r/AskLE • u/Specter1033 • Nov 03 '24
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Specter
r/AskLE • u/Specter1033 • Aug 31 '26
Love it, hate it, the voodoo box is here to stay. It probably won't be changing for a while until more comprehensive standards come down the pipeline nationally and agencies transition to them.
This presents a challenge for us here because we end up in a dilemma with the point of this subreddit. While we understand the process can be confusing and people want answers, we have historically experienced a great deal of consternation with this topic and it usually ends with a fight that causes a lot of headaches for the mod team.
Generally speaking, none of us are going to be able to answer specific questions as to the why or how. We weren't there. We don't know what you were subjected to or what the administrator saw when they gave you the "test." So here's some general advice on the topic:
Be consistent with your answers. Everything from your application to the Personal History Questionnaire will be scrutinized. The cumulative information as a whole is assessed by the examiner and background investigator to develop inconsistencies that question an applicants integrity. Small, innocuous things are red flags to an examiner and a BI that they hone in on during the administration of the "test" that is designed to trip you up and cause you to react to the "box."
The machine is NOT a lie detector. It's a device designed to measure reactions within your body that the administrator "interprets" as being an "indicator" of deception, which is highly subjective and is not based on actual defined scientific methodologies.
The point of number two is to give you an idea of what the process is, not to tell you there is a magical "method" to the process. Every process is different and there are (literally) hundreds of ways they can be administered. I have taken more than a dozen of them over my 20+ years in law enforcement and the military and none of them have been the same. I have taken them in a group setting with hundreds of distractions flying around and some that were more akin to a homeopathic group therapy hippie convention than what should have been a professional setting determining your future. That is the reason why these tests are not admissible in court, because the process highly subjective and interpretation depends on a litany of factors far too broad and expansive that there is no process to determine a comprehensive legal standard.
Research on this subject is highly discouraged for a reason. Plenty of information on the polygraph can come to you with a quick Google search, but this in itself can be considered a "flag" that administrators hone in on because of the variety of information available. There are "guides" out there to make people believe they can manipulate the process. There are "guides" out there describing the intense process of training your body to "react" to the machine to skew your results. There are groups dedicated to "stopping" the administration of the polygraph because it's based on junk science and try to sell you a story on what you can do about it. This is nothing new and has been going on for decades. Some agencies have stopped them, some have adopted them. They still exist despite it. The point is that nothing is definitive and there is nothing you think you can do because you read some crap online about it. Just follow the directions and do the best you can.
On the topic of directions, some common things people do before they take the exam are: don't get a good night's sleep (probably because they are nervous about taking it), change their answers, don't eat, drink too much water to make them have to pee, don't relax, hit the gym the night before so your ass is sore and tired, don't read the pre-poly instructions and questionnaire, don't follow directions. Do the opposite of all that.
Hopefully, this gives prospective applicants a window in to this topic. Good luck and don't give up! Just because you got bit by the voodoo box once, doesn't mean you're done. Keep pushing on and try, try again.
r/AskLE • u/Threebridges2 • 7h ago
You know what I’m talking about. Sharp jawline, knife hand, no nonsense, no fun personality, handshake that will make you lose circulation, Usually jacked, (I’ve never seen a fat state trooper in person or in any form of media). Why and how do state agencies attract this specific type of person? You seem to get a lot more variety in personalities and appearance in non state agencies.
r/AskLE • u/Such-Page7696 • 4h ago
Title: Chances of Getting Hired by Riverside County Sheriff’s Department With My Military Background?
I’m 33 years old and currently transitioning out of the Marine Corps after 8 years of active-duty service. I’m interested in applying to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and wanted some honest opinions about my background and chances of getting hired.
A little about me:
8 years active-duty Marine Corps infantry (0311).
Served as an infantry squad leader, operations chief, and combat instructor.
Held leadership positions supervising and training Marines.
No felony convictions.
Arrested twice before joining the military: once for disorderly conduct in 2014 and once for harassment in 2015.
Have not received a traffic ticket in over 10 years.
Have two NJPs during my military career, one approximately 6 years ago and another in 2026.
My most recent NJP involved violations of military regulations and allegations of improper treatment of students while serving as an instructor. I was reduced in rank.
I take responsibility for my past mistakes and understand the seriousness of those incidents.
Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
I understand that law enforcement agencies place significant emphasis on integrity, judgment, accountability, and past conduct.
My biggest concern is how my prior arrests and NJPs, particularly the most recent one, will affect my chances of passing the background investigation.
I also believe I’ve grown significantly since my early twenties. My military service has taught me leadership, discipline, accountability, and responsibility.
I’m not looking to hide anything or make excuses. I plan to be completely transparent throughout the hiring process.
My questions:
Would my two arrests from over 10 years ago and two military NJPs automatically disqualify me?
Does Riverside Sheriff’s Department evaluate applicants with military disciplinary histories on a case-by-case basis?
Would my 8 years of military service and leadership experience help offset some of my past mistakes?
Would the fact that I haven’t had any civilian legal issues or traffic citations in over 10 years help my chances?
Would it be better to apply now or wait a few years to demonstrate continued good conduct?
I’d especially appreciate honest feedback from current or former Riverside deputies, background investigators, or anyone who has gone through a similar situation.
I’m not expecting anyone to sugarcoat anything. I just want a realistic understanding of my chances before pursuing the hiring process.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
r/AskLE • u/portablebaddie • 20h ago
r/AskLE • u/comeback2mycorner • 10h ago
Howdy, I’m a jail deputy in training. I’ve been training for a little over 2 weeks in the jail, and I attended a jail academy for my county. My agency is fairly large, 500+ sworn and located in the Midwest. I’ve wanted to do this career for years and have dedicated time, money and effort to it. I’m training and attempting to learn via drinking through the proverbial fire hose, but I feel that I am not confident and left with a million questions.
I’ve not had major problems with talking to inmates, I’m getting used to disciplining people putting them on lockdown, but also relating to them and talking to them on relatively friendly and open-handed terms.
I’ve been struggling with using the radio, application of our restraint chair, and general key knowledge (which turns which way, what opens what etc.)
But the main thing I’ve been struggling with is my confidence. I am in my training period to get experience, but I feel that I’m missing a lot of the little things and letting all of my fellow deputies down. I strive to be someone who is dependable, but I’ve not been able to reach my own standards.
I want to do this job well. I choose this career because I’ve wanted something that I can be prideful of and know that I gave back to my community. I’m just filled with doubt right now and more questions than answers.
r/AskLE • u/antdomlil22 • 11h ago
How Was Your Background Investigation Experience?
I’m currently in the process of relocating from Georgia to the West Coast with over five years of law enforcement experience. I’ve been applying to several departments in California and Oregon for various reasons, with one of my biggest priorities being overall quality of life.
For those who have gone through the hiring process with agencies in either state, I’m curious about your experiences, particularly regarding the background investigation and the documentation required.
I’ve noticed a trend with several California departments requesting what seems like an extensive amount of documentation beyond the typical employment history, education records, references, and other job-related information. Some requests, such as vehicle registration and proof of insurance, seem a bit redundant or unnecessarily invasive compared to what I’ve experienced in the Southeast.
I completely understand that thorough background investigations are part of law enforcement hiring, and I’m not opposed to providing the necessary documentation. However, I’m curious whether this level of scrutiny is standard practice across California agencies or if it’s more department-specific.
A few questions for those who have been through the process:
How did your background investigation experience differ between California and Oregon agencies?
For officers who relocated from the South or another state, were there any documentation requirements or parts of the hiring process that caught you off guard?
Did you find California background investigations more extensive or invasive compared to other states?
Were Oregon agencies generally more straightforward with their background requirements, or was the process fairly similar?
Looking back, is there anything you wish you had known before applying to departments on the West Coast?
I’m especially interested in hearing from current officers, laterals, and anyone who has gone through the hiring process in both states.
I’m not looking to criticize either state’s hiring standards. I’m simply trying to get a better understanding of the differences in hiring practices, expectations, and agency culture before making a major relocation.
Any firsthand experiences, comparisons, or advice would be greatly appreciated!
r/AskLE • u/BYOI2024 • 12h ago
I am mid-career in a different field, bored out of my mind, and never really loved what I do. Going back, I always loved psychology, sociology, social work, and criminology. For years I have admired women in LE and military. So I’m starting to explore the idea again and doing some soul-searching for my “why”. Can you all share what made you want to be an LEO?
