Expert: Loren Stevens - 8/30/2006

Question
First time on website, first time asking...

I'm 30, 6 years active duty in Army as a Tanker/Cav Scout, 4 years Army Reserve as a Drill Sgt.  10 classes away from my Bach in CJ.

I am certified part-time officer in NH, after 3 years of NH Marine Patrol.

Lately I can't catch a break.  I'm waiting on my T.S. renewal clearance for the past year and 2 months to get into CID (already excepted, just waiting on my clearance) as an apprentice special agent in the reserves.  I am trying to get my civilian career going, but nobody seems to want me here in NH because they want full timers, and I wont go full time until I finish my degree.

Even when I did try to go full time down in New Mexico for the state police - about two years ago, I flew down on my dime to try out.  I out-did the other candidates in the physical agility part.  I scored really well on the written tests.  I did my pre-poly, and then my poly that afternoon (first timer) and let me tell you I was intimidated!  Two weeks later, a letter saying I was disqualified for failing the poly!  All the while, I still held a Top Secret clearance!

In that same time frame, I also tried out for the US Marshal's service but didn't make it past their oral board selection (1500 people tried out and they were only taking 100 candidates).

For my benefit, please give it to me straight...am I just being paranoid about not being able to get a career going any farther in L.E. much less pass a polygraph?  I had such a horrible time with the poly, that I actually believed that some poly operator in NM thinks of me as a 'LIER'.  And I wouldn't go to the lengths I am going to just to be told that poly's are a (100%) reliable source of detecting deceit.  They just aren't.  Not good enough in a court of law, but good enough to keep an honest person from becoming a good and honorable public servant.

Sincerely, Can't catch a break - Nate.

Answer
Hello Nate,
Hard to say what it is that's the root of your disappointment(s). The issues you suspect may be real, or imagined, and still have the same impact.
Do you fail the polygraph every time? Is there a specific aspect of the polygraph that you fail, eg., honesty?
Usually, the personnel folks at the agencies will level with you if you ask, concerning issues that are perceived as "overcomeable" if you know what I mean.
And, I don't see waiting until you finish school as that big of a deal. Most agencies will reimburse tuition costs when you are an employee...after your probation period. That amounts to a partial scholarship. Why not go that route?
If you are most interested in marine police service, that limits your choices.
You might consider a wide variety of federal law enforcement opportunities. Along with those listed in the DOJ, and Treasury, look at others as well. About every Department on federal govenment has a LE component, including the military. ALL have investigators attached to their respective IG's office. Plus, GAO.
Also, look at agencies with regulatory responsibilities.
With federal agencies, you'd factor in all your federal service thus far, re: retirement pension.
With local agencies, go for the ones that are in a growth mode, eg., Las Vegas Metro, or North Las Vegas PD's.
And, arrange a conference with a private polygraph operator, and see if you can figure out what it is that is troubling your previous tests.
Hope this is helpful,
Good Luck,
loren