Recruitment-Polygraph

I applied for BSO about two months ago and already passed my first oral board interview which went well. I am scheduled to take my poly in nine days even though I have taken and passed this exam before (different Dept.) I would like to know what kind of questions does BSO ask on the poly exam? Thanks in advance for any helpful advise

I applied for BSO about two months ago and already passed my first oral board interview which went well. I am scheduled to take my poly in nine days even though I have taken and passed this exam before (different Dept.) I would like to know what kind of questions does BSO ask on the poly exam? Thanks in advance for any helpful advise

*A-D-V-I-C-E*

Here are some questions you may see on a law enforcement poly test?
1. Have you ever stolen anything from a previous employer, over 5.00?
2. Have you ever experimented with any illegal narcotic?
3. Have you lied about any details on an employment application?
4. Have you ever associated with a known criminal for personal gain?
5. Have you ever committed any undetected crimes?
6. Have you been untruthful during any portion of this exam?
7. Have you ever been conviceted of a felony?

Well, you get the picture now so good luck and advise how you did on your test.

HEY I TOLD THIS GUY THE SAME THING ABOUT THE SPELLING ERROR ON HOLLYWOOD'S SITE.

Hey In the know, I appriciate you posting that info, I too was wondering that same question, to the original poster, how was the interview? Mine is next month just wanted to know what to expect, also, how long is it before they send to the polygraph after the interview. Thanks and stay safe!

Thank you for the information it sounds a lot like the other polygraph exams that I have taken in the past. I asked the question thinking that Dade and Broward have different poly exams but its all the same and I will post my results to help others in the process. For the guest asking about the oral board I took mines about a month ago they gave me 15 minutes alone to write an essay about “Why do I want to become a BSO Cadet“. After that they escort you into a room where you meet the panel. They asked you yes and no questions about stealing, drugs, work history, education and so on. After that they asked you to give them several life experiences where you have dealt with stress and other situations that they will give you. The hole entire interview will last about 30 minutes they will asked you to wait outside for your result. If you passed they will give your polygraph date the same day. Wear a suit, shake there hand and keep eye contact on all three panels and you will be fine. “good luck”

Cool, sounds alot like the other interviews I've taken, I hear they try to discourage you in some ways is that true?

Cool, sounds alot like the other interviews I've taken, I hear they try to discourage you in some ways is that true?

You can expect to hear some questions that may take you by surprise during an interview. The reason for that is the interviewer wants to see if you show an abnormal reaction to the question, they are reading your body posture and they want to see how you answer their questions. They
even try to push your buttons with loaded questions to see if you fly off the handle or lose your composure. Just remember, stay focused, answer the questions with confidence, always make eye contact, be polite, keep your answers short and direct, don't go off into a long drawn out answer that will put them to sleep. If you are asked to give a more detailed answer it's alright to do that but just don't go overboard. If you have a sense of humor there are times, even during an interview that you can let someone see that, but you have to be able to read people to do that so if you are not comfortable with that then don't try to bite off more than you can chew. Also, be on time, a little early is fine, and wear a suit, first impressions do count. Make sure you are well groomed and don't wear overpowering body spray or colones. Don't talk too much about your personal life, keep it short and sweet and be sure not to badmouth any former employers.

Well, that's it for now, let us know how you did on your interview and if you need any more advice feel free to ask.

Yea thanks, after the interview, do they do your backround within that 4 week period before the polygraph? or is it the o board then the polygraph then whatever the next step is?

Yea thanks, after the interview, do they do your backround within that 4 week period before the polygraph? or is it the o board then the polygraph then whatever the next step is?

Typically, you will have a poly after the interview then the backround investigator will do a backround check on the applicant which covers making contacts with previous employers, personal references, and a neighborhood check. I can remember an applicant many years ago that during a backround check it was discovered that he had showed deception during the poly with regard to use of illegal narcotics. Then, a followup was conducted and when contacted, the applicant admitted to experimenting with cocaine. When the backround investigator saw these notes in the applicants file he brought the file back to human resources to be disqualified from any further consideration. The application had apparently slipped through the cracks and should have been dropped much sooner then it was.