Does it ever feel like you’re the person everyone hates and/or no fun to be around because you’re like “the narc” or something? A part of me worries that I’ll hate enforcing laws when I know someone is struggling or needs help in some way, I have a ton of empathy.
r/AskLE • u/Steelmonkey02 • 11h ago
As a 24 year old will being on Vyvanse and an ssri affect my hiring odds?
A bit more about myself-
Been through the foster system, have had a rocky relationship with my bio parents. I have been fortunate enough to have support of my Foster family till this day. I’ve Done air cadets in my teens till about 16. I then tried to apply to the army reserves while in high school was rejected though bc of the aforementioned medicinal prescriptions. Worked in residential, commercial and Ici construction from about 2019 till now. my most recent job being a scaffolder within the carpenters union. I’ve done this for about two years now and am a second term apprentice. I’ve made the decision to leave due to a lack of steady stable work. I should also add I’m currently in the process of being trained as a volunteer crisis line responder. Going to go a step further and also apply to volunteer with madd Canada. Currently working at Canada’s wonderland as a park services associate and going back to school for police foundations in January 2027 which is where we’re at today. I’ve always wanted to be a police officer/ first responder since a kid. As corny as that sounds, I’ve just continued doubted myself. I think now that I look at it bc I genuinely needed time to mature.
Driving record -
I’ve had 2 at fault accidents since 2020. One from the other driver not reporting (i was rear ended). 3 tickets from 2020 - 2023 all received individually each year. I recently got into a minor rear end fender bender from being distracted by my dog and also got a careless driving ticket which is before the courts at the moment.
My aspirations ideally is ideally to get into a transit special constable program but would be happy if I end up in any le role in Ontario to start and build out
If anyone can offer advice I’d really appreciate it!
Also too what are my odds? What can I do to improve?
Jeez I also forgot to add I have my PAL and have gotten in some range time with it if that’s worth noting too!
Should also add in Ontario Canada
Reposted for lack of responses lol
r/AskLE • u/ImpossibleAmount647 • 18h ago
I finally have one step left before potentially receiving a conditional offer from my state agency. My oral board interview is in less than three weeks.
I got my navy suit in the mail today, and thankfully, I think it fits okay? I’m planning on ironing it to smooth everything out before the interview.
I’ll be wearing a fitted black shirt with a higher neckline than what’s pictured, black flats, and no jewelry.
I’ve never worn a suit before, so I’m not entirely sure what to look for when it comes to proper fit. I know it needs to be ironed, but are the vertical lines going down the pants normal, or will that come out after I iron it? Also, am I supposed to cut the little stitching on the back of the blazer so it separates? I’ve heard of people doing that.
Apologies if this isn’t the usual type of post here. I figured this would be a good place to get some advice. All feedback is appreciated. Thank you.
r/AskLE • u/ZoneOpening3730 • 8h ago
Hello, I recently became a part time driver for Lyft and I do it after school and weekends for extra income. I'm in Chicago and I tend to be in the downtown area and the western suburbs. The light helps my customers pick me out from a crowd of traffic and I feel safer to drive around in neighborhoods in Chicago so people have an idea I'm just a Rideshare driver. The light is Pink, Not Red, Blue, or amber color. It doesn't flash. I'm just doing my part to prevent drunk drivers on the road. I couldn't find a reliable legal source to see if it's legal to display this pink light. Obviously, if it's against the law, I won't display it. There's a mix of people on reddit who say it's fine and some say they have gotten pulled over for the light display. Thank you.
r/AskLE • u/KOFFDAERTH • 10h ago
Okay so basically I work at the facility for security guards, I have a supervisor who always walks my area before leaving who is flat out drunk. He tries to cover it but he is, I know because I do the lever pull to allow cars to go pass and he has to go through me. Long story straight he drinks and drives and I believe has a very long distance drive (I really don’t want anyone to get hurt or die and know I could of done something about it) I wanna call the cops and tell them, I even know the time that he leaves.. should I call them and if so how ?
r/AskLE • u/Norinium • 6h ago
Hypothetically speaking, let's say there is a police officer who really likes hats—it's not like he wants to hide his balding spot. Can he wear a hat all the time inside and outside the building, during patrols, and everywhere you could think of in general?
r/AskLE • u/Round-Translator7871 • 13h ago
Just recently did the last step of my application for Austin pd and am wondering how soon I would receive more news. Academy is in January with orientation in December. I currently don’t live in Austin and am looking for apartments. Wondering if anyone is on the same boat.
r/AskLE • u/ShadowMonarch_SL • 18h ago
26M here, looking to get into law enforcement. I’ve been thinking about relocating from Minnesota to Texas for awhile. I have a bachelors degree (unrelated field) and currently working hospital security.
