LAPD Polygraph Examination Preparation

Question 1

Which set of physiological responses does a standard pre-employment polygraph record?

Accepted Answer

Respiration, blood pressure or heart rate, and skin conductivity

Answer

A traditional polygraph records breathing (respiration), cardiovascular activity (blood pressure and heart rate), and electrodermal activity (skin conductivity or sweat response). The other options list measures that are not part of the standard instrument.

Question 2

What is the best approach for an applicant to take during the pre-employment polygraph process?

Accepted Answer

Answer truthfully and fully disclose relevant history, even if it is embarrassing

Answer

Departments look for honesty and candor. Full disclosure of past conduct is usually viewed far better than concealment, and countermeasures can themselves be detected and treated as deception.

Question 3

Which topic is most commonly covered in a law enforcement pre-employment polygraph?

Accepted Answer

Prior drug use, criminal history, and accuracy of the application

Answer

Pre-employment polygraphs generally verify the truthfulness of the application and the personal history statement, including drug use, criminal conduct, and other disqualifying behavior.

Question 4

Before the instrument is attached, the examiner typically conducts a pre-test interview. What is its main purpose?

Accepted Answer

To explain the procedure and review the questions that will be asked

Answer

The pre-test interview explains how the test works, reviews the questions so there are no surprises, and lets the applicant clarify answers or disclose information before testing begins.

Question 5

An applicant realizes mid-process that they forgot to list a past incident on their personal history statement. What should they do?

Accepted Answer

Disclose it to the background investigator or examiner as soon as possible

Answer

Voluntary and prompt correction shows honesty. Omissions discovered later are generally treated as falsification, which is a more serious problem than the incident itself.

(LAPD) Los Angeles Police Department Practice Test

(LAPD) Los Angeles Police Department Practice Test

LAPD Polygraph Examination Preparation