What Not to Bring to a Lie Detector Test

www.wsp.wa.gov

(OLYMPIA, Wash.) - Background investigators for the Washington State Patrol “threw the book” at a prospective employee last week. The book, in this case, was owned by the applicant himself. The incident played out as Criminal Records Manager Heather Anderson was arriving for a meeting at State Patrol headquarters. She happened to look in the car parked next to hers. On the seat was a book titled “How to Beat the Lie Detector.”

The State Patrol is hiring, so Anderson contacted the Human Resources division. “Running any candidates through the process today?” she asked. “Why, yes,” replied Captain Jay Cabezuela. “There’s a fellow taking his polygraph exam right now.”

An investigation quickly ensued, and determined that the car and book did indeed belong to the prospective candidate. The applicant was informed that he would not be considered for the position, a civilian management job in the Patrol’s property management division.

State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste was so pleased that he presented Anderson with a Chief’s Coin as soon as he learned of the incident.

“We’re hiring at a time when we know many good people are unemployed,” Batiste said. “Heather’s sharp eye helped make sure our jobs are going to people with honor and integrity.” Due to a wave of retirements, the Patrol has many positions to fill despite the poor economy. Cabezuela stressed that embarrassing or youthful mistakes don’t automatically disqualify someone from WSP employment either as a civilian employee or trooper.

“If you disclose fully and speak openly you also have a chance to show us you’ve learned from your mistakes,” Cabezuela said. “But we have no tolerance for someone who tries to deceive us.”