Ideally I’d like to find a department that officers genuinely enjoy working for, and that also pays you to be in the academy. San Antonio and Round Rock are ones that I’ve been looking at.
What departments would you suggest looking into? Sounds like Houston, Dallas and Austin are all ones I should avoid.
r/AskLE • u/Poopshipdestroy3r • 8h ago
For more context, my brother(15) will be getting out of juvenile hall after the first of the year. My brother is an awful human being, and my mother is still growing her spine. When I (inevitably) smell marijuana after he gets out, do I call 911 or non-emergency?
Edit: a reply to a (fair) critical comment.
He has stolen cash, debit cards, my car, rx drugs, liquor, and attempted to steal jewelry. He has assaulted both my sisters and my mother. He feels no remorse about any of it. This is not a scenario where guidance will help.
r/AskLE • u/Fit_Vehicle_8484 • 12h ago
Hello Everyone. over the past couple of days I have been career searching about this career path and it seems very interesting. I have career searching for a while without having an success on figuring out what I want to do with my life. This career path seems to be intriguing but want to make sure I know what I am gettting into. I booked a ticket on eventbrite to go to a employment mentoring session so I can ask questions in person but before that I would like to know from those who are currenting Court officers or in a positon similar what the job is like and how the interview process was and more.
Any Answers are appreciated
r/AskLE • u/Dapper-Fee9322 • 15h ago
Hey everyone, for officers in Ontario, just wondering if anyone has passed the PREP circuit without ever having practised on the push-pull machine beforehand?
I’ve passed the beep test, but I’ve never had any exposure or experience with the push-pull machine, so I’m a little unsure what to expect. Has anyone gone into the PREP circuit without practising on it and still managed to pass?
Would appreciate hearing about your experiences. Thanks!
r/AskLE • u/cranky_elephant176 • 9h ago
Leaving the military in 3 years (21 years in by then), and have wanted to go into LE for quite some time. I want to work K9 and ICAC. Obviously I'm aware that I can't just finish FTO and jump right in to those but those are some of the different paths I want to go throughout my career. Plan on scheduling a time next week to speak with a recruiter at the department that I want to join, but I want to ask good questions besides the questions that can be answered by looking at their site. If anyone has any insight or advice for questions to ask, I'm all ears.
My normal on duty safari land holster keeps driving up into my ribs when I sit no matter what I do. This causes tremendous pain and I’m desperate for a solution.
I previously shared Brain Preflight on r/ROTC and wanted to get a police recruitment perspective too.
I’m the developer. The app includes exercises taken from past pilot selection and other aptitude tests. Some are 1:1 recreations of past tests we’ve collected. Assessment providers can reuse similar task formats across different selections, which is why I thought there could be some overlap here.
There’s mental maths, memory, spatial reasoning and multitasking. One exercise has you track a moving target, match shapes and check sums at the same time.
Heads up: some exercises are genuinely hard. It’s built for training, not really entertainment.
For anyone who’s taken a state or local police entrance exam in the US: did you encounter tasks like these, or was the test quite different? Which state or department did you apply to?
r/AskLE • u/Ok_Coffee_8158 • 18h ago
My uncle works in crisis/mental health sector of our city police (Austin TX). He has expressed a need for childcare support for officers working overnight who are single parents/shared custody and such. What would be a reasonable rate? I have 3 years experience babysitting with a range from 6m-10y & 2 years experience in the daycare setting ranging from 9w-17y. Additionally I have a bachelors and masters in early childhood education/development. I currently work for $25/hour. I was thinking of a base rate for a “sleep window” of 10 hours for $150. And any extra “wake hours” being my regular $25 an hour.
For example 7pm- 7am would essentially be $150 + $25x2 =$200.00 for 12 hours. Is this too steep? I’m trying to take into account that not every parent has the luxury to pay for childcare but my credentials as well. Any suggestions?
r/AskLE • u/Relevant_Conclusion2 • 13h ago
Like before the roads have been treated? I realize driver is still at fault but any leniency? Assuming not dangerous intersection and not much other traffic.