Anyway, if you make it all the way past the psych exam, which is an 8 hour exam then your chances to get hired are pretty good. If you need any info about the psych exam reply with any questions.

Yea I went as far as a psych with wilton manors but they chose someone else when it came down to the job offer. Where does BSO send you for their psych? I had to go to miami for wilton manors.

Yea I went as far as a psych with wilton manors but they chose someone else when it came down to the job offer. Where does BSO send you for their psych? I had to go to miami for wilton manors.

The psych exam is outsourced to offices in Palm Beach county near Palm Springs and somewhere in the Ft. Lauderdale area. I could tell you some nightmare stories of how the psychs used to be given over 25 yrs ago. You wouldn't believe just how crooked the psych doctors were.

Ha, nah I belive you, I've heard plenty of stories from friends and relatives about BSO back in the early to mid 80's so I can only imagine.

Just got back form taking my Polygraph and what a horrible experience it was for me, I have taken these kinds of exams in the past and passed with flying colors but this time I’m not sure what happened. During my exam the polygragpher beeper went off twice making me turn my head there fore throwing off the machine. The polygragpher grilled me because of my poor driving record even though it was seven years ago since my last ticket. When the exam was over the polygrapher stated that in five to seven days I would either receive a telephone call with further instructions or a letter dissming me from the process. To me that’s sounds like a polite way to say “you failed” so I have no choice but to wait and see what happens. Just wondering if this has happened to any other BSO Leo’s ??

Just got back form taking my Polygraph and what a horrible experience it was for me, I have taken these kinds of exams in the past and passed with flying colors but this time I’m not sure what happened. During my exam the polygragpher beeper went off twice making me turn my head there fore throwing off the machine. The polygragpher grilled me because of my poor driving record even though it was seven years ago since my last ticket. When the exam was over the polygrapher stated that in five to seven days I would either receive a telephone call with further instructions or a letter dissming me from the process. To me that’s sounds like a polite way to say “you failed” so I have no choice but to wait and see what happens. Just wondering if this has happened to any other BSO Leo’s ??

Sounds to me like the examiner was not professional at all. The fact that you were distracted during the test as a result of a situation beyond your control would be sufficient to use as a protest if the results don't work in your favor. Professional examiners never allow any distractions during the exam just so the subject won't later claim that which you contend.
Make sure you use that as your rebuttal, if necessary.

Is there a way to contest the results of a polygraph? I keep hearing BSO's polygrapher is ridiculous.

Is there a way to contest the results of a polygraph? I keep hearing BSO's polygrapher is ridiculous.

Certainly you will want to mention the fact that if you were distracted during an exam by the person administering the exam to you that in fact the exam was not fair and impartial. Sort of like you were set up to perhaps fail the exam from the start. When you find out your test results my suggestion to you then would be, use anything you can to contest it, if in fact you did not pass the exam. See just where BSO will stand on it and if they will re-test you due to the circumstances.

Thanks a million polyman and I will protest my exam if I failed of course just have to wait for a phone call or letter, oh and I will continue to post my progress in order to help answer any questions to other applicants...

Yea that would be great guest, I have my oral board next tuesday and I'd like to see how you've been getting along and what to expect. Sorry to hear about your distracting experiance on that machine. Good Luck!

