Thinking About Applying to a Law Enforcement Agency? Read This First. If you're pursuing a career in law enforcement, you've likely come across the term "polygraph exam" in agency job postings. While it might seem like just another step in the hiring process, it’s one with serious and lasting implications—especially if things don’t go your way.

Before you submit that application, make sure you understand how one polygraph can affect your entire future in law enforcement.

Why Police Agencies Use Polygraphs

Law enforcement agencies that require a polygraph exam do so for two main reasons:

To verify the information you've provided during your application and interviews.
To uncover anything disqualifying that you may have left out.

What the Polygraph Is Meant to Do

Ideally, the polygraph should not be the final word in whether or not you're hired. It’s supposed to be one tool among many—meant to raise questions, not close doors.

But here’s the reality: even though a failed polygraph isn’t supposed to automatically disqualify you, it often becomes the very reason your application is rejected—and that rejection can follow you around.

Risk 1: Honest Applicants Can Fail the Polygraph

The frustrating thing about the polygraph, is that honest job applicants can fail it due to nervousness and lack of preparation. Good preparation CAN make a positive difference in your outcome.

Risk 2: A Failed Polygraph Can Stick With You

Let’s say you take a polygraph for one agency—and fail. That failure becomes part of your record, and most agencies will ask if you’ve ever failed a polygraph before. Even agencies that don’t use polygraphs themselves may view a previous failure as a red flag.

In other words, one bad result can make it harder to get hired elsewhere, even if everything else in your background is solid.

No Room for “Just This Once”

Some applicants try to “test the waters” by applying to one agency that requires a polygraph, thinking, “What’s the harm?” The harm is that if you fail—whether due to nerves, misunderstanding, or something else—you could seriously hurt your chances with every other agency moving forward.

If you’re uncomfortable with taking a polygraph or feel strongly that it’s not a fair measure of your truthfulness, your best bet is to avoid all agencies that require them. Making one exception could cost you your law enforcement career.

Final Advice: Know What You’re Getting Into

Sgt. Godoy’s Polygraph Prep Course will help you Avoid Falsely Failing the Polygraph

Polygraphs are controversial, and their results aren't foolproof. But in the law enforcement hiring process, they carry real weight. Before you apply to an agency that uses the polygraph, ask yourself:

Am I fully prepared for what the exam entails?
Am I willing to accept the consequences if the result isn’t in my favor?
Do I want to risk limiting my future opportunities in law enforcement?

Failure to prepare for your polygraph can lead to disaster. Don’t let this happen to you.