Strict rules on getting into law enforcment?

Some departments require a polygraph, some do not. They can filter out just as many people by giving a psychological test instead and it's cheaper too. Our department had over 1000 candidates when I hired on. A polygraph was not practical. The psychological test took three hours and had multiple questions that were rephrased throughout the test to see if you still answered them all the same. Trust me, it's trickier than you might think. I'd worry more about your background investigation. An intense background investigation will reveal alot of information about you and depending on what they find, it could be a deciding factor to whether or not you get hired.

It is true. Almost every LE agency requires a polygraph test now. Some even require a pshcological exam. Just because someone has done drugs in the past dosen't really matter. Different agencys have different requirments. Most will still hire you as long as you have been clean for 2 yrs, and some as long as 5yrs. The main thing is tell the truth.

Most agency will still accept you with experimental drug use only like less then 5 times and only with marijuana. You do have to take a lie detector test for any law enforcement position. I had to take one to be a dispatcher. Oh also you drug use has to be either before the time you turned 18 or more than 5 years ago which ever is first. FYI you may want to try working for your local police department first, it is much harder to become a trooper, they have a stricter hiring process.

Most agencies put their applicants through a very intense hiring process. Our department has a 14 step process that includes a Psych Written, a Psych Oral, a Polygraph, an Oral board, a Background, a 3 part Medical, etc. Most agencies use either a Polygraph or Voice Stress Analysis system for screening purposes.

I don't believe your version of the events or at least your perceptions of them are off. I don't know of any officers that would harass someone solely because of a DWI over a decade ago. In my experience, the people that can't find Law Enforcement jobs are the people that fill out two applicants a year and then whine because "No one will hire them:"

you stated you have never heard of a polygraph. where have you been. it is done at all agencies and has been for many years.they go over the questions with you before the exam.you better believe your past means something.i can not believe you do not have enough common sense to answer these questions.you will never make it it in law enforcement.

----------retired texas deputy sheriff----------