal. But we were wrong. They removed him from consideration because they said he was being deceitful which couldn't be further from the truth. What can he do?
I don't think that there is much that he can do. He has no civil service rights since he isn't even an employee of the department so I doubt that there is an appeal process.
You said "especially when it so unreliable". I am wondering what you base that on? The poygraph exam, adminstered by a competent examiner, is a very good predictor of deceitful behavior. There are media outlets that would make you think that it is unreliable but nothing could be further from the truth. I doubt that this is what you wanted to hear but that is my experience.
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Answers by Expert:
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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