I took my oral interview a month ago so my process has been slow. But basically you’re going to walk into the H.R. department where you will be escorted into a small cold room where you will have 15 minutes to write an essay on why you think you will make a good BSO cadet. When your time is up they will escort you into another room where you will meet the interviewers, make sure to shake there hands and introduce yourself by first and last name even though they know who you are. The entire interview will last for about 35 minutes. They will ask you some questions about your education, present employment, and driving history there basically trying to see how you communicate. Second they will ask you a series of yes and no questions about drugs, stealing, etc. just make sure to match what ever you put on your application. Third they put you in several scenarios and ask you what would you and why. Last they open the room for questions and make sure to ask at least three questions, when you’re done you will be asked to leave the room and wait for your results. If you pass they will give you your poly exam date which leaves me to where I am now waiting for my results. Hopefully you won’t have the same beeper problem I had yesterday, good luck….. P.S. Excuse the grammer I am using the computer at work and trying not to get caught.

Thanks a million polyman and I will protest my exam if I failed of course just have to wait for a phone call or letter, oh and I will continue to post my progress in order to help answer any questions to other applicants...


I received my telephone call from BSO stating I passed my (Polygraph), so I guess I wont need to protest my little beeper incident….Anyways I’am schedule to take the Psychological Evaluation Exam in two weeks which I have taken and failed twice in Dade County. Hopefully Broward administers there exam differently, does anyone have any experience with BSO Psych exam ?

Yea I think I might have failed mine for wilton manors, they sent me a letter that said they chose someone else for the position. Keep us posted on everything, did they say where your taking your psych?

Thanks a million polyman and I will protest my exam if I failed of course just have to wait for a phone call or letter, oh and I will continue to post my progress in order to help answer any questions to other applicants...


I received my telephone call from BSO stating I passed my (Polygraph), so I guess I wont need to protest my little beeper incident….Anyways I’am schedule to take the Psychological Evaluation Exam in two weeks which I have taken and failed twice in Dade County. Hopefully Broward administers there exam differently, does anyone have any experience with BSO Psych exam ?

Here is some help for you re: the exam. It is an 8 hour exam that starts in the morning, you may be asked if you would like a lunch break but then they will add on the time to the exam if you break for lunch so eat a good breakfast so you can stay there and work through lunch. You will probably get a very extensive questionairre, sort of like a "describe yourself" type test where it's like they ask you to describe yourself in some detail. Then, after you complete this they give you a 300 question test, sort of like they will be asking you questions for example: On a Saturday night you would rather- 1. go to a party, stay home and read a good book, watch TV, go out to a club with friends, so on and so on. Then later on in this questionairre you will see the same question but phrased a bit differently, as if to see if you answer the question the same as you did before. You will see this come up during the questionairre as they want to see if your answers match or if you are trying to fake the test or just rush through it. Then, you will be asked to go into the psych doc's office so he can interview you and he will be asking you questions based on what you wrote about yourself on the personal history questionairre that you did first. The doc will try to pic your brain about your childhood, your parents, your siblings, your jobs and co-workers, your social habits, your hobbies, both your good and bad points, your likes and dislikes, etc, etc, etc.

When you leave there at the end of the day you feel like just going to sleep. It can be a very stressful day so just make sure you get a good night's sleep before you go and don't go into too much detail about yourself, sometimes, less said the better, unless you are asked to give a more detailed answer to a particular question. Just stay cool, calm and collected during the exam and interview and tell yourself that you can get through the test.

What they are looking for is an applicant that is not too meek like a lamb or too strong like a great white shark. They want someone that is even tempered, shows alot of patience, makes calculated decisions, and doesn't show nervousness, so wear your poker face and maintain your composure at all times. Make certain that you are dressed in proper attire, no suit but nice clothes, definetely no jeans of any type, dress pants and a shirt and make sure no wrinkles are on your clothes like you got hit by a wrinkle rocket. Remember, you will be observed while you are there so don't display any signs like, cracking knuckles, tapping your fingers or feet, etc, etc,etc. Just sit as still as possible and do not take any caffine product before the test.


Let us know how you did and if you have any other questions you know where to come to for an answer.

Its sounds just like the other psychological exams that I failed. Thanks for the tips I am sure they will help. My exam will take place in two weeks so I have to prepare myself and research the net. On the last exam one question was (Do you like flowers?) I said no, Another questions was (Would you give your'e mother flowers?) I said yes, Another question was (Do like to work with your hands?) I said yes, Another questions was (Would you work in construction?) I said no, Is that conflicting my exam should I stay honest or lie?

