Post: #1

So, the common answer would be to become a police officer, but I did too many stupid things when I was young. I told my teacher about it and he said I might still get in. I applied and was ready to work, but failed the polygraph. Told me I could apply again in 5 years.

So, I was just wondering what jobs in Criminal Justice do not do a polygraph, or extensive background check. Thanks for any help and/or advice. Oh yeah and I would love to go back to school, but don't got the cash flow right now.

Post: #2

They're all going to do a background check/polygraph as far as I know. Practice for the polygraph, it will help you train in keeping your cool in general. The Polygraph is an intimidation tool, it's not a lie detector.

Apply to be a customs officer?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygraph#2...ces_report

Post: #3

Look into becoming a prison guard. In California they can make crazy money. I know several that make $100k a year with some doing intense overtime/double shifts and making nearly $200k a year.

Post: #4

(09-01-2011 09:34 PM)GetEm Wrote:  So, the common answer would be to become a police officer, but I did too many stupid things when I was young. I told my teacher about it and he said I might still get in. I applied and was ready to work, but failed the polygraph. Told me I could apply again in 5 years.

So, I was just wondering what jobs in Criminal Justice do not do a polygraph, or extensive background check. Thanks for any help and/or advice. Oh yeah and I would love to go back to school, but don't got the cash flow right now.

You need to be more specific as to what those "youthful indiscretions" were. Typically in virtually all Law enforcement positions(Police, Correction, Sheriffs,constable) regardless of agency(Federal, State, City, Village)Any felony conviction is a automatic disqualification. Some other offenses like Felony arrest but no conviction due to pleading down to a misdemeanor or no contest, a misdemeanor conviction and other offenses are more of a "gray area." It all depends upon how popular/desirable the agency is and whether you know somebody who can put you on. Also, unless you are applying for a federal law enforcement job that requires a security clearance, an "extensive background check" usually means a quick search on Lexis Nexis and running your prints so I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Police Agencies know that Polygraphs are worthless, the reason why they use them is because the beeping machine makes people nervous and they volunteer information that otherwise they wouldn't. Did you confess to anything after the technician confronted you about a question? If you admitted to lying about something in your background that might come back to haunt you because in every place you going to apply they are going to ask you if you have ever been disqualified from a job. Your best bet would be to look for jobs in departments that are small,low pay and have shitty benefits. Then bust your ass for the next 2-6 years to put more time between you and those "mistakes" and then jump ship to greener pastures.