Applicant Hiring
When pursuing a career in public safety, aspiring first responders must navigate a rigorous selection process that often includes various truth verification methods. Among the tools commonly used by agencies are the Polygraph, CVSA (Computer Voice Stress Analyzer), and Converus EyeDetect. Each of these technologies plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and reliability of police applicants.
In a recent episode of the Police Applicant Podcast, Scott Stone delves into these technologies, offering valuable insights into their functionalities and sharing essential tips on what candidates should and should not do during the hiring process. You can listen to the episode here.
Polygraph: The Traditional Truth Verifier for Hiring
The polygraph, often referred to as a lie detector test, has been a staple in law enforcement hiring for decades. It measures physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and skin conductivity while the candidate answers a series of questions. The underlying premise is that deceptive answers will produce physiological responses that differ from those associated with truthful answers.
Do's and Don'ts for Polygraph Tests
Do:
Be honest and transparent. Trying to deceive the polygraph can lead to disqualification.
Prepare mentally and physically. Ensure you are well-rested and calm before the test.
Listen carefully to the examiner’s instructions and questions.
Don't:
Attempt to manipulate your physiological responses. This can be easily detected.
Overthink your answers. Over-analyzing can lead to inconsistent physiological responses.
Ignore the examiner's advice on how to respond to questions.
CVSA: Analyzing Voice Stress (we highly do not recommend)
The Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA) is another tool used to assess the veracity of a candidate's responses. Unlike the polygraph, CVSA focuses on vocal frequencies. It detects microtremors in the human voice that can indicate stress levels, which might suggest deception.
Do's and Don'ts for CVSA
Do:
Speak clearly and consistently. Clear communication helps in obtaining accurate results.
Stay calm and composed. Stress can affect vocal patterns and lead to false positives.
Follow the examiner’s instructions closely.
Don't:
Try to alter your voice deliberately. This can be detected and may raise suspicion.
Show signs of nervousness unnecessarily. While some stress is normal, excessive anxiety can impact results.
Provide rehearsed or memorized responses. Natural speech patterns are essential for accurate analysis.
Converus EyeDetect: The Cutting-Edge Solution for Hiring
Converus EyeDetect is one of the latest innovations in truth verification technology. It measures subtle changes in eye behavior, including pupil dilation, blink rate, and other ocular metrics, while the candidate answers questions on a computer. EyeDetect is non-invasive and provides results quickly, making it an attractive option for many agencies.
Do's and Don'ts for EyeDetect
Do:
Keep your eyes focused on the screen. Consistent eye movement is crucial for accurate results.
Stay relaxed and avoid unnecessary eye movements.
Answer questions naturally and truthfully.
Don't:
Try to control your eye movements intentionally. The system is designed to detect such attempts.
Let anxiety take over. Excessive nervousness can affect your eye behavior.
Distract yourself during the test. Concentration is key to obtaining accurate results.
Conclusion
As Scott Stone highlights in his podcast episode, understanding and preparing for these truth verification methods can significantly impact your chances of success in the police hiring process. Whether you are facing a polygraph, CVSA, or EyeDetect, following the do's and don'ts can help you navigate these tests with confidence.
For more in-depth information and expert advice, be sure to listen to the full episode of the Police Applicant Podcast featuring Scott Stone here.
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