Its sounds just like the other psychological exams that I failed. Thanks for the tips I am sure they will help. My exam will take place in two weeks so I have to prepare myself and research the net. On the last exam one question was (Do you like flowers?) I said no, Another questions was (Would you give your'e mother flowers?) I said yes, Another question was (Do like to work with your hands?) I said yes, Another questions was (Would you work in construction?) I said no, Is that conflicting my exam should I stay honest or lie?

There is no way to fake the exam, so just be honest, even if it sounds like a conflicting answer, you may be asked to elaborate on your answer. Then, you can explain your answer in a short, direct reply.
Remember, honesty is the best policy.

Honest I'll be....just hope I dont fail for trying to hard. Last question how is the exam scored, I was told 95% of your passing score is due from the oral interview would you happen to know?

Honest I'll be....just hope I dont fail for trying to hard. Last question how is the exam scored, I was told 95% of your passing score is due from the oral interview would you happen to know?


All portions of the test are equally important to assess each applicant, if that were the case then they would just interview everyone so be sure to apply yourself as best you can to the entire exam, even if you get bored or the parts of the exam seem silly. Remember, they will be observing you to see how you carry yourself and how you think and react to the entire exam. You may even see the doc taking notes as he interviews you.

Thanks agian for the help I feel confident being that its my third time taking this exam. Key points are even tempered, Patience, Calculated decisions, and show my poker face..lol I'll keep everyone up to date as soon as I find out anything....

Hey guest, what were the scenario's they asked you on the OB? Just so I can expect them I got mine on tues. Also, i'm glad you rocked the poly, you got that psych down dude.

Thanks for the moral support believe me its helps, as for the scenario’s I can only remember a few like “You where off-duty at the local wal-mart buying food when you notice a man with a gun yelling and screaming” what would you do and why? I responded by saying “I would call 911 and assist the wal-mart customers to safety while waiting for units to arrive. I answered that way because I’m off-duty meaning I don’t have my patrol car, or proper equipment to detain the suspect.

Another question was “You are on FTO and arrive to a call in reference to an store alarm going off, You check the entire store and find nothing, Your Sr. Officer takes several candy bars and says to you its ok take some its only candy”! I responded by saying “I would tell my Sr. Officer that taking the candy bar would be stealing and that he should not do that” I was than asked if I would turn in my Sr. Officer, I replied by saying “No because I would hope that the Sr. Officer would listen to me and understand that its wrong to steal. Maybe that’s not the best answer but it caught me off-guard so I had to reply fast besides you don’t rat out your brothers!

I cant remember any other questions but you get the point just be ready to explain yourself for every scenario, Good luck brother and do yourself a favor WEAR a suit and keep eye contact at all times. And don’t forget about the pre essay on why do you think you would make a good BSO cadet.

Wilton Manors actully asked me those same exact questions. Then when I went to their psych the doc asked me those same questions again. (Which I'm sure is good insight for ya.) Try to remember those answers so they can match those answers up with the orignal answers you gave to BSO. Thanks for the info bud, I'll post how I do on Tuesday. Later!

To guest (In The Know) I have a question regarding my physical agility exam. I took it back in November of this year and I just realized that it has expired being that the scores are only valid for six months, As you know I am in the middle of my process taking the Psychological next week. My question is will I be disqualified because my physical agility is not up to date? Or Am I safe due to already starting the process?

Another question is reference to credit and driving record, When applying the recruiter told me it would be a case by case investigations but I would like to know if I have a chance of becoming hired even if I pass the psychological and medical exams. I have a bankruptcy of 30K that has been cleared for two years, My credit is slowly rebuilding and I have nine closed citations nothing major, I really hate putting my personal info out like this but I am hoping you or some one else can give me some hope !

