career question [cop]

**heydespo5269** · 05-25-2007, 11:04 AM

is anybody here a cop, or knows a cop personally. i 'm thikning about doing criminal justice, but i do not want to commit 4 years to a major and then not become a cop based on a polygraph. my questions are what exactly is asked on a polygraph, and specific examples would be appreciated.

**lil_big_junior** · 05-25-2007, 11:09 AM

i have 2 friends that work in the MOD...(ministery of defence) in the uk...its higher than the police, they work with M.I 5 & stuff...

the MOD like degree's in law or a C.J qualifications...thats all i can say bro, hope it helped

**Thomas_Rivera** · 05-25-2007, 11:10 AM

Are they going to do a polygraph test on you? Or do you want to know the usual questions that are asked to suspects?

**heydespo5269** · 05-25-2007, 11:19 AM

^ when you get hired, they usually ask you the polygraphs during the hiring process. i was just curious as to what to expect.

**Freak** · 05-25-2007, 11:37 AM

Yes they do a polygraph, additional psychological testing, in addition to the physical requirements.

You can do more than be a cop with a cj degree. Work at a prison, work in a govt. or homeland security role, consultant once you get experience.

One thing about the career is that there is usually a high stress/burn out rate for low pay unless you are with a really big city like Boston and then there will be more competition for the job. You will see things that you wish nobody ever have to see. It won't do well for your cortisol levels but I know there are quite a few bb's who are cops on patrol so you can make it happen.

Not always but a lot of the time I think cops become cops because they can go to a cc college, get a 2 yr degree and then be in a position of power and can flaunt their ego all day. This is def. not all cops but..

**Thomas_Rivera** · 05-25-2007, 11:44 AM

They'll probably start off with some basic stuff, name, age, that kind of stuff.

Maybe go into work related things, maybe drug history and past infractions (if any).

**mindstar** · 05-25-2007, 11:50 AM

my buddy is a cop here and the process involves a long written statement in which you disclose everything you've ever done. Then they polygraph you on it and see if you were covering anything up. Then they interview your friends and family. They're not looking for people who are perfect, just people who have a decent amount of time between their past and their application (2 years is the standard up here)

**cook82** · 05-25-2007, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heydespo5269

is anybody here a cop, or knows a cop personally. i 'm thikning about doing criminal justice, but i do not want to commit 4 years to a major and then not become a cop based on a polygraph. my questions are what exactly is asked on a polygraph, and specific examples would be appreciated.

IM going to my buddy house this holiday weekend to BBQ. His brother and dad are both cops, Im sure one of them will be there if I can remember when I see them I will ask.....try to remember but no guarantees..

AmericanPowerHouse · 05-25-2007, 01:08 PM

My Mother was a sheriff's deputy, my father was a police officer here in Beaumont, Tx in the 70's, my brother is a police cheif in north-east texas and I am in training to be a corrections officer at the prisons here in Beaumont, Tx. They don't always pay that well but you get fringe benefits. Discounted(or free) apartments, free meals, free health care, free life insurance and the stars and stripes on your coffin. Oh yeah and did i mention...you get to carry a gun.

**heydespo5269** · 05-25-2007, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cook82

IM going to my buddy house this holiday weekend to BBQ. His brother and dad are both cops, Im sure one of them will be there if I can remember when I see them I will ask.....try to remember but no guarantees..

awesome cook, thanks.

I have a clean record, no speeding tickets or anything. When I was like 14 I got my name taken down for swimming in rough sectio nof the ocean that was off limits by some town ordinance (the sign being at the top of the beach near the street which i didn't see when i was walking the shoreline). It doens't count for shit, but that's my only run in.

I have smoked pot before though...so that's what i'm mostly worried about. Other than that, no drugs, no juice. Took a Xanax once, but thats legal so whatever.

Anyways, the more specific on the hiring process/polygraph the better.

Hey Freak-
I agree. there are a lot of assholes in my town that are cops. I'm goin to a prestigious university, i'm on scholarship, and i think cj is a good area for me because the pay is decent, promotions are available, they never really downsize, benefits, retire young, somewhat amusing of a job, and they force you to stay in shape.

it's not abuot abusing power, it's about having a happy life that allows me to make a dollar and still do the things i love like lifting.

oh...and you don't bring your work home with you like say a finance major.

**Freak** · 05-25-2007, 10:34 PM

I wouldn't worry about the pot.. unless you have smoked it more than 10 times. I think that is the cut off for fed govt (cia, fbi, etc..) Tell the the truth throughout the entire process. You sound like a good candidate!

I was a business admin/finance major lol.