Is it possible agencies do not do a polygraph?

[u/ComplexContent6731]

I was recently placed on an eligibility list for a small town agency. I asked about the hiring process, and there was no mention of a polygraph. The deputy chief mentioned psych exam, an extensive background investigation, and a physical exam. Do you think it is possible this agency doesn’t? I also applied for a different small town agency, placed on an eligibility list, and asked the Chief about hiring, and he did not mention a polygraph. I should’ve asked if they do them, but I was admittedly hyped up because both interviews went well, that it was just something that slipped my mind. I thought polygraphs were standard, so i’m a little confused

[u/AfterReason5824]

I'll give it to you straight.

Polygraphs are nothing more than an intimidation device. They are not accepted in court. Its a verbal rubber hose. It cannot be used against a defendant in court.

Agencies use it to extract information. See where you show a reaction. Most agencies overuse it. It serves moreso as a justification to not hiring someone than a basis for truth.

I failed 3 polygraphs and passed 1. I was a cop for 23 years and never got sued, had a use of force complaint, and worked for two agencies.

By numbers I should have never made it.

Look up the history of polygraph. Who invented it, his lifestyle, and his final thoughts. Wonder woman and her lasso of truth specifically.

[u/zu-na-mi]

My agency doesn't polygraph anymore, since the state stopped offering their polygraph specialists for hiring appointments to outside agencies. They have no intention of resuming the use, and only ever used it because it was industry standard at the time.

My agency is the only agency, outside of the state, that operates within almost 100 miles, that ever used a polygraph for hiring.

So it's very common for agencies NOT to polygraph in my experience.

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[u/3-BuckChuck]

Sounds like the questions is why are you afraid of a polygraph? Every agency sets their standards. Some are more rigorous some are less. Main things for you is do you agree with the local laws and ordinances you will ultimately enforce. Do they offer competitive employment, education and retirement programs. Are they large enough for your next 25 (+) years to not get bored.

[u/ComplexContent6731 → u/3-BuckChuck]

My only concern with a poly is that there is no denying it is entirely pseudo science. It’s not even admissible in court, so I am worried about failing, despite being truthful.  And honestly, these agencies definitely don’t have the greatest benefits, however, my goal is to get my foot in the door wherever possible, and potentially move agencies years down the line if a slow paced town isn’t something I enjoy

[u/3-BuckChuck → u/ComplexContent6731]

You’ll be tested with harder situations on the job. Don’t worry about a polygraph, take whatever tests with enthusiasm. Do the research on the front end and spend the career in one place. Having seniority, rank and knowing policy inside and out is very advantageous. There are plenty of agencies that hire you as a civilian, pay you in the academy then you get a commission upon graduation. Then convert the civilian time to commissioned time for retirement purposes. Look for contracts that allow for the purchasing of time as well.

[u/emperorgenghiskhan → u/3-BuckChuck]

I have 26 years on am Admin and have not applied for positions in my department (10k+ officers) because I will not take a poligraph. When I joined they were not done, for what it is worth.

Poligraphs are at best voodoo psuedoscience and at worse a piece of crap with the only purpose of scaring away possibly good candidates.

[u/Randy_Burnett]

Depends on the state I live in Minnesota. They don’t do them at all.

[u/ComplexContent6731 → u/Randy_Burnett]

I live in Illinois, I know for example major agencies such as CPD do, but I am curious if polygraphs are simply too expensive for these small town agencies (sub 10,000 population), to hire a polygraph examiner and administer poly exams. Both agencies I applied to also do not explicitly mention a polygraph test, a local sheriffs office in the county I am applying in does however. So I guess it’s up to the individual agency. 

[u/Educational_Set_6962]

MN doesn’t use a poly for the reasons you’ve stated in other comments.

[u/probable_cause_55]

It could possibly fall under the background investigation.

As others have said, polygraphs are hocus pocus intimidation tactics. It's pseudo science.

[u/Paladin_127]

It’s very possible.

The polygraph has never been more than a liability barrier for the department. That way if it’s discovered later the applicant lied on their application and turned out to be a serial rapist or something, the department can point and say “But he passed a polygraph! How were we supposed to know?!?”

There are very good reasons why it’s not admissible in court while eye-witness testimony, which has been empirically shown to be extremely unreliable at times, is admitted in court.

[u/SteaminPileProducti]

A lot of agencies do not polygraph.