I prolly don't know as much as "In the know" but I would think the recruiter would have set you strait if you had any problems reguarding the credit thing. I have 3 points on my license and he told me if I got another ticket I would be DQ'd so I dunno about the tickets. Also, if you talking about you doing your BCC testing in November of LAST year, then I would think your safe with the agency your already processing with. If you were looking to apply to other agencies after your 6 mo. is expired, you would have to redo the BCC testing. To my knowledge I belive all you would have to redo is the physical agility, the swim stays with you forever if remember correctly. Be Safe!

I decided to contact BSO in reference to the physical agility, unfortunately even though I am in the middle of my process I still need to update my PAT exam, So I’ll be calling tomorrow morning to register right away being that my scores expired five days ago!

I decided to contact BSO in reference to the physical agility, unfortunately even though I am in the middle of my process I still need to update my PAT exam, So I’ll be calling tomorrow morning to register right away being that my scores expired five days ago!

Since it looks like I will be in the same situation, how much is it to take the PAT again?

Its $10.00 my buddy is going this Thursday I will try my best to join him, Just curious is your PAT expired too?

Its $10.00 my buddy is going this Thursday I will try my best to join him, Just curious is your PAT expired too?

Not yet but with the next academy starting on June 11th and with several steps left in the hiring process it will expire before the August academy start.

So unless someone on here wants to speed up my process and hire me for the 11th I will have to take it again :lol:

Well, I failed my oral board. They asked nothing about what was spoken on here. I was offered to process for corrections but I declined. It was one of the harder interviews I've had and I've had ALOT of interviews. I figured maybe they ask different questions to certified applicants. They kept asking me about stressful situations related to law enforcement and I have no experiance on the road so I had no decent response, I had to make the best answer I could. They didn't give me any scenario's and they didn't ask me if I had any questions for them. So, all in all it was a rough day. Thanks for the help that everyone put in, I guess I'll try again in 6 mo.

To the guest who failed the Oral Board interview, Don’t feel bad brother if it helps I been trying to become a LEO since late 2005 and I’m 25 years old. Over and over I have applied with different agencies and one by one I was either not processed or disqualified which makes it hard because you have to wait the 6 months or one year period before reapplying. I have had few ups and many downs trying to become a LEO but I never give up its what I to be, I just hope and pray I pass this psychological next week. When you have a down day just remember to put the winds of destiny behind you and prepare for tomorrow good luck in your future.

To the guest who failed the Oral Board interview, Don’t feel bad brother if it helps I been trying to become a LEO since late 2005 and I’m 25 years old. Over and over I have applied with different agencies and one by one I was either not processed or disqualified which makes it hard because you have to wait the 6 months or one year period before reapplying. I have had few ups and many downs trying to become a LEO but I never give up its what I to be, I just hope and pray I pass this psychological next week. When you have a down day just remember to put the winds of destiny behind you and prepare for tomorrow good luck in your future.

I forgot the "want"

Yea so since I've failed the BSO interview, I've applied to a few other agencies, I've applied to Miramar, I have to do some B-PAD thing for them next week, I hear it's suppose to be retarded, talking to a TV or somthing. I'm even stooping as low as applying to FLPD lol. A job is a job at this point though, to that one guest, good luck on the psych, make sure you post how u did I'm lookin forward to hearin' about it.

Hopefully FLPD won't stoop as low as to select you for any processing. It's funny how people talk crap about departments and then want to get hired by them.

Yea so since I've failed the BSO interview, I've applied to a few other agencies, I've applied to Miramar, I have to do some B-PAD thing for them next week, I hear it's suppose to be retarded, talking to a TV or somthing. I'm even stooping as low as applying to FLPD lol. A job is a job at this point though, to that one guest, good luck on the psych, make sure you post how u did I'm lookin forward to hearin' about it.

