Polygraph tests, also known as lie detector tests, are sometimes used in the screening and vetting process for police officer applicants, and can even be utilized in internal investigations. While the admissibility of polygraph results in court varies widely, the test itself remains a significant part of the process for many law enforcement agencies. Understanding the types of questions asked during a police officer polygraph test is crucial for both applicants and those facing internal investigations. This article will explore the common question types, the process involved, and strategies for navigating this crucial aspect of law enforcement employment.
Understanding the Polygraph Process for Police Officers
Before diving into the types of questions, it's important to understand the general procedure. The polygraph exam typically involves several stages:
- Pre-test Interview: The examiner will conduct a thorough interview to establish a baseline and understand the applicant's background. This interview often delves into the reasons for applying and any potential concerns that might arise during the testing process.
- Question Development: Based on the pre-test interview and the specific circumstances (application or internal investigation), the examiner will craft specific questions. These are generally categorized as relevant, irrelevant, and control questions.
- Physiological Measurement: The applicant is connected to the polygraph machine, which measures physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and skin conductance (perspiration). These responses are tracked as the applicant answers the questions.
- Question and Answer Session: The examiner will pose the questions systematically, ensuring the applicant understands each question before responding. This process may involve multiple repetitions of the same question or similar variations.
- Post-test Interview: After the testing, the examiner will analyze the physiological data and conduct a post-test interview to discuss the results. The conclusions of the polygraph are usually not presented as a simple "pass" or "fail" but rather are interpreted based on the physiological data relative to the questions asked.
Types of Police Officer Polygraph Test Questions
The questions posed during a police officer polygraph examination typically fall into three categories:
1. Irrelevant Questions
These are designed to establish a baseline of the applicant's physiological responses. Examples include:
- "Is your name [Applicant's Name]?"
- "Are you sitting in a chair?"
- "Is today Tuesday?" (or whatever the current day is).
These questions are simple and truthful, providing a benchmark against which to measure responses to more sensitive questions.
2. Control Questions
These questions are designed to be emotionally arousing even if the answers are truthful. They are aimed at assessing the applicant's responsiveness to deception-related stimuli. Examples include:
- "Before the age of 18, did you ever do something you know you shouldn’t have done?"
- "Have you ever lied to get out of trouble?"
- "Did you ever take something that wasn't yours?"
The rationale behind these questions is that even truthful applicants will experience some physiological response due to the potentially incriminating nature of the questions. The strength of this response is then compared to responses to relevant questions.
3. Relevant Questions
These are the core questions related to the specific concerns driving the polygraph. For applicant screening, these may relate to:
- Criminal History: "Have you ever committed a felony?" "Have you ever been arrested for domestic violence?"
- Drug Use: "Have you ever used illegal drugs?" "Have you ever used marijuana?" "Have you ever sold drugs?"
- Honesty and Integrity: "Have you ever lied on this application?" "Have you ever stolen anything from your employer or any place of employment?"
- Financial Issues: "Have you ever been involved in a fraudulent activity?" "Have you ever filed for bankruptcy?"
For internal investigations, relevant questions would be specific to the matter under investigation (e.g., allegations of excessive force, planting evidence, etc.). The questions will directly address the alleged misconduct.
Example Scenario: Applicant Screening
Let's consider a hypothetical example of a police officer applicant polygraph:
| Question Type | Question Example | Expected Response |
|---|---|---|
| Irrelevant | "Is your name John Smith?" | Truthful |
| Control | "Before the age of 25, did you ever do something dishonest?" | Likely some arousal |
| Relevant | "Have you ever committed a felony?" | Truthful (ideally) |
| Relevant | "Have you ever used illegal drugs?" | Truthful (ideally) |
Interpreting the Results
It is crucial to understand that the polygraph is not foolproof. The accuracy of polygraph results is a subject of ongoing debate, with studies showing varying degrees of accuracy and susceptibility to manipulation by both the examiner and the subject. The interpretation of physiological data is subjective, making it a controversial tool.
Preparing for a Police Officer Polygraph Test
While you can't guarantee a "passing" result, thorough preparation can reduce stress and increase your chances of having a more successful test. This includes:
- Understanding the Process: Knowing what to expect will help alleviate anxiety and make the test less intimidating.
- Being Honest: The best strategy is always to be truthful. Attempting to deceive the polygraph is highly likely to be detected.
- Seeking Legal Counsel: If facing an internal investigation, consulting with a lawyer is recommended.
- Practicing Relaxation Techniques: Techniques like deep breathing and meditation can help manage stress during the exam.
Remember that a polygraph test is just one element of the police officer screening or internal investigation process. It should not be the sole determinant of employment or disciplinary action.
Conclusion: Police Officer Polygraph Test Questions and the Bigger Picture
Police officer polygraph test questions are designed to assess honesty and integrity. While they aim to uncover deception, the test's limitations and the complexities of interpreting physiological data necessitate careful consideration of the results. Applicants and those undergoing internal investigations should approach the polygraph with a clear understanding of the process, potential question types, and the importance of truthfulness. Ultimately, the polygraph is just one piece of information among many used in evaluating candidates and investigating alleged misconduct within law enforcement.