Applying at many different agencies..

[chrisfnrb7]

I'm from the L.A. area and I am in backrounds with LASD, but it looks as though I am going to be dq'd from a failed polygraph(not certain yet, but it's not looking great). I didn't lie and I do want a second chance to prove it, but not going to count on it that I will get one. Anyway my question is, is it a bad idea for me to apply to a large number of agencies? I sent applications to CDCR, LAXPD, Pasadena PD, CSUN PD, and one more I forgot lol. I've heard of the "snowball effect" where as it looks worse and worse each time you get a dq, thus making it harder and harder for yourself to get hired. Is this true? I am a 20 1/2 yr. old male with a spotless record, great emplyment history, never tried marijuana... The whole situation with LASD was really a wake up call that anything can happen at anytime, so I figured I would broaden my chances. Any input would be great, thanks in advance.

[lee61897]

Generally speaking, it seems logical that the more places you get DQ'ed from, the worse it may look. However, the attitude expressed to me by officers in my state is that the objective is to "get hired, no matter what...keep trying and don't give up...it's hard to get your foot in the door and many officers apply many places before getting that first commission..."

I think you should ask officers in your area how applying to multiple agencies is look upon. In my state, there are SO many agencies that applying multiple places is common practice. As a result of there being so many agencies here, each agency has the "luxury" of having thier own standards of acceptable qualifications and disqualifiers.

Good luck.

[PhilipCal]

Applying to different agencies

I've often encouraged folks not to limit themselves to one agency when applying. Needless to say, I can't address the issue that makes you think you failed the L.A. S. D. polygraph. But, in general, I would suggest that you not limit yourself to one agency. One word of caution though. If you DQ, and continue to DQ for the same reason, then you probably have an issue that would preclude your employment as a Peace Officer.

[chrisfnrb7]

I've often encouraged folks not to limit themselves to one agency when applying. Needless to say, I can't address the issue that makes you think you failed the L.A. S. D. polygraph. But, in general, I would suggest that you not limit yourself to one agency. One word of caution though. If you DQ, and continue to DQ for the same reason, then you probably have an issue that would preclude your employment as a Peace Officer.

In that instance, what you you recommend me do? Say if for some reason maybe it's the polygraph, but different questions. That is the only thing I can think of for me. Think it would look bad if lets say I failed poly for LASD, fail psych in another agency, fail medical in another for eyes or hearing? I see what you are saying as far as if the same thing was getting me dq'd. Key word here is IF, so i guess I won't really know until I try. Thanks for the help

[chrisfnrb7]

Generally speaking, it seems logical that the more places you get DQ'ed from, the worse it may look. However, the attitude expressed to me by officers in my state is that the objective is to "get hired, no matter what...keep trying and don't give up...it's hard to get your foot in the door and many officers apply many places before getting that first commission..."

I think you should ask officers in your area how applying to multiple agencies is look upon. In my state, there are SO many agencies that applying multiple places is common practice. As a result of there being so many agencies here, each agency has the "luxury" of having thier own standards of acceptable qualifications and disqualifiers.

Good luck.

Most officers I know are LASD (Deputies/Sargeants), who were all shocked I was dq. In fact the sargeant wants to call my B.I. (not my idea!). None really thought I would get disqualified from LASD, so they didn't say anything about applying elsewhere. Although when I went on my ride along, the officer recommended that I apply to another agency. I heard people telling me to apply and not to apply for the "snowball effect" reason. It looks like it would depend on what was getting me dq. If it was credit, I would fix it and apply again. But in my situation I don't really know since it is the polygraph and not all agencies administer the test or even see it very seriously. Ah well, guess i'll just wait and see, thanks for the help

[equinox137]

were you, in fact, dq then???

[chrisfnrb7]

were you, in fact, dq then???

I'm pretty sure, but I won't know completely until I receive a "letter" my B.I. told me i'll be getting. I asked him what next and he said "you failed the polygraph..." and I asked, "can I appeal?" and he said "yes". So it is safe to assume, but I can't be 100% sure until I get the letter. I am going to appeal it for sure though if that is in fact the case.

[Mirrain]

You are right about the snowball effect but within reason. Failing the poly is not uncommon but it depends on what part you failed. Non-disclosure is a lot worse than simply showing deception. Applying to places within the relative area is not a bad thing, nor is it a bad idea. If LASO doesn't hire you, i'm sure someone else will.

It becomes a problem when there are inconsistencies between the different departments (they do share details) and when you start applying for places all over the place. It tends to appear as though the applicant is desperate. In your case with them being all pretty much within a smaller radius, I'd say you are fine.

[chrisfnrb7]

You are right about the snowball effect but within reason. Failing the poly is not uncommon but it depends on what part you failed. Non-disclosure is a lot worse than simply showing deception. Applying to places within the relative area is not a bad thing, nor is it a bad idea. If LASO doesn't hire you, i'm sure someone else will.

It becomes a problem when there are inconsistencies between the different departments (they do share details) and when you start applying for places all over the place. It tends to appear as though the applicant is desperate. In your case with them being all pretty much within a smaller radius, I'd say you are fine.

Thanks for the advice, makes me feel a lot more content.
EDIT: They said I reacted to question, so it was not non-disclosure.

[Mirrain]

Thanks for the advice, makes me feel a lot more content.
EDIT: They said I reacted to question, so it was not non-disclosure.

Don't sweat it. Lots of people run into the same problem. Keep trying.