Screw FLPD I applied for them about four months ago passing my Oral Board and than placing me on the (6 months) waiting list. During that time I applied for BSO and have taken my Oral Board, Polygraph and Psych. Good luck brother I'll post mt Psych results soon!

Hopefully FLPD won't stoop as low as to select you for any processing. It's funny how people talk crap about departments and then want to get hired by them.

I hate to turn this into yet another FLPD bashing thread but look at it realistically, FLPD is the worst agency in the tri county area in reference to benefits. They are constantly under fire with the NAACP and the city manager is a freakin' a-hole. I put them last on my list. But a job is a job. Maybe it will fix it's self in the next few years and become more appealing but let's not act like FLPD is elite because it ain't.

Hopefully FLPD won't stoop as low as to select you for any processing. It's funny how people talk crap about departments and then want to get hired by them.

I hate to turn this into yet another FLPD bashing thread but look at it realistically, FLPD is the worst agency in the tri county area in reference to benefits. They are constantly under fire with the NAACP and the city manager is a freakin' a-hole. I put them last on my list. But a job is a job. Maybe it will fix it's self in the next few years and become more appealing but let's not act like FLPD is elite because it ain't.

I hope you mention this during your oral board. If you do some how make it through the process, you better not bring that FU*KING Additude with you to our department, we have enough of that sh*t already

Hopefully FLPD won't stoop as low as to select you for any processing. It's funny how people talk crap about departments and then want to get hired by them.

I hate to turn this into yet another FLPD bashing thread but look at it realistically, FLPD is the worst agency in the tri county area in reference to benefits. They are constantly under fire with the NAACP and the city manager is a freakin' a-hole. I put them last on my list. But a job is a job. Maybe it will fix it's self in the next few years and become more appealing but let's not act like FLPD is elite because it ain't.

I hope you mention this during your oral board. If you do some how make it through the process, you better not bring that FU*KING Additude with you to our department, we have enough of that sh*t already


oh so then ill fit right in...

Besides, what F!@#$%^ attitude are you talking about? I'm only stating the facts, theres nothing to argue with me about, i respect FLPD and it's officers, its just unfortunatly they don't seem as appealing as other depts to work for.

Hopefully FLPD won't stoop as low as to select you for any processing. It's funny how people talk crap about departments and then want to get hired by them.

I hate to turn this into yet another FLPD bashing thread but look at it realistically, FLPD is the worst agency in the tri county area in reference to benefits. They are constantly under fire with the NAACP and the city manager is a freakin' a-hole. I put them last on my list. But a job is a job. Maybe it will fix it's self in the next few years and become more appealing but let's not act like FLPD is elite because it ain't.

I hope you mention this during your oral board. If you do some how make it through the process, you better not bring that FU*KING Additude with you to our department, we have enough of that sh*t already

AFTER READING, OR ATTEMPTING TO DECIPHER WHAT YOU WROTE, I'VE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT YOU DON'T NECESSARILY NEED TO BE EDUCATED TO GET INTO THIS CAREER. I SERIOUSLY HOPE YOU'RE HIDDEN SOMEWHERE WITHIN YOUR AGENCY WHERE YOU DON'T HAVE TO WRITE ANY REPORTS. THREE LINES MADE YOU LOOK AS INTELLIGENT AS A SPENT CONDOM.

Hopefully FLPD won't stoop as low as to select you for any processing. It's funny how people talk crap about departments and then want to get hired by them.

I hate to turn this into yet another FLPD bashing thread but look at it realistically, FLPD is the worst agency in the tri county area in reference to benefits. They are constantly under fire with the NAACP and the city manager is a freakin' a-hole. I put them last on my list. But a job is a job. Maybe it will fix it's self in the next few years and become more appealing but let's not act like FLPD is elite because it ain't.

I hope you mention this during your oral board. If you do some how make it through the process, you better not bring that FU*KING Additude with you to our department, we have enough of that sh*t already


Fort Lauderdale Police Department is one of the worst agencies in Broward county.


oh so then ill fit right in...